IX. Evergreen Friends [Wednesday 12th, Afternoon]

14:18:04 [Cas] Cassidy had spent a good amount of time in class thinking about other things – that was his usual mode of getting through the day. In Hexes, it was a mixture of the flight of migratory birds and staring at Frtizl’s crotch. In Elixers and Transfigurations, it was mostly making blatantly sexual expressions and gestures behind Dryke’s back (and experimenting with the imagery of bending her over the desk and nailing her in front of the classroom). His only saving grace in the day was that he had two whole periods for the rest of the year of daydreaming different ways he could be adventurous with a lady who he couldn’t imagine would be able to fight back very well around her fat rolls. Ether History was boring as fuck and Cas largely tuned it out until they got to the interesting bits – you know, like the dramas and violence of years past in ether-touched politics. By the time the last study of the day rolled around and he made it to a field as far from the Institute as possible to meet a few people under a particular tree, Cassidy was good and tired from doing just about nothing except thinking. So, up into the branches he did climb to sit and rest in the evergreen.

14:52:19 Jer , intentionally doing his best to remain blissfully unaware of certain goings-on elsewhere, thus redirects his focus to other pastimes - and other company. With a book in hand and his largely-unburdened brief bag slung closer to his backside, he shoulders his way out a side door and braces the winter chill. At once he tugs and fluffs at the roundings of his scarf, then frames the Tritus-colored mass with an up-folding pop of his blazer's collar. Now better bundled, he begins his trek towards a familiar spot, a tiny locale nevertheless noteworthy enough to earn a penciling-in on his master map. This is where his downy feather had fallen and so this is where he'd decided to go. Along the way, admirable is his ability to ignore the outside world, and even still to manage reading and walking over uneven terrain. So when he does arrive at the accustomed evergreen, he finally lowers the Inwit Galdorcræft from before his face and pricks up his eyes to the surroundings. At first he's met with a befuddlement; then, mindfully hoisting his sights higher, he spots the target in question. "Oi, luv," lifts the greeting up through the boughs, followed in sound by the gentle clap of his book snapped shut. "...E'erthin auright?"

15:23:06 [Brice] Green irises rolled with the spherical organs in the Siren’s Scottish head, relaying information back to corresponding brain, who analyzed the information and eventually came to the conclusion that he, Brice Kilgannon, was not being watched, and was not spotted as he discreetly exited the sparse copse of trees separating the thicker, more dense belly of the bordering forest, and the open fields before his prison-wed school. The roots of some flora were shoved gently into the confines of his brown satchel, and its opening flap was thrown over it and buckled shut, ending what had been a fruitful expedition into the forest. As such, with his business concluded, he strode coolly and casually towards the tree that had been designated as one of several meeting places for the motley crew of students that were becoming, if they already weren’t, a veritable brotherhood; a family of likeminded and similarly incarcerated individuals. He brushed the few remaining signs of his journey off the shoulders of his winter coat, tightened the hold of his scarf around his neck, smoothed down the chaotic, unruly locks of hair that thought to stand out from the rest, and found himself utterly and completely presentable once he’d made it to the aforementioned tree. “Alright,” he greeted in his typically lackadaisical tone, colored by the thickness of his singsong Scottish brogue.

15:32:16 [Cas] “Why te fuck wouldn’t it be? I’m in a fuckin’ tree.” Cassidy simultaneously exclaimed and defended himself from Jer’s politely prying question. A few seconds passed with Cassidy’s silence before Brice appeared through the trees and approaching their clandestine, far-away tree. When he was in earshot, the Irishman tensed and leaned over and off his branch to speak up again: “and now, I’m a fuckin’ raven.” With that, Cassidy did melt away—slowly, but surely (birds, even the social sort, were still sort of complicated and flying was always cranking the difficulty up a notch) to reveal a sleek-bodied, solid black bird to act as the alarm should anyone approach. Who could call a raven out of place anywhere, after all?

15:36:07 [Trix] Ah, the beauty of flight is a wonderful thing, when one can actually do it. Ever since the fall from the Library tower, the female has made a concerted effort to fly on occasion to relive those same feelings she had received that day. From the first touch of air against her face, she felt invigorated by the notion of wind between her wings, underneath her as the current flew. Her last period had been a free, and she’d spent most of it chopping wood (as much as she could do) due to her punishment from the night of the food fight. It still irked her that she was punished despite not doing anything at all, but the woman was positively trying to move forward. Though subtle nuances reminded her here and there of that time, and the pain was relived over again. Though now she was free. It was more than just being in the woods. It was a flight of freedom that couldn’t be compared to anything else. Sensations of glory spilling through her luscious strands of blond, wings of transparent nature flittering in the breeze, strong and prominent in how they moved. Darting upwards, then diving down, she circled the school on its entirely, using her eyes to peer down at the scenery below. Not too high that she couldn’t see the people - she didn’t want to hit the wards around the school. Her effort was fluid and delightful. A graceful creature with her enchanting dance that light up the sky while she came toward the area that Jeremy, Brice and Cas was, though she couldn’t see Cas from her perspective but she did catch sight of a raven that hurried through the evergreen branches, before she lowered down to rest upon the ground across from the males. Coming to land in the snow, her form was soft and tender, near melding in with the white that surrounded the landscape, her hair equally so in its resplendent tresses. They had not seen her so far, from what she knew and she would take her time in walking to them, not wanting to interrupt at first, of course.

