Post by Mila on Nov 16, 2012 8:00:20 GMT -5
22:59:18 [Violette] Tongue probing the side of her cheek in that oh so habitual manner, eyes darting this way and that a sigh escaped plush pomegranate glossed lips. Believe it or not Violette had followed some of the rules, she was sat with her Arcadian 'brethren' -- not that she dealt with any of them -- in fact she intended to position herself away from the pack of fae femmes which tried to befriend her the previous day. A few harsh words and a snarl was all it took, now they took it upon themselves to point fingers in a childish manner and 'whisper' behind her back. Shaking her head strands of waist length mocha hair trickled into violet eyes, flecks of silver making itself noticeable with the bat of obsidian lashes. Lifting a dainty hand she placed it upon the back of her neck, rubbing at the tensed muscles here and there she looked around curiously. Violette had obviously made herself a 'lone wolf' even amongst her own racial type -- she wasn't much for picking at other races, nor was she one to shove herself with people she couldn't stand just so she could fit in. Sitting at the furthest end of Arcadia's able she shook her head and kept to herself.
23:04:43 [Brax] He was a face amongst a few thousand students and faculty that milled into the Main Hall. It wasn't yet time for the evening meal so, each of the four wooden tables were devoid of food and placings. Instead, traversing the immense length that snaked up the Hall and was able to seat each House respectively, was a banner a hands width wide, embroidered finely with the crest of the House the table belonged to. Arcadia on the left, Tritus, Crux and then Magus. Students were already finding places on the benches pulled up to the tables. Brax nudged a Freshman boy who dared head for the table-end furthest from the Dais. “Grunts up the front. Seniors only.” The kid didn't argue, he needed only to glance up at the giant that was Braxton Kennedy, before he hastened to the very front, and as far as humanly possibly from the Shifter. Habitually he ran a hand through his tousled, tawny hair. The day had been long. Between preparing for the semester, greeting returned friends, carrying the skins team to victory on the football field and meeting some 'fresh meat', there had been barely enough time to shower and don his Assembly uniform. Blazer and all, and after some harping from Dryke he'd even bitten his tongue and fastened the top button of his shirt. Irritably, he pulled at the collar and tie. “I'm sick of this bull. he muttered softly. Silence hadn't yet been commanded, but the usual din of the Hall was absent when they were assembling for a Formal Address. Besides, those who had seen a Commencement Assembly at Hex before, knew what they were in for. The few Magus Shifter Seniors sitting with him nodded assent, grumbled and hunched forwards on the bench. A grim smirk finding his lips, he wondered on Lara and Violette's reactions. The Grunts would likely have no need for the Feast that was to come, and nightmares were guaranteed to plague their first night at Hex. Eyes of Molten Amber drifted across familiar faces. Crux was next to them, he eyed Trix. Caught sight of Hunter looking serious as ever with his pure-blood cousins. Arcadia on the far side, there wasn't a chance of spying petite Violette but Lara, in Magus, was easily spotted. Before she could pass by he reached for her wrist, halting her, and guiding her to sit beside him (after shoving the guy on his other side to move). Leila was likely seated nearby. Once everyone was seated, Headmaster Luthor rose from the Black Throne in the center of the head table. There was no request for silence, for the soft whispering ceased as soon as he moved.
23:06:49 Lara 's eyes of deep jade found the stars as she moved nimbly toward the Magus table and found herself caught in the herd of delinquents that was students in their pursuit or a place. Slim fingers straightened the lapels of her expensively tailored Hex blazer that emphasised her enviable waist and the curves to perfected that her Siren inheritance had bestowed upon her. Her tartan skirt barely reached mid thigh, revealing just the right amount of flesh above navy socks that pulled up above her knees. Even her plain black dress with their slight heel were designer. If it was necessary that Miss Locke wear a uniform, she would wear it with style. Her posture was poised, and in true Siren style the beauty's steps seemed almost like a dance, one that was wasted in the midst of students. Plush, cupid-bow lips smiled prettily and she peered with her signature allure through long, lowered lashes at a boy that ceased in his very step to stare at her. The procession was dull enough to require a little fun, but before she could so much as wink at the boy, a vice like grip around her wrist carted her onto a hard wooden bench. She yelped. Even her surprised expression was pleasant to look upon. “Eugh! Braxton!” came her chide, accent as heavy as ever. With an irritable flick of her free hanging, waist-length brunette locks she turned to be seated properly. Of course Lara would be invited to sit with Seniors on her first day. Of course the resident popular jock would have taken liking to her. Fate always seemed to smile upon her. If one were to ignore her exile to Hex, they would find that the spoiled Lara Locke had lived a charmed life. “If you had wished to escort me, you need only have asked politely.” Rubbing her unharmed wrist as a spoiled Miss would. It was hard not to notice the unease that settled over the Seniors but she wasn't so easily cowed, and turned just as every other did, to stare at the Headmaster when he came forward to address them.
