X. Opened Doors [Thursday 13th, Early Evening]

16:21:11 [Trix] Classes were almost at an end for the day and Trix could be found outside near the woods in the wood chopping yard. Spending her free period doing the punishment that had been assigned to her. The axe was very heavy in the small girl’s hands, weighing quite difficult when it came to actually lifting then putting power behind the “chop”. Though somehow she managed and had steadily over the couple of weeks had begun to get accustomed to the way things work. She didn’t chop -a lot- of wood. That would be nigh impossible. She didn’t carry the strength of some people, nor had the muscle for it. She was fit. In shape - but not in terms of raising an axe every five minutes. As it were, her few morsels of chopped wood sat in the snow, and the time had come to collect them. Adorned in her white coat which fit comfortably and snug, the band around the waist was tied. Her school uniform was underneath, including stockings that rose under the tartan skirt, to cover her legs. And Boots of course that rose to her knees kept her feet warm and dry. She cut a surprising figure out in the wood yard, the petite femme a natural element in the outdoors, seeming out of place now. With a concerted effort that could be seen upon her pleasing face, she began to gather the wood and pile it, placing it where it needed to go, her hands getting many splinters in the meantime due process. Beyond that were the blisters on the inside of her hand against the palm from holding the axe. Overall it was a befitting punishment for someone -had- they done something. But Trix hadn’t. She didn’t deserve this but she begrudgingly wore on the time until class ended. The final piece of wood was put atop the pile before she leaned back and closed her eyes, arms falling to her side as the used the pile of wood to lean against. It smelt wonderful, cedar and pine spreading through the air while gentle snowflakes fell from above, landing softly around her.

17:11:45 [Jer] Today had felt exceedingly long. Even with the early settling of the winter sun, time simply would not fly.* This meant classes dragged; and when classes dragged, they were intrinsically not very interesting - in other words, boring. And in being boring, they were exhausting, leaving the seated students in a pitiable rut of massive yawning and heads nodding to sleep. The seer himself knows that a future (or at least an isotope of the future) exists beyond him. But in these final five minutes of class, the grinding halt of the ticking clock begins to instill an iota of doubt. Maybe this is it. Maybe this class will last forever. Luckily, thankfully, his drowsy head begins to slip from his hand, thus jarring him wide awake and enabling him to notice everyone packing up. Accompanied by a brief wetting of his breath-dried lips, he collects his materials as well, slings his brief bag over his shoulder, and heads out. His destination isn't the most readily available in terms of purpose. Though walking by his own power, he has, in a way, hopped into the passenger seat and is cruising along for the ride. Where he ends up then (once he notices he's arrived) is outside, Trix conveniently pictured center frame. "'Ey," he greets, a smile properly worn. "'Ow's it?"
17:11:52 [Jer] *In fact, time cannot fly. Similar to the numerous earthbound birds still extant, by virtue of design they were all granted wings by birth yet evolved to rely on other means of transport. Time, as it were, travels via motorcar.

17:25:35 Trix enjoyed the moment of solace she received while eyes were closed, face lifted - the warmth of the sun basking against her pale features, despite the chill. The wood surrounded her and helped her lean, and she hummed softly to herself as she merely stood there contently. It was almost as if she’d slipped away into a slumber, that when Jeremy’s voice resonated through her mind, she murmured softly, feeling his presence but as if in a dream. It took a moment for recognition to set in and those deep blue hues opened to gaze upon the male before her. Her lips parted into a warm smile as a rush of butterflies swarmed through her stomach. Always happy to see him, she couldn’t contain herself as she motioned his way. Coming to stop before him, her hands rose to his chest, face raised while golden strands of hair fell back over her shoulders and she peered up to him, catching his scent and how it all affected her. She was impeccably drawn to the male. Some may say lust, and in ways - it could be, but there was more to it than that. Just being in his presence elated her day, even when around his friends and he’s not paying as much attention to her as he would others. The thought of which made her peer around, left then right and not seeing anyone else with him, she rose on tiptoes and planted a soft, plush kiss upon those delightful lips of his. It would be held for some time, unless of course he pushes her away, while her arms moved upward around his neck, hugging him closely. Her body melding against his, she felt his warmth and bridled in it before slowly pulled lips apart, and gazing in to his eyes with a hint of arousal within them. “Jer.. You seem so tired.” She spoke, her voice soft as her hand motioned toward his cheek, gently caressing it. She was being exceptionally open with her feelings today - it simply felt right. “Everything okay, hun?”