16:00:16 Jer receives a rather efficient reassurance from above, more than enough to convince him that any further prying will be wholly unnecessary. That said, he eases off the matter with a contented smile, a smile which happens to linger and is instantly renewed when his gaze is pulled aside by another's approach. "'Ey," he's pleased to greet the athletic Scotsman, even as Cas steals a bit of attention by his announced shifting. Doling that only a crooked smirk, he's soon returning his sights to Brice. Given the fact that they both occupy the ground (as opposed to bird-brains in branches) he extends hand and gesture outwards to meet the other's in a brief clap and slide of comradery. "Brice, 'ow's it?" he casually asks of the upperclassman, ever the one to care about how people - especially friends - are faring in their borstal of a magic school. However, it's unlikely that that ball (or any others) will get rolling very far, not when a sharp caw is loosened overhead. The seer casts his pale blues upwards before inevitably following the raven's distant line of sight. It seems another person is converging on their spot as well; though, for several notable reasons, it obviously isn't Lachlan. Despite being too far to make out the face, Jer has grown to recognize the gait itself. "Trix is comin," drip the words from his mouth, only for those close at hand. However, he does then lift a wave to the approaching girl and spark up a welcoming smile.

17:16:45 [Brice] “Fine,” he responds Jeremy as he finishes closing the distance between himself and his friends, observing Cassidy’s shift into a raven and quirking an eyebrow in a confused manner because of it. Cas’s abrupt exit leaves something to be desired in the way of company, but the cool exterior expertly built goes unfazed, eyes lifting up to follow the raptor form Cas adopted until he flew a distance where fine details were no longer visible. He shook his head, then, and presented Jeremy with a small smirk. “Jus’ yoo ‘n me.” Luckily for Jeremy’s ego this sentiment doesn’t come with an ounce of disapproval, but instead a fondness that came from being close friends. And therefore the simple, youth related hand-shake is received and returned. But, their trio turned duo doesn’t remain a duo for very long. The upperclassmen pivoted at the waist, casting his gaze behind him to witness Trix’s arrival. “God,” he murmured, “’ave ye glamoured this girl?” His question, joking as it was meant to sound, came with a level of genuineness. While Jeremy was incapable of actually glamouring or charming in the supernatural sense of the words, he had apparently charmed Beatrix in some remarkable way. His question answered or not, he turns around fully to herald the arrival of the fellow Crux prisoner, an amiable smile on his face to carry on the pleasant atmosphere.

17:22:07 [Trix] Her gait was light, as were her steps as she sauntered forward bridging the distance. Adorned in a white coat that was warm and woolen sinking just to her thighs, it fit snug with a tie wrapped around her waist. Black leggings covered her legs, while boots rose to her knees giving her a very chic style overall. Her hair was a disheveled plethora of curls that bounded around her face, lowering to her shoulders and down her back. The flight itself had given new life to the enchanting fae, eyes of rich blue peered ahead, catching Jeremy’s wave. There was the ever present thought of interrupting him when he was with his friends. Yet it has been some time since the couple spoke, or passed each other in the hallways of school. The snow was barely felt, though it crinkled underfoot while she swayed in an effervescent delight of allure and provocation. Her Fae blood was warmed, and the female truly stood out with natural charm and elusive pull, a vibrancy flowing through her and emanating much around her as she moved. Approach was soon made and the Fae would come to a stop, mittens pulled precariously from pockets of her jacket were placed upon petit hands. For now, she left her head uncovered - the cool air was so refreshing and still much apart of her headiness from the flight. Though before anyone could say anything, she sauntered directly to Jeremy, reached upwards on tip toes, hands resting against his chest in a light almost no touch manner, to plant a soft, subtle kiss upon his lips, before pulling away. The smile was winning in how it lit up her features, fresh and natural - not an ounce of make up to be seen, yet complexion fair of skin with rosy cheeks that lit her countenance on the whole. There was no hesitation in her as if confidence bloomed, her talk with Dietrich on Sunday had certainly helped her in that matter. Her languid gaze would then settle on Brice while a small hand would raise in a wave. “Hey Brice..” - let the Siren try and taunt her now. It was as if nothing could touch the girl currently. She was riding a natural high.