23:15:58 [Brax] He smirked initially at Lara's response, “Noted.” His smirk dropped and his eyes found their Headmaster. Behind Luthor, the grand windows that overlooked the Loch had turned a deep scarlet and orange in sunset, the reflection on the pristine water making it all the more red. It made the Elder man seem almost demonic. He was no kind looking Grandfather no, this man was tall and built with lean, wiry muscle. His skin skin was so pale it seemed almost gray and tinged with death. There were dark, markings on his face; Ancient symbols and words from the Old Ways. Cropped, dark hair was slicked back and drew attention to the long scar that cut his entire face, from forehead to chin in half. The rumours about that one ran wild, but no one knew it's origin. Dark, red eyes bore through the audience. He was robed in a dark cloak and formal wear with the Hex Crest on his breast. “Welcome students!” Deep voiced, the Acoustics of the Hall required no spell or human equipment for all to hear him,“To the One hundred and Seventy Fifth Year of The Hex Institute.” Pausing for effect, “Each year we endeavour to mould young minds, hone Ether Gifts and refine our future leaders. We do not take these tasks lightly. Ours is a serious task, for in the human world you will be put to the test. Our Gifts come at a cost, with them, comes duty and enemies. There are those that will seek to destroy what is different. Humans and our own kind. At Hex we believe in the unity of Ether, to bring an end to segregation eternally and bind us all as allies.” His dark, red eyes gleamed. “Ultimately, your biggest enemies...” Brax mouthed the words, the sixth time he had heard them, “Are yourselves!” Luthor let that one sink in. “Many of you come to us at Hex because you were destroying yourselves, risking yourselves. We will make wise men and women out of you. Wise and strong. Disobedience will not be tolerated, and weakness will be weeded out and crushed.” Brax could practically feel the spittle leaving the Seer's mouth as he spoke, the fiery burn of his eyes that every student would feel burning into their minds. So powerful was he that he was able to utter words in their inner thoughts, seep through their memories and engage with them all at once. For Brax, the words cut through the barriers he had built himself and he tensed in his seat and scowled. Sounds of confusion and fear left the Freshman and new kids who weren't used to Luthor's invading. “At Hex, we prepare you for our fight for survival.” Despite the setting sun outside, the windows instantly drew black, and every chandelier in the Hall and surrounding area lost its flame. Pitch dark. A young girl yelped, and more youth's gasped. The Seniors said nothing.
23:28:26 [Violette] Long dark lashes fluttering closed as her inner most secrets were thrown upon a poker table of sorts, dug up and unburied -- splayed out for her to live through once again. It was odd really, the darkness covered everything in that very moment -- yet violet didn't once flinch as her past nightmares were shoved forward as if living them again. She was being toyed with, made to face her demons in that very moment -- and the oracle of a girl wasn't even fazed. Violet pools glowing slightly within the darkness she looked around, she couldn't see a damn thing but she wasn't one of those new bloods that gasped and whimpered that was for sure. She'd been through worse, and surely she'd be through more in her life -- she was no bad ass -- far from it, but she'd seen enough in her life to know when to be truly scared. Nibbling her pillowy lower lip she wrapped her arms around her chest, willowy fingers kneading into her arms she sat still waiting for the 'magic show' to finish.
23:31:41 Lara 's nose wrinkled adorably in distaste once she had gauged the appearance of Headmaster Luthor. He was a frightful man. A shiver tore down her spine as he began talking, feeling anything but welcome from the spiel that seemed designed to turn their minds to unified putty. Between the lines, Lara was sure she caught violent warnings. She wanted to cast her eyes on Brax, or anywhere, but Luthor's eyes commanded her attention if she could but look away. The colour had drained from her face, and the girl jerked in her seat as his unsettling voice infiltrated the private sanctuary of her mind. For Lara he found her insecurities, her fears and addressed what she could and would become. It may have been a tool to instil motivation and the right set of mind for a semester of hard-work but, for those who were old enough to know better it was a distinct attempt to intimidate and earn obedience. Even their thoughts were not their own. When the lights and even the sunset disappeared she heard a breathy gasp, barely realising it was her. Desperate for answers she tried to seek out Brax or any of the others but she could see nobody in the darkness, only feel the Shifter's closeness.