18:24:17 Jer is normally the one who's out of sorts and a million miles away. But standing like this, awaiting Beatrix to slowly emerge from her peaceful daydreaming, he can't help but feel a bit humored (and content) in the brief reversal. At length his eyes do meet hers, and the exuberant warmth of her fae affections is quick to drape itself upon him. It should go without saying that he takes her in with open arms, slipping the embrace around her slender waist as she tips upwards to greet him with a kiss. This time there is no delay in his return, no distraction to hold him from pairing her endearment with his own. Thus the peck does linger, well beyond what the definition of one should imply, until a soft sound of parting finally relinquishes the plush marrying. Hooded eyes duly reopen, and a smirk soon tugs at her too-apt observation. "Been bored to tears," he informs her, putting any worries she might have had to rest. He withdraws from her now, her hands designed to fall from his figure as he indulges a step back; quite naturally, his own hands gently course along her forearms, then to her worked palms and fingers, before he saves just one hand in one of his and begins to lead her elsewhere. "Yesterday ya said - an, sorry bout yesterday again - ya said the Gauntlet'd be fun, didn'ya? Well... yer still keen on goin? M's'posed ter watch, is why." Though he gives an explanation, it deserves its own explanation; after all, why is he supposed to watch the Gauntlet fights?

18:36:21 [Trix] All too soon the kiss was over, but she retained his touched upon those svelte lips of hers. She tasted him and he would remain upon them for some time - the impression and the notion working itself through the mind. Her arms falling from him as he steps back, she is keen to smile however when he retains one of her hands, her lips parted into veritable grin, impish and waif like in her nature. Hair tumbles around her oval face, while eyes remain wide, formatted upon his own features as he readies her mind, sending the worry she had of his presence away. “Well hopefully I can un-bore you now..” She comments softly, tiny fingers squeezing around his hand due process. “I don’t think I could handle seeing tears..” The nuance of her notion is felt as her charm and allure applies, seeping forth in an ever present range as of late. Her steps to confidence were gaining height and she was moving forward from the lashes and into her own element once more as she had been prior to them. Now though, it was safe to say there were changes happening to her - she was becoming more aware of her feelings, sensations, her own wants and needs rather than always trying to supply someone else. It was in this growth she stood to learn the most, and with Jeremy at her side, she was prepared to do so. No other friend could have given her such a gift, for Jer in some ways had opened that portal to her life. “The Gauntlet, yes.. It could be interesting to watch. Is that where we’re going?” Trix purred, inching closer to him to soon stand beside him, her hand still in his. How light he made her feel. As if she was floating on a cloud and nothing could touch her. If only she could convey those thoughts and feelings into words. Though the risk would be to scare him off too soon. “If that’s what you want to do, I’ll gladly go with you. As long as I’m with you, I’m happy.” She smiled his way once more, not paying attention to his words of yesterday. That had been a different day. Different time. They were moving on from that. He’d already apologized once. He needn’t apologize again. “So why are you so interested in the Gauntlet?” She questioned curiously, more to keep a conversation going than anything else.

19:50:12 Jer chuckles. He can hardly even remember the last time he's ever cried (maybe when Bambi's mom died) so he'll likely never have to burden the girl (or anyone else, for that matter) with some heartfelt tears. Of course, as their friendship history has already shown, his shoulder is one she can always cry on. "Oh, s'pose it is, that," he realizes as he glances around them. Their progress through the forest hadn't quite dawned on him to being a pathway to the Coliseum itself. So, like many other students, the pair of them direct their steps to the stadium to watch the dueling. "Oh, dunno," he replies, not being very helpful despite the pleasant smile that he bears. "S'good to be." There's a lot of merit to be gained in watching the Gauntlet fights - see what people are capable of, learn some interesting techniques, just get some good entertainment... so long as he isn't unexpectedly pulled up to fight, too. "'Specially for a sixth year, aren't you duelin soon?" A pertinent question as they approach.