17:47:34 Jer , with his forearm's edge, delivers a brusque nudge against the half-siren's shoulder. "Shut yer fuckin mouth," he pairs with the push, a harsh whisper but nevertheless spilled from an admittedly embarrassed smirk. Certainly, his friends are becoming well-acquainted with the relationship he shares with the Crux girl. With the harmless tease and curt retort exchanged before the girl could reach them, he then opens himself to her company with an expression warmed. "'Ey, Tr--" Greeting cut nearly in half, he's treated to the even better greeting of a wordless kiss. Lips unexpectedly visited by hers, he can only just return it before she's pulling away from the peck. He dawdles a moment, then cracks a lightly abashed grin, weight shifting and gaze scattering elsewhere as he does so. Right in front of Brice, no less, it's one more thing the guys can piece into this not-quite-dating friendship the two of them share. "Uh, 'ey," he tries, poorly as he may, to reach some kind of nonchalance about this. "Yer in good spirits," is what he inevitably comes up with. But it is true (and reassuring) to see her out of the slump she'd been in previous.

18:08:08 Brice paired his response to Jeremy’s harsh nudge; a hand rose to rub at his shoulder while his chest and gut heaved with a sudden fit of giggles. Brice always got a kick out of making people uncomfortable, his friends included, though gifting Jeremy, Cassidy, and Lachlan with such discomfort wasn’t done maliciously like many others; it was a friendly teasing that he always took part in. It was just how he rolled. He grabbed control of his body and dropped his hands into his pockets once Trix came within ear shot. He was preparing a quip for her; more friendly teasing to make her feel like a part of the group, but before he could say much of anything he was baring witness to discomforting displays of affection. While briefly locked in a kiss Brice’s head recoiled from the display, and a shocked expression caught his face. Jeremy’s comment about her good mood was astute if not an outright understatement. “I’ll say,” he muttered mostly to himself, but with enough volume for both the offenders to hear. “Yoo should share whatever you’ve been drinking.”

18:17:10 Trix smiled warmly toward them both, not really knowing the effect her kiss would have upon the situation on the whole. Dietrich had told her to be more confident, and after her flight, she had the courage to do so. Her mood was good. Jovial even - her shoulders lightened and her body on the whole excited. There were several reasons why, one being the Yule Ball, to which she’d be at Jeremy’s side. Secondly was the secret Santa gift she was dying to give Jeremy knowing he’d find some use in it. Trix had certainly worked the effort to get the male what he wanted - the surprise should be marvelous. She hopes. The tepid air around her is a gentle chill that cannot even dissuade the mood she is in, neither can Brice’s comment or reaction to her kiss. The kiss itself had been unplanned. She’d gone with a natural instinct inside her and there was no worry she’d made a mistake, regardless about the looks upon both the faces of the Males. “I was flying and saw you. Since it’s after school and I no longer have to chop wood, I thought I’d come by.” She glanced toward Brice with those resonating eyes, then toward Jeremy. “I’m not interrupting something am I?” While outwardly she’d retain the confidence she had longed to feel, there was an ounce of doubt that could easily sway this initial feeling. She believed deep down that Jeremy wouldn’t mind her being there, but would his friend? Had she walked in upon something she shouldn’t have. “I can go if you like - Just say the word and I’ll leave you both be.” Her eyes were truthful in the emotions departed from them. She was seeking their approval to stay - and if they chose other wise, she’d understand and leave them be. Albeit it may hurt a little.

18:27:11 [Jer] "Auh," is the wistful groan that agrees with Brice, cramming a thousand years of longing into one succinct syllable. How wonderful it would be to drink anything alcoholic again, best of all the cider brewed from Somerset hillsides. It's an incredible marvel, then, that he's willingly giving up an entire vacation holiday of the stuff to stay at Hex instead. His reason for doing so must be pretty darn important to forfeit all that booze. In any case, as he renders his sights from one sixth year to the other, he idly adjusts his reading material to hang by both hands at his front. Its cover is drummed by paired yet distant fingers. "Well, no," he tentatively begins in the midst of his act. "No reason you've to go... right?" It's debatable whether this final word (directed to Brice) is a question of confirmation or a thinly veiled suggestion. He does, however, seem hopeful that the durusballer will allow her presence - at least a little longer.

19:00:31 [Brice] When given the opportunity to basically tell Beatrix to fuck off and go somewhere, Brice genuinely considers the option. She’d all but said that she would leave if they so desired it, though it was clear that option rested mostly with Jeremy, who Brice didn’t currently trust to do the right thing, which was to rebuff the girl and send her on their way so things could go back to normal. In truth, if Brice were acting strange at all the last few days, if he’d had any inclination to try and explain himself, it was all but lost when Beatrix made her appearance. But, her question was a double edged sword, and so was Jeremy’s when he ended his could-have-been statement with an inflection that turned it into a question directed at the de facto leader of the group. The upperclassmen therefore turned his eyes onto Jeremy and then back onto Beatrix, trying to search Jeremy’s expressions for the right answer to this situation. Taking a leap of faith, he went about what he assumed was the correct path. “NO reason to go at all!” His exuberance seemed completely inorganic, and didn’t belong to his personality, which Jeremy might instantly pick up on. “I was just about to ask Jeremy if they were going to watch The Gauntlet tonight. If he says yes, then I think we should all go.” Which included finding the entire crew and dragging them along as well.