23:35:30 [Brax] Above them, at the center of the room appeared what seemed like a glitching projector image, only it was holographic and cast by spells, three dimensional and realistic, save for the fact that the beings were pale white and rather transparent. There was no background, only three girls standing in the darkness. They were young, no more than fourteen and dressed fittingly for the 1600's. A Siren's voice sounded with Ether dripping from her words, soft, young and female. She recounted the story of these girls, “Seer Mages. Analise Medelor, Elizabethe and Brighid Weir......” The images seemed to zoom until the young, fearful faces were big enough that all could see the desperation in their eyes. “Fourteen years old. They offered their Gifts to humans, helped them with foresight and were used only for human gain.” Back to full length, humans appeared from all over the Hall, walking above the student's heads to the centre of the room where the young girls backed into each other and cowered. Two of them held hands. “A failed Harvest and a flood. The Seers were blamed. Humans always demonise what they cannot understand.” A man had been pointing, and seemed to scream something but his words were unintelligible. Farmers and the like approached with pitchforks, even a Priest brandished his crucifix hatefully. The mob threw stones and each sound was heard, like background music as the Siren voice narrated their story. “The sisters were battered and subdued, tied to one another and brought to the river.” The Priest raved, and then the leader came forward. Brax shut his eyes, knowing what was coming. Lara being a Mage would likely be horrified so he placed his hand over hers, and gave it a squeeze. “Elizabethe was fatally pierced, dead before her weight could bring her sister to the ground. Brighid and her sister's carcass were tossed into the water by hateful human hands. She drowned.” The students saw it all. Heard the unearthly scream of anguish before the girls hit the water. This was nothing in comparison to Analise Medelor's slow burn at the stake. The acrid stench seemed to waft through the Hall. Her screams. Some kids had screamed at the deaths, others were crying. All were horrified, even those who disliked Mages. Knowing she was one, and that it was her first time viewing the display, Brax gave Lara's hand another squeeze. Analise's body faded, and before relief could set in there was another image, this one over the Arcadia table. “Silas Everwood, Arya Everwood, Oskar and Reyenne Everwood.” Husband and wife, smiling, the father lifting his toddler son over his head and looking to his infant daughter. More gory than the last, they heard the story of the Elementals. We watched the father's public beheading, the mothers stoning and strangling of the children. Heard the screams, watched the fear and pain. Over Crux, a Shifter tortured and murdered, this one closer to present day. Those who murdered him cut his heart from his breast, and had tattoos of eyes and latin words on their own. The Eye of God a group of Religious fanatics that's sole purpose was to rid the world of Ether. Everyone touched knew about them. By the end of the display they had watched dozens of Ether-touched murdered gruesomely, every race, every age. Even infants, elderly and women were not safe. Humans would always fear what they could not control. The display was to teach them the importance of Ether secrecy, of their vow not to use their abilities in the mortal world until they were of age and then, do so with utmost care. Along with this, it taught them that they needed to work hard so they could defend themselves against such hate. Luthor delivered another speech of this sort in the darkness, which slowly faded back to light over the next ten minutes. A number of seats at the front of the tables were empty, Freshmen excused to the bathrooms to be sick, cry or those who were frantic were shocked were allowed to return to their dormitories. Sickeningly enough, with the gruesome display over , Luthor smiled “Let us eat! Energy will be needed for the beginning of the Semester tomorrow, a long day ahead students.” His hands rose and with a flick of a wrist he conjured the food prepared in the underground kitchens to a bountiful array on each table. Not many people were hungry, Even Dryke gave a Freshman from her house a sympathetic swat on the shoulder with her ruler, if you could call it that.
23:43:18 [Violette] Watching the display before her she felt sympathy, sorrow for those lost, but her stomach did not turn -- she did not look away from was was shown to her -- she took the history as knowledge and banked it within her mind. Tongue pressing against the back of her teeth she sighed as light poured back into the room, eyes flickering towards the paled faces of the others whom surrounded her she smoothed her hands down the front of her blazer and rolled her shoulders. Looking towards the food she grabbed an apple and took a bite -- a girl next to her running to vomit she smirked "Weaklings..." nibbling her fruit she looked around, eyes upon Brax and the beauty near him she nodded her head and bat her lashes -- she said not another word as ate happily. So what she had a few issues, a few things which didn't process like a normal persons would -- so be it if she were judged -- she didn't care.