20:05:49 Chase` spotted Mila as she arrived and couldn't help but grin, then his eyes moved over the rest of the stands to see who was going to watch. But as Professor Blaze lifted his arm to signal the start of the match, Chase's eyes returned to his opponent. He noticed the open zippo clutched in the young man's hand. No doubt he was going to start throwing fireballs the moment Xander's hand dropped. Well, that just wasn't going to fly. His mind stretched out to the frozen earth, ready to crush the lighter and the boy's hand with it. But as Xander signaled the beginning of the match that all went out the window. The lighter moved, was flicked to life and already a stream of fire was racing toward him. He reached out in front of him, finger curling as if he was grabbing something, and a large wall of rock was flung up to shield him from the fire. And even though he wasn't a fire mage, he knew how difficult it would be to manipulate that fire to one side or the other. Especially with how far apart they were. Chase calmly approached the rock wall he had created and slid his hands over the surface, connecting to it to get a sense of which way the stream of fire was going. A direction he hadn't suspected. Up. He moved to the right side of his wall, peeking around at the mage to make sure he was still in the same place. Good. He hadn't moved. He needed to finish this quickly to avoid giving anything about his strategies away in this first preliminary match-up. He put his back to the wall, looking up. As the fire rose near the top of the wall he pushed off and slapped his hand against the stone. Making it look easy. The rightmost portion of the wall, from his opponent's point of view, broke off with the loud crack of breaking stone and flew at him. Chase emerged from behind the wall to see DeMarco flinging himself to the side to avoid it, the stream of fire remaining intact but doing nothing but melting the snow. He carefully timed his next strike. As the boy neared the snowcovered ground Chase lifted his hand quickly, a fist of stone driving up into the boy's ribs. He heard bone crack a split second before the cry of pain came from the fire mage's lips. He let the boy fall and took hold of the slab of rock that had landed in the snow, crushing it and stirring up the rest nearby. He lifted it with his inner power and lifted it so that it hovered over the injured boy. When he noticed it hovering there above him he rolled out from under it, moving toward Chase as Chase walked toward him. His hand lifted again and a thick column of rock rose up to stop the boy's movement. Then the slab of rock, that had been left to drop from its hovering position, began sliding toward the boy's location, moving through the snow. The sixth year wasn't wholly stupid, and it became a mental battle as he stopped the moving piece of stone with his casting. As Chase continued to try and pin the fire mage against the pillar he had created, the young man was getting to his knees and rolling away. When he came up, he came up flinging fireballs. One right after another. Chase deflected a number of them after recovering from his moment of surprise, though one got through. He leaned away, but it brushed him enough to set his shirt on fire. He stripped it off in a hurry, letting it burn in the snow. Always a danger when fighting a fire mage. Then he struck back. He curled one hand into a fist and he swung it in and uppercut motion. A pillar of stone shot out from in front of the boy and smashed him in the chest, flinging him backward as another shot up and impacted with the back of his skull, knocking him out cold, leaving him lying in the snow. Xander went over to the unconscious boy and knelt, placed his fingers to his neck and checking his pulse. Then he pointed to Chase, "Victory to Matheson, Crux." Chase grinned and nodded his satisfaction as he turned and headed for the tunnel that would let him out. He knew the boy would be fine. If he had fatally injured the fire mage he would have been disqualified.

20:10:01 Trix was most likely due to duel but her name hadn’t been written down just yet. As it was, Trix was a little nervous for such a time. Fighting wasn’t in her nature. She was a peaceful child who could live off the land if need be. Mind you, she knew some great hexes and spells, and casting was always a favorite of hers. She didn’t truly understand the need for the Gauntlet being the peaceful person she was, but it was fun to watch at times and interesting to see how others did against their fellow partisans. Tonight she’d seen that Chase was due to fight, so in particular it would be interesting to see - both because she knew the male, and because he was Crux. It would be interesting to see who would stand between Crux and Tritus - considering it was both their houses. Walking with him she made her way toward the Coliseum. Her hand in his. Not letting go, she rather liked the idea of keeping hold as they motioned closer, piling into the line to get some good seats. Before long, they were inside and seats would be found, close to where Mila sat. The crowd was already cheering and the like, getting rallied up for the event to take place. “I guess I am due to duel soon. One day my number will be up.” She shrugged, then glanced to the main floor area, wondering if there was more to this than meets the eye. With Jeremy it wasn’t always easy to tell. “Looks like our houses are against each other tonight. Hopefully it doesn’t split us apart..” She smiled his way with a playful smile upon her lips. “Maybe we should practice this together some time. Just you and I? I’m not very skilled at the Gauntlet, truth be told.” A little sheepish, she admitted as much to the male. Then turned to face the main area once more. Her hand still in his though - she liked it there and made no effort to move it, unless he did. The show began and she watched as Chase defeated the Tritus boy. All too soon the moment had come to an end. “Huh..” She commented - perhaps expecting a little more. Though she did cheer.

20:36:13 [Jer] Taking his seat with Trix and among the rest of the sparsely spread audience (the bleachers certainly not as populated as a durusball match would be, for example) he indulges a moment to slip his gaze around their general vicinity. Not just scouting for faces he often keeps in company, the seer is tracing over the crowd for those familiar people whom he never truly associates with. Of course, he knows far too many people based on visions alone; some of them he's picked out in special circumstances. Only after conducting that - a sparse couple seconds spent - he relays his attention down into the arena floor where his housemate is being given a terrible run for his money. "Mm," is the best reply he makes to Beatrix's inevitable date with dueling. But when she suggests actually practicing beforehand, the fifth year tenses up a noticeable (to her) sliver. "Auh... that," he slowly churns out a reply, gaze definitely on her now. The pros and cons are furiously working in his head, something that could probably be conducted a little faster though he stalls, tongue growing impatient to speak an actual answer. "Sure, s'pose so," he says, the muscles up in his shoulders now able to relax. He bolsters with a congenial enthusiasm. "You can go aul out, even. I 'ave Lachy to 'eal me after. But, bein fae an mage, an upperclass, don know 'ow much a challenge I can give yer."