19:08:29 [Trix] Not having alcohol before would make it difficult for Trix to understand. That’s not to say she hadn’t tried. And part of her longed to taste the evil drink that everyone says shouldn’t be drank, but does anyway. She had found Mr. Vostok’s stash in the Library. Even opening up the bottle so much to take a sip, though too fearful of being caught, the bottle had been closed immediately. Not before Xarissa had some, then soon followed by Chase who’d taken a large gulp though. Trix had merely watched them, not having the courage to go forth. Regardless, time now seemed to span endlessly while waiting on Brice to give the approval to her presence and for a moment her confidence began to sway, her eyes unable to look toward the Siren as she glanced upward toward the sky. Almost as if wishing it was okay. It was truly rare that Jeremy and her got to have some free time by themselves, without his friends, at least as of late. But Trix’s own friends were limited. She didn’t trust many people easily and being around other girls tended to make her feel dull, ugly and rather unwanted - she just didn’t fit in. Jeremy was among the closest friend she had in some time over the years. He was aware of this, but she wasn’t certain just how he’d portrayed their friendship to his other friends. Perhaps they didn’t like her, intruding as such? Perhaps they didn’t want her around? The doubts were many, but the look upon her features remained the same, a gentle smile playing upon her lips, eyes bright to hide everything else away inside. When Brice spoke, while there was nothing to show any sort of hesitation, she did, however pick up on something - perhaps it was the tone. Or just the general way of speaking. Or maybe she was finding things that weren’t there. Regardless, if had said she could stay and stay she would. Jeremy and her were close enough that if he wanted her gone he could tell her. While it would be upsetting for the Fae, she would at least try to understand his friends were more important that she was and had been there much longer than she. “Thanks..” She commented in response to her “approval” her eyes going to Jeremy for a mere moment where she offered him a sultry smile, not realizing just how alluring she was being - that natural fae charm and charisma coming out to play. Something she’d always held back upon. “That sounds like fun..” Given in a happy tone in response to the Gauntlet.

19:29:32 Jer does instantly pick up on the shoddily crafted ruse of a response. Quite frankly, it was no better than a Hollywood set, the type where turning a corner reveals that the building face had been painted plywood the whole time. He can only hope (with a fashioned smile of his own) that Trix only sees that beautifully ornate facade from the front. "No reason," he immediately reiterates on Brice's verbal coattails, smoothing over the transition from vaguely hostile to purely enveloping. "Gauntlet?" he then asks, shifting to mull the idea about in his head. (In the meanwhile, he unzips his bag and secures the book within, zipping it back up as he responds.) "Don see why not," is the somewhat uncaring answer. Done fiddling with his bag, he returns his attention to the pair. "S'long as I'm not duellin." He wants this point to shine through. He'll watch, but he also wants to procrastinate his actually participation for another day. "Think the other guys'll--" With a sudden tick that nearly squeezes his eye shut, a furrowed brow illustrates a desperate grasp at details before his sights fire straight away to the Institute itself. "...Guys'll show too?" he somehow manages to go on, though it's obvious that he's having difficulty truly detaching from his vision.

19:50:21 [Lachlan] Having been called to meet his closest confidants at the old evergreen, Lachlan cheerily made his way to the familiar hangout spot. About his shoulder, a raven perched itself comfortably. Ordinarily the Manxman probably would have gone spastic about some mite infested creature about his shoulder, but this one was of a special sort. “I thought this was supposed to be for all of us to hang out…not bringing our girlfriends and what have its!” he paused for a moment to adjust himself with his pale cheeks a bright cherry red. His thick Manx accent roused again with a, “I swear, she is bound to take him away from us!” A moment or two more and the healer approached the others; he forced a smile to his features. “What’s the skeet, fellas…” his eyes slowly moved to Trix and settled her with a single “Trix…” the Manxman folded his arms across his chest with his eyes thereafter falling to Jeremy. He clenched his jaw with a bit of force before turning away from his roommate—is butt-hurt, butt-hurt? Though not explicitly obvious, to the ones that know the healer well would sense the slight change in his disposition. “Are we all just sittin’ about with our hands down our pants?”

20:09:41 [Cas] The raven that returned on Lachlan’s shoulder extended its wings and started with a low, rolling guffah. Its feathers ruffled and its noise created a backdrop to Lachlan’s conversation when need be. When the bird got bored of that, he took off with a gust at the healer’s ear, clipped over Jer and Beatrix and landed (with no real amount of avian grace) on Brice’s shoulder. Unfortunately, the raven’s shaky landing meant that Brice was victim to a couple talons that dug into his blazer and shoulder as the bird gripped on for dear life and turned itself around on the siren’s shoulder. It took a bit for the ruffled, fluffed-up bird to settle down and it was done with a visible (and audible) shake that ended in a boldly stated 'caw'.