23:55:07 Lara stared at the conjured pictures, watching the young girls with rapt attention just as it was intended they do. Luthor played them all like puppets, like fools. The Siren held them all in his grasp with her narration, and she could only stare with horror as the people of the village surrounded them. With the lights on and their minds their own, she would have batted Brax's hand away and flirted in return. In this instant? Her heart was beating rapidly beneath her heaving breast, and she entwined fingers with the Shifter, he was an anchor. The lesson drew soft mewls of fear from her full lips and tears welled in her eyes but froze there, never falling. By the time Luthor began to speak again and the Hall grew lighter her eyes were shut tight, her teeth embedded in her lower lip and her hand holding so tight to Brax that, were she any stronger, she may have broken his fingers. Unwilling to show another ounce of weakness, she forced herself to let go and open her eyes to the food in front of her. As luck would have it, there was a steaming pot of tomato soup in front of her placement, jam tarts to her left. Lara's stomach rolled for she could still smell the acrid burning and a metallic taste soured her tongue. Surprisingly, the girl did not put anything on her plate.
00:19:23 [Brax] He didn't flinch at the attack on his hand by Lara. Physically, she was as weak as a kitten in comparison to his naturally inherited strength. He and the other Shiters of Magus house, at least those considered old enough to be welcomed a place at the end of the table weren't exactly over-excited to eat after that, but most have them had experienced the 'performance' five times before. It never got any easier. But this was a boarding school, you couldn't simply turn your nose up at food and go back to the kitchen when you were hungry it was eat now or try to sleep on an empty stomach. Besides, Shifters were known for having quite the appetite. When Lara let go he muttered “Welcome to Hex.” Call it the only home he had ever known, but it wasn't Luthor or a number of the staff that made it that way. One would expect a torrent of conversation between the friends who hadn't seen each other over the school break but it was a quiet dinner, and once they were finished were allowed to leave and roam the correct areas of the school until it was time for Lights Out. Leaving the courtyard was forbidden after dinner, so most chose to remain inside. This gave the students free time within various hallways, most rooms (none of the classrooms or off-limits areas) the Library and their House common rooms, dormitories and bathrooms. Brax pasted the Kennedy grin on his face as he, the Shifters and Lara who was likely caught in their midst headed for the doors. “Where to? The grunts will usually go for the common rooms .” Common rooms were regularly senior ruling grounds but, with segregation causing students to stick with their own kind, and each kind seperated in different houses, they picked other hangouts. “We got the Courtyard, don't go for the Library that's filled with Mages.” His particular group of buds had found a few secret areas that were likely off-limits. His favourite was notably the room 'in the wall' that has peep-hole views into a few rooms. A few classrooms and a, most importantly, a girls bathroom. As they left the Hall he spotted Violette in the crowd and wolf-whistled. “Vi.” He gave her a half wave.
00:26:18 [Violette] Slipping from the hall quickly as possible her eyes darted this way and that for escape routes -- she always had escape routes for everything. Pursing her lips her eyes darted towards a whistle which cause her attention, swallowing the lump within her throat she nodded to Brax and slowly slipped over. "Hello..." eyes darting from Brax towards Lara she ticked her head to the left side. "Interesting playboy..." a smirk danced over angelic features as she rolled her shoulders. Taking in a small breath she smoothed her hands over her obviously hemmed skirt -- she was more than likely going to get tons of shit for it -- but she didn't give no fucks. Pressing her lips into a thin line her eyes moved back towards Brax "Nice seeing you again richboy..." nodding her head she turned on her heels -- she didn't want to be in the way of the obvious self-proclaimed princess at his side -- that wasn't how she rolled. Shoving her hands in the pockets of her blazer she moved one foot in front of the other. If stopped she would do so, if not she'd find her way back towards her dorm.