21:04:24 Trix smiled toward the male, her gaze lingering on him as people began to exit the Coliseum. The games were done and it was time to move on. But she remained sitting as is. “Don’t underestimate yourself there.” She slowly rose but motioned to stand in front of him, placing herself between his knees as he sat. Hands moving to his shoulders while she peered down toward his face, eyes locking with his. On occasion she had to move a hand, brushing aside her wild array of hair behind her ear before putting it back in place. “I think you have a lot to offer. I may have gifts I can use, but I’m not so skilled under pressure when it comes down to it.” She mused inwardly, a knot in her stomach as she thought of being in the spotlight. It wasn’t something she fancied at all. “But we don’t have to if you don’t want to. I thought it just may be fun. I may be a year ahead in school, but I think you’re many years ahead than I am in a lot of things.” Turning the conversation slightly, she blushed. She knew she was lacking in a number of ways - most girls her age had done many things, had lots of experience. There was no doubt in her mind that Jeremy had done things too. Drinking, smoking, most likely sex - all of it had been beyond the reach of Trix. “School doesn’t matter. What counts is experience and I think you have that far more than me. Any day.” As she lowered her face, leaning down to kiss him atop his head, before pulling back up but remaining in place, stood before him between his legs.

21:25:45 Jer would have pushed to stand as well - if not for the girl's smooth motion to round in front of him, slipping her knees between his own and keeping him in place. Like this, he relaxes, he slacks, he rests his hands just behind either side of him and braces his support, allowing her to drape and dote atop his shoulders. All the while, his content and pleasant smile doesn't deter. "Well, naw," he casually begins, gearing up to refute her on some point. He certainly would have, at least, until her specific diction seems to steer the conversation onto a slightly different tangent. This didn't seem to be about sanctioned dueling anymore. "Not aul good," he cares to remind her on experiences, his adoring countenance still in place. However, as the true breadth of those experiences begins to congeal in his mind, that expression inevitably softens and fades. Gaze skewed down and to his right, even as he's gifted with an endearing kiss, he appends with one more reminder. "An not aul my own." Flirting with the precipice of the morose reverie, it's with good fortune that he pulls himself away from it, fashioning a return to a lightened mood (and a previous subject). Stormy blues lifted to hers, he nudges from his shallow lounge to settle his hands on her hips. "'Ey, s'no good if yer 'ave no practice partner. I'll put the pressure on ya an you can 'it me with all yer got. What'd'yer say?"

21:38:45 [Trix] Caught the tone in his voice and the look as he peered to the right, seemingly to become morose. Inwardly she chastised herself for speaking such things, but she had, after all, just spoken the truth. She meant it to compliment him however, not to have him feeling down because of it. “And there’s a lot more experiences to come now you have me in your life.. And good ones too.” She chirped in, trying to be positive. “Speaking of me.. I know I’m your friend. And I know we’ve kissed, but does this mean we’re dating, or are we just friends who kiss?” She questioned suddenly, not sure how else to bring it up, or knowing if it should be brought up at all. She could tell by his look to her, he cared. His kisses and gentle caress shows there is more to the friendship, but nothing was or has actually been stated about where each other stands. Her body remained as is, her hands gently massaging his shoulders as he commented further toward the duel. Eyes were alight as she gazed down upon him, lips parted into a delightful smile as she nodded emphatically. “Long as you are okay with it, for sure. That would help a lot.” Trix never truly practiced before. It wasn’t something she longed to do. She wasn’t sure about hurting Jeremy either, but the thought sounded as if it could be fun between them. Hands lowering from his shoulders, she took a few steps back so he could stand. Then she’d let him decide from there, where they’d go from here.