20:20:54 Brice is gladdened to know that his answer was satisfactory because it wasn’t going to get any better; not for Jeremy, and not for Beatrix who it was primarily used to tide over. To say that his disposition wasn’t slightly hostile towards the fellow Crux student would be a lie, for the truth of the matter was that being privy to certain facts put him at odds that she was so close to Jeremy. To that end, he wasn’t exactly pleased with Jeremy. But to involve himself into the complicated romantic lives of his friends would be the first mistake, and so he chose to remain uninvolved, forcing him to swallow what inklings of dislike he had for Beatrix, and replace them with completely fake fondness, making Brice’s thoughts on Beatrix 3 parts liking and 1 part loathing. “Thee’ll probably meet oos thee’re,” he assured, well aware that his response would likely be more thoroughly received by Trix who wasn’t having a vision of the future. It was evident, then, that Brice was not a seer; he could not predict or see the future unless having purposefully plotted it and set things in motion, and even then it was a shaky prediction with a statistical margin for error. Even still, both Cas and Lachlan, the last remaining pieces to the group, both arrived to the usual hang out spot and didn’t meet them at the Gauntlet as the upperclassman had predicted, but he was happy to see them nonetheless. Prepared to greet the both of them, because Cas even as a raven was decidedly and without confusion Cas, he was kept from giving them a particularly cordial response mostly by way of the raven’s ungraceful take to the Crux prisoner’s shoulder. He tilted his head away from the bird in an effort to keep wings from slapping him in the face, and though successful, he found something else to fault the bird for with the talons penetrating the fabrics of his coat. “Damnit, Cas!” A finger rose rapidly to jab directly into the bird’s rib cage as retaliation for the damage done to his clothes. In bird form, a full on jab might have broken a rib. Luckily Brice chose to hold back some. “Cheenge back so we can go. We’re headin’ to the Gauntet.” Brice begins walking thereafter, patting Lachlan on the shoulder as he passed by—a gesture aimed specifically at comforting the healer who was undoubtedly feeling some hostility towards the present company.

20:28:48 Trix wasn’t oblivious to things. She could feel in part the truth behind Brice’s façade, but only hoped in time he would come to view her as a friend, as she would like for any of them to do. She wasn’t there to take Jeremy away. Just to share him in a different environment of sorts. They had kissed - but no words were truly ushered as to just where each other stood. Trix knew he cared for her, but to what point? Was it beyond a friendship now, or was it a friendship with kisses? Who knew! The girl wasn’t sure and imagined at some point things would be come more plain (or complicated) as time progressed. Her attention on Jer, her features shifted to etched concern as a vision began. She noted the way he held his head, the tensing of his body, the twitch that became apparent. She had been around him many a time since the beginning of School to be aware of his gift, and just how it affected him, but it still concerned her every time. She hoped he wasn’t in pain and at times she wished she could make it easier on him to deal with the visions. “You okay?” She questioned softly, her hand moving toward his, fingers aiming lightly to take hold of the free one as if to give him her strength, but then pulled back - not wanting to embarrass him in front of his friends, her gaze shifting toward the delightful Lachlan who’d arrived on scene with a raven of all things on his shoulder. She wondered if this was the same Raven that had left just prior to her arrival - and watched it as it sailed over toward Brice‘s shoulders, perching itself comfortably with a caw, soon to be called out by the Crux man, her eyes landing on Cas the bird just momentarily before turning back toward Jeremy‘s roommate. “Lachlan.. Nice to see you.” She smiled that wonderful Trix smile that lit up her entire face. Her fae charms and allure ever more pressing as the situation seemed to grow more doubtful for her. The more confidence she needed to exude to remain where she was without running away. Utterly enrapt by those around her, namely Jer, she couldn’t help but chuckle to Lachlan’s words, her laughter soft and melodic, flowing with gentle ease, though a blush had rose to her cheeks indicating she was slightly flushed, embarrassed over the words. It was something she needed to get use to though, of course - she couldn’t be that shy all the time. With a word again toward Jeremy, she inched closer to his side while the others began to walk off. “Something bad?” She questioned curiously.. ”Does it hurt?” She asked, her voice dripping with concern.

20:53:59 [Jer] You okay? The question sets a hook in the boy's brain and, with a commendable effort, tries to coax his thoughts into convening. Trix does receive his gaze for a moment but the best reply he has the mind for, presently, is a simple smile reassured. And since his concentration and attention remain primarily scattered across the fields, he might as well be handed yet another distraction to pull him one more direction. As his roommate comes into view - vehicle for a familiar raven, no less - the seer's prior startle seems utterly forgotten. "'Ey, luv," he warmly greets, albeit met with something less than genuine in return. With the black bird switching perches and Jer sure to lean a tad and avoid the clumsy flight pattern, he can't help but think: what's up with everyone today? Whether for better or for worse (mostly for worse), his dear circle of friends has been acting slightly off. He's seen the crazy brought on by ether- and drug-infused candy, but this is not it. Oblivious to the source of these obtuse mood shifts, he now feels unbalanced too, perhaps second-guessing it isn't he who's actually strange. At least he can fall in and walk with the group, his subconscious processes at least accomplishing that much for him. "S'what 'urt?" he murmurs out. Clarity gradually comes to focus in his eyes and, realizing what he'd said and what Trix had said, he snaps himself from his dissolution. "Oh! No... S'fine."