00:44:53 Lara went without her dinner, but the sick feeling left her eventually even though she was forced to observe the beastly Shifters stuffing their faces. Brax may be one of the better looking guys at Hex, Senior and paying her attention but a lifetime of prejudices couldn't be dropped even if he'd held her hand. Could they? There was something sweet beneath his hard exterior, but she visibly shook her head at the intrusive thought, still finding herself easily lead along by the Shifters. There were a few fourth year Magus Siren's and Mages she'd introduced herself to such as the girls she was dorming with, but it suited her to stay with the feral Shifter for now. “So many choices.” Sarcasm with underlying truth. The Academy may have been an elite school but it was so elite, expensive and hindered by it's refusal to admit half-bloods or the bestial races that it was a smaller school. A smaller school with smaller grounds. In the Academy's defence, the Headmistress didn't force them to watch dozens of horrific murders before dinner either. “Implying I wouldn't prefer to go to the Library be-..” She was cut off, flashing Jade eyes staring over the boys shoulder at Violette. Another new fourth year she'd heard, the girls in her dorm were gossips and had eyes everywhere, which Lara considered a useful tool. Having not actually met the girl, she offered her a polite, charming smile and kept herself from raising an eyebrow. Playboy and Richboy? The girl was 'clever' in her insults and she found herself wondering if she'd go all out and call him Fatboy too. “You're the other new fourth year, aren't you?” The words were spoken before the girl had moved to leave. Lara's voice was sweet, French and inviting.
00:48:27 Jer too has been through the school's customary gauntlet of a welcome a few times before. That first year, though, seeing the torture reel had verily harrowed him to a dry throat (more likely in guilt for his flippant run-around behavior than any true horror, but harrowed all the same). With each successive year, it's become a question of how long he actually pays attention before zoning out. At least once all is over and done with, he's roused from his distant dreaming by the reanimated housemates at his sides; the consumption of their meal continually interrupted thereafter by conversation and laughs and new introductions. Nonetheless, eventually there is no more dinner to be had and the lot of them must shove out from the Great Hall. Jeremy himself walks on the outside of this five-Tritus-deep pack, the likes of which begins to unravel and split off in different directions. Short story made shorter, the fifth year is walking backwards and waving off friends - until a muscle jerk around his left eye prefaces a very sudden change in course. He whips around to face near-forward before indulging a very wide pivot around the petite Asian miss he would have sooner collided into. "Pardon, pardon," he apologizes fast, inappropriately still grinning (residual from the raucous company he'd just left). The hand he'd placed on her shoulder to sweep around her is lifted off, both hands jammed into his pockets from there as he toddles a couple steps more away, his gaze meanwhile flicking between the two others clustered with her.
01:03:01 [Brax] It came as a surprise when Svetlana stopped and gave him the time of day but she had been uncommonly nice when she had left him at the mercy of two argumentative harpies or rather, Elaine and Leila. Somehow he had emerged unscathed, albeit with a bad mood and more strikes against his dislike for the Were and that twit of a little Mage. Interesting? What was interesting? That he and six Magus Shifters, girls and boys, had taken some fresh meat under their wing? Again, with the wounding. He ignored the suggestion. “How was your first Assembly?” Brow raised,wry grin. His buds had wandered off, their direction hinting at a meeting in the Courtyard. If Vi had still left, he would shrug it off and turn to Lara. “Hex is going to tear you a new one. Show me your timetable, I'll see who will be torturing you tomorrow.” For now he was leaning against the wall, some students heading past or talking in small groups.
01:08:04 [Violette] Pausing in her steps she took in a breath, head ticking to one side she went to speak as suddenly her eyes widened as hands were upon her shoulders. Biting her lower lip harshly, almost to the point of drawing blood her eyes landed upon Jer -- you see Violette had this thing about being touched. Going rigged she nodded her head, he'd 'sort' of apologized for it -- had he not...? Breath Vi, it was just a hand on your shoulder... it's not like he violated you... Shaking her head she took in a breath "No excuse me..." her voice was dripping with that Russian accent which made her words seem so much more harsh than they should have. Sucking in a breath she looked to Lara "Yes, I am..." she finally exhaled -- her eyes darting back towards Jer -- staring at him long and hard her shoulders still uptight. Looking towards Brax as she suddenly snapped back to reality she smirked "I lived through it, I ate unlike most, so I'd say all and all... it went pretty well..." chuckling softly she smoothed her hands down her front as she stepped towards Brax and looked up at him -- at the back of her mind though something was probing -- she couldn't quite figure it out yet though.