22:06:55 Jer certainly wouldn't cast any spells or hexes that could actually harm the half-fae. But by virtue of being a seer, he will indeed exercise his birthright advantage in their skirmishes; and by virtue of being a seer mage, he will have an ample arsenal of tricks of which to dig into. Just the right amount of pressure should at least acclimate the girl to some semblance of preparedness before she's called into the ring. Jeremy would be rather remiss to simply throw her to the wolves with nothing more than a few encouraging (but ultimately empty) words pre-fight. In any case, such matters are to be left for another time, another date. Because - speaking of dates - an inevitable question has rattled around the poor girl's brain for so long that it's finally tumbled out her mouth. Are they actually dating? As if he's been ready for this, a cheeky kind of smirk draws at the lad's mouth. "S'yer call." A plainly matter-of-fact statement about a topic that, quite frankly, shouldn't be toyed upon such frivolry. He goes on to bring his perspective to light as he rises and begins to lead them towards the coliseum bridge. "Ya been free to choose this entire time," he says, slipping his hands into his blazer pockets. "Choose me, choose someone else... I ain't 'ere to tie ya down." If anything, he's acted agent to the exact opposite. "Labels, s'all that is," he shrugs. A warm smile bleeds in soon thereafter, even though his sights rest upon nothing more than the destination horizon. "So... if yer wantin to 'ave it 'official'..." He doesn't finish the sentence. He doesn't really need to. His implication lies there, right at the end of it: he'll gladly call it whatever she wants to call it.

22:22:56 Trix moved with him as they entered upon the bridge, her position to his side as the usher across the distance. Her own hands were at her side, she is comforted by his presence beside her, even when not holding hands. She does give pause on occasion however to listen to his words. Her expression clearly denoted confusion at first as if he doesn’t want to commit to anything. Her brow furrowed, lips parted but the smile upon his features denoted otherwise. Further to his words, he continues as Trix carries on walking beside him but the question is suddenly posed to her. Rather not a question but a statement, giving her a choice. There was no choice for Trix. Or in fact her choice was made a long while back. Even while they were still friends and she use to dream of him differently. The subtle nuances that had become their relationship had only grown overtime and she loved to spend what time she could with the male, which wasn’t in access given the fact they were both in different years, different classes, and Trix’s free periods were all taken up with wood chopping till the end of the year. She did pause however in her steps as her hand motioned toward his arm, fingers reaching out as if to stop him mid step, while directly upon the bridge itself. Very few were around them as most had already left the coliseum and moved on to other things, save a few stragglers. “I chose you, Jeremy. It’s always been you.” She stopped for a moment as a flush rose over her cheeks but confidence prevailed. “There never was anyone else I’ve felt this way for. Never anyone in my life helps me feel the way you do. It’s an easy choice. An easy decision to make.” She smiled, the look was bright upon her features as she carried on. “So that makes you my boyfriend, I suppose. Though they are just labels, it is good to know where I stand. And where you stand too.” It took away a sense of awkwardness around them. Trix felt comfortably relaxed indeed as they’d start walking again, taking their time and in no rush. It was after classes and long before lights out. They still had some time to spend. “I’m so excited about your secret Santa gift..” She said suddenly, having tried to hold it in for some time. “Part of me wants to give it to you now. I hope you’ll really like it. I’ve tried to give you just want you wanted..”

22:45:17 Jer , captured by the arm and held to a pause, duly redirects his gaze her way, subtly quizzical but nevertheless tender. He's grown accustomed to this as well, how the really big issues demand his pause and attention. This isn't a mere walk-and-talk they're conducting here anymore. Her answer, her full and fleshed answer, steadily evokes a charmed smile to his features. He obviously possesses no gripe nor contention towards the arrangement at hand. However, that smile does soon crack on a grin, as if the imp in him had found its amusement. "Ya make me sound like a bloody Pokemon, that," he jests at her, jilting her heartfelt expressions with his own bullish levity. And yet leaning in, hands ever-stuck in his pockets as he sneaks a kiss across her lips, he concludes the matter with one more word: "girlfriend". Thus having crowned her with that honorific, they've gone official. (Wait until the guys hear this. Seriously, wait. It's probably best they don't find out for a while.) With their walk resumed, his arm offered to her as they mosey along, the subject easily shifts to the next thing. "Yer excited? I been waitin forever," he retorts, chipper with energy. "Still dunno what it is," he's then proud to tell her, his glance and smirk in that moment actually looking somewhat smug for it. "'Ow much longer m'I waitin? What's the day? Thirteen, fourteen? I s'pose I'd say to give it now, or soon... Might s'well not run the risk of me findin out on accident down in the last week er two, yeah?"

22:58:42 [Trix] The kiss was readily felt, and the moment had been sealed with it. The term girlfriend something she’d never been called before. It elated her to know she was his, and he was hers in a way she’d never had anyone. And the fact he was grinning just as much as she smiling made it all the more perfect. It was heartfelt and genuine which in turn, made it mean all the more. She wanted to hold the kiss longer, go deeper, but he soon pulled back - leaving her lips to miss his own as if they were meant to stay upon them. A quick run of tongue over her lips however moistened them further as if licking the very taste of him. Talk turned toward the Secret Santa and she pondered his words. She didn’t want to spoil the surprise, nor have him standing with nothing at the end of the given day when Secret Santa was done. The Yule Ball was soon, but Trix wasn’t sure she could wait that long - her experience with Dietrich had been on Sunday and it was now Thursday. How she had managed to hold it in that long was quite a testament to the girl. “If I give it to you now, you’ll have nothing the day of the Secret Santa. I wouldn’t want you empty handed.” She quipped meaningfully. But his words, he did have a point. She was glad he hadn’t discovered just yet what it was, but every day that could change and stand to ruin the surprise she’s been building up. “Okay..” She suddenly spoke, her hand on his arm though she angled her body slightly. “Do you really want it? I will give it to you now, if you’re sure you’re really okay with it.” The statement issued, the ball was in Jeremy’s court as to what to do with it. He could wait a little longer, or be given the grand prize today. She wasn’t truly sure which one he’d pick, but she did have a feeling.