21:16:27 Cas wasn’t allowed to rest for long before Brice was poking and prodding him. The bird evacuated to higher ground – namely, the branches of the evergreen where his clothes had been discarded. It’s there he shifts back. Slow, ragged and exhausted, the Irishman balanced on the branch and tugged his shirt on firstly. “Fuckin’ fuckity fuck.” The bird-brain continued to caw even after he’d gained the ability to speak. “Fuck you in te arse, y’fuckin sheep shagger!” Cassidy shouted back down at the Scot. It takes the Irishman some time to struggle with his pants in his panicked hurry. It’s without shoes and a tie loose around his shoulders that he makes his way down the tree and onto the cold ground. “Anyone seen my fuckin’ shoes?” Of course, the moment he asked that, Cas crouched down to scoop one up and… naturally, he noticed the second shoe not too far away. “Nevermind.” He muttered to no one in particular.

21:27:26 [Brice] The sudden transition from cawing to swearing didn’t necessarily startle Brice, but the direction in which they were thrown caused him some hesitation, and prompted him to terminate his forward advance. Movement was restarted as he turned around, casting his emerald irises to the tree where Cas sat putting his clothes back on. The upperclassmen’s completely blank stare betrayed the nature of his focus; he was thinking. Plotting…planning. Just as relevant, he was waiting, and preparing. He turned completely and squared himself with Cas’s landing point before launching himself forward, arms pumping for all of two steps before being thrown out in front of him. He aimed to initiate a violent collision between himself and Cassidy. With enough force packed into his takeoff, and some additional momentum charged with his running, there was more than enough power in his charge to take the shifter down. There was a possibility for success, and a true success would have a certain outcome—if all went well then Brice would find himself in a position to straddle the tackled shifter and hold him down. “Say sorry!”

21:34:50 Trix watched Jeremy snap out from his reverie - whatever the vision was had come and gone, leaving Jeremy slightly diffused at first, but okay by the time he answered Trix’s question. Since he brushed aside any thoughts of worry, she stopped feeling concerned for the male as best she could and began to walk beside him. She didn’t say much, feeling as if a barrier existed almost between them when with his friends. She wanted to be playful, tender and caring around him as she could naturally be when they were alone, but she was afraid of embarrassing him in front of his friends. Thinking he’d not tolerate such actions from her and Trix didn’t want to make him unhappy. It was difficult though, as the tendency to want to frolic, chat about useless things was within her as an urge, but overall she remained quiet. Unless spoken to. The white coat she wore hung slim around her slender frame, while her hair weaved its magical pull caught in the breeze as they’d moved. She hadn’t been the Gauntlet before, not this year at least but most certainly wasn’t in the mood for dueling. Trix wasn’t a fighter - though sprightly she could be, there wasn’t an ounce of violence in her. Her courage was shown in other ways, like standing up to a werewolf, telling him just how things are and not backing down. The animal could have attacked her - shredded her but luckily it had heeded her words and left. She had the power of nature at her fingertips. To hardness the Earth, to use the raw materials provided from the very depths, metal, wood, ice, water, iron and soil, among many other metals and gems of a precious nature. But to duel against another, she would likely be lost. Save for her wings which would give her some help. However, that didn’t mean she wasn’t interested in seeing others have a go. Not particularly Jeremy, but other acquaintances garnered over the years. What did startle her however was the movement Brice suddenly made, gunning after Cas who was now out of the tree and looking more like his usual self. “What…?” She questioned, pausing in her steps to look behind her, pivoting around fully to eye the boys. “I suppose this is normal for you guys?” She quipped loosely toward Jer, the hint of a smile playing on her features. Boys will be boys.. after all. Trix didn’t get involved. She remained where she was.

22:01:20 Jer , as a seer, just constitutes one of those classes which no one expects much from come the Gauntlet duel. Having said that, he hasn't surprised anyone over the years either, never dominating a fight or - save that one time - coming out the victor. So really, as far as these sanctioned skirmishes in front of peer audience and faculty are concerned, nothing monumental is going to be mustered. But to speak on unsanctioned battles, he decants a glance back over his shoulder as bodies collide. The miniature tussle evokes a helpless smirk from the lad; and, to answer Trix's question, he waggles his hand, saying it is 'so-so', as he goes to the wrangled tanglement. "Auright," he kindly urges, laying hands to Brice's shoulders and gently peeling him from fellow Crux-mate, Cas.

22:31:08 [Lachlan] Not in his normal compartment, the fifth year stood off to the sidelines with just his thoughts to keep him company. He forced his hand into his back pocket and grasped a pack of cigarettes. The pack was removed—and in a fluid motion popped one cigarette free of the others, placing it to his lips. Lachlan took a drag of the cancerous stick; with it his temporary problems were tucked away into his back pocket. An exhale followed by a sigh escaped the sixteen year old, all the while his gray eyes wandered aimlessly about the others. For the particular moment, his eyes were fixated on Brice and Cassidy—they were frequently such obnoxious bastards, which was perhaps the reason Lachlan loved the two meat-heads. Suddenly his eyes were torn away from the pointless show of testosterone by Jeremy’s voice. He looks him over, his gray eyes focused effortlessly on him as he tried to play mediator—as if that ever worked for the rowdy bastards—he should have known better. Lachlan took the last hit of his cigarette and tossed it aside and moved closer to the other boys, but not before he passed a look to Beatrix. It was unthreatening, however it was not one of expressive joy either…more or less it was a stoical sort. ”Feckin’ arse’oles! Stop ye betchin’ an’ ah’k like ye ‘ave some com’moon sense, aye?!” he railed. “Oy swear ye two jus’ like toy’chin each other…” Lachlan pushed his shoulder into Jeremy (in attempts to push the other away from the two) and with force pushed at Brice, “Gawd, wha’ is wrong with ye folks?” he questioned towards the sky.