23:13:54 Jer merely "pff"s with a flippant shrug of the shoulders, relaying in rather simple terms just how he felt about the big, designated shindig of Secret Santa. It's not as if he'll have absolutely nothing on that day, neglected and without gift (which, admittedly, would depress him a bit). Instead, he will have gotten his present early, and in some ways that's even better. So, when Trix seems curiously piqued to the idea and actually makes a serious matter of it, the seer pauses to consider. Gaze faltering to the stony bridge underfoot, his mind weighs the options - though not too heavily for fear of triggering a preemptive vision. "Yyyyes," comes the tentative answer, until his sights lift to meet hers and he retries that with a conviction: "Yes". For a lad who grew up in the land of sheep and cider, for a seer who must bide the days from one deja vu to the next, his showing of impatience now is like an admittance of vice. He doesn't seem to care. The lure of early presents had been too great.

23:31:22 Trix was so excited. Gone was the qualm of ruining the Secret Santa day. And in the small time it took for Jeremy to respond to her question, she’d had another idea for Secret Santa so he’d not be left alone with nothing. Not that he’d be aware of this. Eagerly wanting to show him and soon, she chuckled at his side, then slowly moved her arm to his hand, tugging upon it as she slowly began to turn and run. “Okay! C’mon then. We have to go to the Castle..” Running toward it, she would allow her grip to loosen from his own so not to tie him down (he could probably run faster than her - her legs being smaller and shorter). Across the snow covered field, and upward toward the entrance into via the courtyard. “This way..” As she paused to catch her breath, her cheeks flushed from the run, her eyes holding the exuberance she was feeling within. “We have to go to the fourth floor but when we get there I want you to stop.” The fourth floor was the same floor that the Library was on, so it would most likely have him thinking about the Library, perhaps a book or something to that effect. But the Library wasn’t to be her destination. Moving with him, she would try to climb the stairs double at a time, though near tripping on occasion as she did. Most students were on the second floor meandering toward the dining hall for supper, which would mean most Professors were otherwise occupied too. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. “Almost there..” she spoke breathlessly, but her excitement was too much. It was tinged though with an edge of nervousness. What if he hated her gift? What if it wasn’t what he truly wanted at all? What if she’d made the mistake. “I hope you’ll like it. I think you will.” She spoke, eyes going to his as they approached the fourth floor. Her hand going to his as she offered to hold it once again, this time so she could lead him where to walk. “Come with me..” Trix spoke, her voice slipping to a whisper, yet she did not know why. It was such a secret she didn’t want anyone else to know, save the Librarian who had helped her put the gift together. “I’m going to ask you to close your eyes in a moment. Because I think that’s the best way to handle the surprise. How are you feeling? Are you anxious, nervous?” She spoke with an edge of concern, her own excitement near getting the better of her. “Follow me now..” And she guided him toward a large hallway, toward the end there was a wall with two monolithic coats of armour on either side of the bland space and the hallway turned to the left and to the right much akin to a three way stop. In front of them was the wall. Behind them, the path they’d just taken, the path to the left, and one to the right. “Okay - Hmm.. What did I do with it again..” She whispered to herself. “Now close your eyes..”

23:50:09 Jer 's hand is quickly coerced from his pocket and his whole body pulled along in her overexcited wake, the near-futile act of it looking no better than the tiny tugboat merrily dragging along a cargo ship. Luckily for Trix and her valiant efforts, her boyfriend doesn't belabor her and instead kicks up his pace where she leads him. First he thinks they're heading back to Crux so she can pick up the present, but not so. "Aulriiight..." he tentatively okays as they head up to the fourth floor. Now he thinks maybe the thing is stashed away in the Library, but again he comes up short. Taken by the hand before he can dawdle or head the wrong way, he's led down a different corridor. A confused look steadily develops across his facade, asking where the hell they're actually going. His gaze is fleeting, but inevitably it rests on his guide for this mystery excursion. "M'a little anxious, sure," he shakily answers, still not entirely certain what he's gotten himself into. Where they come to an eventual stop, he doubts the most, his feet more eager to head down the path to their left or to their right. But right here, here at the intersection is where she wants him to wait? It's taking the entire force of his willpower to stave off any and all precognitive visions trying to bang their way in. He's out of his comfort zone. Nevertheless, he'll trust her. And so with a skeptic glance, he eases into a semblance of reassurance and patiently closes his eyes.

00:03:37 [Trix] “No peeking now..“ As Jeremy would close his eyes, the woman would take hold of his hand once more. “I want you to repeat these words after me. Okay? Listen closely.” She paused for a moment and remained holding his hand, her fingers squeezing affectionately to let him know things will be just fine. To reassure him not to be anxious. Though the moment of anxiety is just beginning for Trix as she isn’t sure just how he’ll react to his gift. “Aperio Patefacio. Now repeat the words.” She would listen for him to do so, all the while she began to guide him, holding on to him carefully so not to trip over his own feet, or feel threatened in any way. As long as he’s said the words, he would be perfectly fine to move with her, and move they do. Guiding him forward, he’ll notice a cool chill soon against his flesh, almost as if they’d stepped outside. That would be noticed first. The second may be a musty odor that was faint but still present. Letting go of his arm, she inhaled slowly and spoke. “Open your eyes, Jeremy.” As his hues would open, they’d land on a large room of which they were close to the entrance of. The far wall ahead of him, some distance away had a large hearth that filled the entire space with two windows off to each side. Upon the windows where heavy drapery that fit the scheme of the room itself. It would feel as if he’d walked back in time to an early Renaissance period based on the scattered furniture and décor within the room. “Luminous..” She would speak, her hand waving toward the hearth as a fire would be lit within, soon sending out waves of heat to fill the large expanse of space. To the left, the wall was lined with books, older books bound with leather whose titles couldn’t be seen clearly enough unless one was to literally approach them. In front of the shelving was a large old desk complete with quill and ink, and other items, old parchments strewn over the top. To the right was a large open area, housing no furniture - but was quite the space - similar to the great hall but on a much smaller scale. Before them in front of the hearth lay the furniture, comfortable couches and chairs, along with coffee and side tables. Upon which old oil lamps stood waiting to be lit. “Welcome to The Quietus Arcanum.” (An old myth of the school that some people had heard of but never truly believed it existed.) “This is your Christmas present..” She would wait to see his initial reaction before she delved further into the description.

00:32:20 [Jer] "Aperio... Patefacio," he echoes on command. For a country bumpkin, the boy actually holds a rudimentary understanding of Latin (thank you, primary school [oh, and, probably Hex too]) but only one of the words bears any recognition in his memory. That said, it's not as if he can dwell on the intricacies of the incantation right now anyway, not when Trix seems to be leading him forward. As far as he's concerned, forward equals wall. Because walls aren't something he's particularly keen on walking into, he hesitates and slightly resists her movements. But coaxed along all the same, he's surprised when no cold contact is made - at least not of the stone masonry type. Awash with an unexpected chill and decisively empty air, the atmosphere around him is clearly changing with each progressive step. A moment is needed for the acclimation, the strange and confusing scent of aged dust popping to mind. At this point, not even the suspense of the surprise can cut through his pure and unadulterated confusion. Open your eyes, Jeremy. Lids parting, his gaze meets his surroundings for the very first time. Admittedly, after just a sliver of the reveal, his eyes had sprung wide open, smacked with an incredible shock. The first thing he does is whip around; the space they'd just moved through proves itself to being a wall after all. "Cor!" he exclaims, stepping back a couple paces (towards the interior). "S'this--?" By the lighting of the fire, filling the forgotten room with an appropriately sepia lighting, his attention is pulled to the hearth, then to her. She utters the room's name. " . . . " The speechlessness hangs from his open mouth. She did this? She found this for him? This is his now?? "Trix," he starts, like she's not even going to believe the universe's worth of words he's about to say. Thankfully, he boils it down. "Oh, ya sweet, sweet girl!" he praises as he rushes and nearly squeezes the life out of her with an ecstatic hug. That thing about never crying? He's so overwhelmed with joy right at this moment that he's starting to get a little choked up. He will, however, contain himself for the sake of appearances. "This's... this's brill! More than brilliant! I can't-- Trix, this means bloomin e'erthin ter me. S'no way I can thank ya enough."