22:45:01 Cas was too busy fetching his shoes to know that Brice was plotting and planning. Needless to say, the siren’s assault and the shifter’s subsequent, rocky fall to the ground left him a little more than ‘reasonably upset’. Fortunately, he wasn’t strapped too long under the Scot and was freed soon thereafter by one of their Tritus friend’s kindness. Unfortunately for that particular friend, his good deed is going to be thrown right back in his face: this Irishman didn’t (no matter what anyone thought) enjoy being knocked the fuck into the dirt. A retaliation was inevitable. Cassidy flipped himself over as soon as he could and when he did, the expression that twisted his face was very clearly nothing but rage. He only had a moment to get himself back up on his feet with Lachlan’s interference, but it was a second he used very well. There was no thought behind it; this electric reaction wasn’t for any real slight. With only a terse growl, the Irishman jumped up with a swing ready and intent on nailing Brice squarely in the mouth.

23:10:03 Brice was in a veritable struggle to keep Cassidy’s hands above his head where he could see them while also forcing the shifter to “say sorry”. He’d likely repeat the demand over and over until he got what he wanted, increasing his persuasiveness each time. But, effort was interrupted as someone thought to try and peel him away, which didn’t succeed in completely removing him, leaving the rest of the act entirely up to Brice. It was neither kindness nor weariness that made him move. Really, he hadn’t taken the situation nearly as seriously as it was perceived. That said, he wasn’t at all expecting Cas’ reaction. The level of anger and violence exhibited by the shifter was somewhat jarring, but no more jarring than the punch that rocked his lower jaw once it hit home. Brice stumbled off to the side, hunched over and clinging to his face. Somehow he kept silent through the pain, unleashing a slew of profanities in his mind alone, saving everyone’s ears the discordant sound of Scot swearing up and down. He hissed too, but it was short lived, and was dwarfed by the period of silence that kept Brice hunched over by the tree, still holding his face as if his jaw might fall should he even think to let it go. Or perhaps he was suppressing else behind his fingers.

23:14:48 Trix caught Lachlan’s look, and gazed back, offering a soft smile to the stoic male, her eyes remaining fixated on him for the moment. It was however sound of more ruckus coming behind her that caused her to watch Lachlan move, along with Jeremy to the scene of the current crime. Beatrix wanted to help. In fact Trix wanted them to -stop-. Her position was precarious indeed. She’d recently received lashes - 30 of them for doing nothing wrong other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It would serve to scare her that this ruckus got more out of control to the point a Professor or anyone else in upper management of the school stepped in to stop. Any further punishments she’d receive including not going to the Yule Ball among other things. She already had no free periods anymore, taken away by having to chop wood every day for an hour. Her eyes wearily motioned toward Jeremy, then the others. She started to step forward a little, moving toward them though she wanted to run. Instead she pleaded with her succulent tones, her voice that was soft rather than the manly tones of both Lachlan and Jeremy. “Please stop. If we get caught, it’ll be lashes… We’ll all get lashes!” Trying to bring back the now to the situation, she inwardly felt ill, that fear of feeling the lash burning against her flesh, ripping through her skin brought back bitter memories. Not ones the girl wanted to keep. “C’mon guys, okay?” She doubted it would work, but at least she tried - she didn’t realize she had started to shake.. Involuntarily. Things seemed to escalate further when Cas punched the Scot, Trix’s eyes widening further as it made contact directly at his jaw, her hand going to her own mouth as she bit down upon her mitten. Gods, they were all going to get caught. It would be found out that Trix’s back had healed, and she’d get double the lashes no doubt, and banned from ever having any free time in school - let alone seeing outside. She wanted to say more, but to interrupt further may just make things worse. She slowly started to motion backwards.

23:28:43 [Jer] Although he can most assuredly hear the Manx accent approaching, Jeremy chooses to notice and focus on the lingering scent of cigarette smoke first. A fractionary moment of habitual longing is done before he's literally bumped from it, a half-step hastily taken aside to catch himself as his roommate comes into play. Hands off Brice and gaze on Lachlan, it's within that opportunistic stitch of time when he misses Cassidy launch a rugged punch at his aggressor's face. In what has quickly escalated beyond the standard schoolyard roughhousing, the impact sound and subsequent wounded stumble are all the seer needs to absorb before he's injecting himself more seriously now. "Oi, whoa," he sticks himself in the middle of it, likely to the chagrin of Trix's prudent aversion to trouble. Because he stands much closer to the shifter, his hand (both of which mean to ward and keep the two upperclassmen separated) touches Cas at the chest. The other flat palm, cautioning at the air in Brice's direction, is soon retracted to do the same as he squares off more accurately with the Irishman. "Jus a joke, luv," he attempts to placate him, armed with a smile of levity and soothing tone. "Dus you down then, nothin do," he goes on to diffuse as he edges a mere margin to the older teen's side in order to pat the dirt and ice from his back.

23:45:42 Lachlan focused his attention on the Scot, “Oy know it came out of left field, but jus’ let it go…” came his voice in a hushed tone. “Ye know ‘ow touch’eh Cas, cahn be. Jus’ let it go.” he continued. With things seeming to have calmed for the moment, Lachlan dropped his guard and let his eyes float to Beatrix. He had to admit that she certainly carried a certain presence about her; however he was not completely buying in on this stock so quickly. Over the years, Lachlan had seen many girls come-and-go in Jeremy’s life over the years…but like the others, the Manx was relatively sure that the mixed-blood was surely destined for the same fate. Fighting his desire to continue to stare at the girl, Lachlan instead looks away. This direction was no better for him—eyes met Jeremy, for a time-being those gray eyes of his would not budge. If in the midst of the commotion if Jeremy could spare a moment of eye contact, Lachlan would meet him with a slightly turned up smile with head slightly tilted down and eyes looking upwards at the good old friend. Whether or not the moment occurred, his attention would once again return to the other boys; he shook his head. In truth he was not surprised by the whole thing. Both boys were extremely hot tempered, if not simply always trying to assert dominance.

23:48:35 [Cas] It was about the same time that Brice went down to silently seethe to himself that Cassidy realized how much his fist hurt. At first, he thought nothing of the burning, swollen feeling that leaked into his knuckles and fingers… but it grew… and it grew… and it grew until it was unbearable. The boy flexed his fingers and looked down to his hand before what he had done really hit home with full impact. His first thought is an awful one. His second is how red and irritated the patch of connected skin is now, but Jer’s weight on his chest gets in the way of doting on it any longer. Bewildered by what he’s done, Cassidy took a step back out of Jer’s control and scanned the faces in the group: Jeremy, Beatrix and Lachlan all got their own time before his eyes finally settled on Brice. A sigh slipped loose from the Irishman’s lips as the Scot rose to storm away. Cas settled on nabbing his shoes to pull them on before he did the same without much excuse other than an obligatory ”I’m sorry” posed to the group.

23:54:28 Trix paused in her steps, but remained some distance away from the group. It had frightened her enough to steer clear of the fighting males, not needing to be associated with them should they get caught. It irked her to no end because she was actually trying to get to know Jeremy’s friends further and so they could -know- her, instead of assumptions that were readily made. Eyes downcast, she peered at the snow, then let out a breath of air. “I should go.” She whispered softly, the words fluid and melodic, though stringent all the same. Her gaze wandered toward the others for a moment as she eyed them all. They were brothers in arms and certainly there was little room for a sister. She wouldn’t if she could ever build in with the others as she had with Jeremy. She caught the looks and the tones. She wasn’t completely dumb. In fact, Trix was one of the smartest people in Hex. Glancing to Jeremy she hoped she would at leave get a private good bye, but it would remain to be seen in the end as to what he would do. Likely just wave at her, for the most part.

00:09:26 [Jer] There's something to be said of the Tritus lads in how they never rile up in arms against one another, or at least never to the explosive extent that the Crux duo could. So as Brice storms off and Cassidy apologetically bows out to follow, a helpless but acclimated expression is slipped Lachlan's way. For a second, a knowing, commiserating smirk might be shared between the two before the seer inevitably turns his focus on the neglected half-fae. What was that she'd said just now? Delayed but eventually hitting his brain regardless, Jer quickly realizes that Trix is attempting to take her leave too. Immediately he rounds a pivot (for he'd practically had his back to her) and strides to accompany her. "Sorry, Trix," he automatically utters as he takes one of her shoulders in each of his hands. This halting contact soon morphs and melts into a more intimate hug, enveloping her against his chest. "Swear they ain't like this aulwhen." He swiftly corrects himself. "Aul the time." A mere ten minutes with all three of the heavily accented fellows tends to draw out his own countryboy lingo. In any case, he's mindful to seal his statement with a peck of a kiss atop her bonny head before slacking and releasing his hold of her. His roommate, quite pitiably, is left standing nearby like the awkward third-wheel of the conversation.

02:05:56 Jer , though generously gifted with a hug in return, is still inevitably left behind as the girl strolls off to other places and other things. Obviously this boils the group down to two remaining individuals, two individuals who likely spend at least a third of each day readily within six feet of each other. Nevertheless, as he steadily uproots himself from where he stands and goes to rejoin with Lachlan, he cannot help but recap the whirlwind that'd just taken place. What had started out as an effortless rendezvous beneath the evergreen had grossly disintegrated into a gigantic failure. Today was weird.