00:48:54 [Trix] Her anxiety was reaching a high as she told him to open his eyes and she sprung right into the introduction. The room itself dated back to Eleodor Crux, who had created the room himself to practice privately without the other Professors and such around with his mage abilities. He would chose one student every so many months to be his apprentice and this area became a working area for them both. Once a student had been admitted, they were always allowed in by saying the same words Trix had spoken. After Crux’s death, the students remained in the room, keeping it as a personal right of passage to enter such a space to practice their own magic and to literally form a secret society of sorts. The room was always found to be a myth and over time, its existence had never truly been tested. Most people believing it to be an old folk story - mythical legend from days gone by. Over the more recent decades, the myth had faded becoming just a jaded memory within the journals of students long dead and past. His reaction was everything and all the more what she’d been hoping for. The look upon his face was priceless and even she had tears welling in her eyes from the sheer excitement he seemed to bear for it, and for her for finding the room. It had taken many many weeks, starting with discoveries of old journals, to old ancient maps, to an ancient spell that had taken Trix to the infirmary, to the discovery of the room itself. Trix had been determined however to find it. “It’s all yours. Your space. You just have to come to the wall and speak the words and you’ll be able to walk right in. Look here..” She pointed to the wall where the door was, on either side were two large slots built into the stone. “You can peer through either one when you are ready to leave to make sure the coast is clear.”(The other side being through the visor of the two Guardians who stood over the wall watching it - the coat of arms on either side.). The hug he gave her was immense and a tear trickled down over her cheeks. “I asked you at the very beginning what was it that you wanted the most. I’ve tried to give you that here. You can invite your friends. We can meet here privately. It’s heavily hexed. No one knows about it. It’s completely secret. Hidden from all Professors and the like.” She knew she was speaking fast, but she wanted to break everything down for him. “Most of all you can just come here to get away from it all. Just as you wanted.” She smiled toward him, her hand moving toward the corner of her eye as she wiped away a tear. Just to see the expression on his face made her so incredibly happy. She loved helping others smile, and this one especially special due to it being Jeremy. “I’m so glad you like it. I really am. It wasn’t easy to get to. Mr. Vostok helped me, though he’s not been inside the room himself. It was his ancient archives that helped solve the riddle. But not to worry, he’s keeping it all secret too.”

01:22:16 Jer isn't even sure if the surprise has fully settled in yet. This was his. This was his. A private room of the institute, completely hexed and closed off from prying eyes and minds. All the things he'd ever imagined he'd do if he could own a sanctuary like this... The mention of Mister Vostok brings a sudden pang of anxiety into the mix, though. Even that much manifests in his downturning expression. But with Trix's positive reassurance, the seer is able to comprehend the situation with a wry smirk. "Aah," he understands, eagerly allowing his gaze aside to drink in more of the Quietus Arcanum. "Secrets for secrets." Whatever that particular phrasing means to him seems to definitively signify both the matter and his nerves are put to rest. "Trix..." He still can't fully articulate how much this present actually means to him. When he'd told her what he wanted, it was a flippant whim to speak the truth. An impossibility - he never expected anything to come of it. But for her to literally give him exactly as he'd said? He's practically reeling. In fact, words may never suffice for the occasion, may never be grand or eloquent enough to satisfy how he feels. However . . . As his arms steadily loosen from their death grip and his sights trail downwards, all that sentiment invariably channels into a single impulse. Immediately he's kissing her hard, thrust into the deep end of the moment as he backs her up against the wall - harshly, in fact - with more of that greedy impatience bleeding through. Bag stripped off, falling wherever-the-fuck it may, his hands can't even wait long at her hips before he's undoing her sash and yanking her coat from her.

01:34:02 Trix wanted him to be assured that Dietrich would not speak of such things, though after a moment he seemed to come to terms with it and was okay. She felt proud of what she’d accomplished - having put a lot of her time and effort, along with her own life (while doing the ancient location spell) to bring this room to Jeremy. But it was all worth it for the moment she had now and the look upon his face. She was about to speak further as to the myth of the room when the hug seemed to take a turn and Trix was suddenly pushed back against the wall, his lips meeting hers hard. At first she resisted, not sure what was happening but it too just a moment for her heart to get into the swing of things as blood began to bound and spasms in her body began to flare. The quick burst of a kiss was deeper than they had shared before - there was a near animalistic quality to it that Trix suddenly seemed to thrive off, the anxiousness of her before slipping away. Her coat was removed and she’d aid in this, letting it drop to the ground around her feet while her own hands took the time to remove Jeremy’s in turn, before exploring down over his arms, then back up around his neck, fingers threading through the strands of hair. A gasp was heard as a muffled moan while her back pressed against the wall, while she raised one leg, instinctively doing so to wrap it around his own, holding him closer to her as if to not let him get away. The moment heralded Trix in a light she’d never felt before. Arousal rushing through her, heat carrying within as desire for the male washed over her in a hungered state. Despite her lack of experience, she was following her natural instincts, letting them guide her as her body seemed to do all actions of itself in response to Jer. She was a lock to his key and slowly but assuredly that key was turning.