01:19:13 Lara listened to the banter between Brax and Violette. Did the guy hunt down all the new students and become their tour guide every commencement day, or was this a special occasion? It was hard not to notice the awkward arrival of Jer, but she smiled in his direction and smoothed things over by continuing the conversation. “I figure we'll have classes together. Lara Locke.” She introduced herself, her name rolling off her tongue confidently. The introduction seemed directed at Jer as well, and she seemed to beckon him into their instant group “Are you a fourth year too?” Her nose took to another wrinkle as they discussed the Assembly. “That was disgusting. It was such a blatant mind-control attempt.” The girl would never admit it, but it worked, she may consider herself of higher standing than the untouched but now she found herself feeling wary of them, and harbouring a budding dislike for their kind. Huffing a playful sigh she pulled the folded parchment from her inner breast pocket and handed it to Brax. “Please!” She joked, one hand shielding her eyes. “Be gentle.”
01:32:28 [Jer] Someone imbued with a seer's gift really ought not to be as thick-headed as Jeremy. And yet, as that affronted gaze shoots up at him and tensions roil beneath the surface, he scarcely even catches a whiff of it as he congenially glosses right over. He is, however, a tinged surprised himself to hear that thick accent - Russian, no less - gob up the tongue of a girl who hardly looks Russian at all. But maybe he'd already known that about her and had simply forgotten over the break. He does tend to dump the minor details while the immediate future leaks in. In any case, a small twitch at the corner of his left eye scrunches ephemeral while he otherwise plucks up the visages of the other two. The upperclassman he recognizes (and not much more beyond that) but the other girl he can't quite place. Somewhere in the midst of this far-off analysis, he realizes said girl is kind of addressing him. His soft countenance quickly snaps from the stupor, brightening instantly with a wide smile once he's checked over a shoulder and seen no one else there behind him. "Me? No. Fifth," his amiable answer comes succinctly. A moment later he notices he hadn't actually returned his own name (or remembered hers) but the window has closed by the time the conversation continues without him. Should he be on his way? It seems rude now. He doesn't want to interrupt for the sake of leaving, so he decides to stick it out until the next opportune moment. But gosh the Arcadia girl beside him is short. That's a good arm rest height right there. He must have seen her in these halls or in class before; maybe he's never stood next to her. These thoughts aren't quite helping the fact that he's peeping down at her the whole while as the newbie's schedule is sorted out.
01:43:57 [Brax] In true Braxton Kennedy style, he chuckled and shook his head. Vi was a tough nut, and from their earlier encounters he would have put a bet on it taking more to shatter her. Jer was offered only a quick glance. He was a lower year, a different House and most importantly a Mage snob. Aquaintences at best, but ignoring the welcoming performance he'd offered the Fresh meat, he didn't take kindly to those that weren't his own kind. Jer's case may have been helped by female and attractive but, as luck would have it he was an airhead of a guy one that Vi, he noticed Jer was looking at, would eat or breakfast. Brax unfolded the parchment, turned it over and studied the timetable. His voice went low and dangerous, “Well, well, well.” Grinning with sly intent, “You've got Dryke. First thing tomorrow.” He let that one sink it, remembering that Lara was present during lunchtime when he'd personally had his ass handed to him, received a ruler swat along with Lara and Violette. He let that one sink in, remembering that Lara was present during lunchtime when he'd personally had his ass handed to him, received a ruler swat along with Lara and Violette. “Massive bitch. Eh, then Weir total Tilf. Blah, Hart.. Linard. Morgan.” Refolding and passing it back he leaned more leisurely against the wall. “Can't say I envy you, Mage.”
01:49:10 [Violette] Pixie-like eyes widening as eyes feel like they're burning into her very soul her heart began to race -- taking in a breath he looked towards Lara "Maybe we will..." not a girl of many words was she. Tonguing the inside of her left cheek she feels the pace of her heart quickening, it was starting to feel like it was thudding in her throat, ticking her head to one side mocha strands of silken hair fall into violet eyes -- lifting her head she suddenly locked eyes with Jer. Biting her plush pomegranate painted lower lip she hissed out a breath she'd been holding in her lungs which caused a burning sensation. Swirls of silver flecks dancing through plum colored iris’s she bowed her head "Hello..." her accent rolled off her pillowed lips like that of a venomous honey. Eyes darting away from Jer towards Lara and Brax she wrung her hands together -- you seen Violette wasn't scared of the norm -- she could play it off as if nothing bothered her, but she had insane anxiety issues and she was medicated for it. Raised in a world which her 'gifts' were not acknowledged, untouched human issues ailed her. Thin dark eyebrows knitting she was silent -- little did she know the massively tall guy which stood next to her was thinking upon her height. Obsidian lashes clashing closed not once but twice she looked towards Brax, ticking her head to the side -- fidgeting she took in a breath "Well umm..." puckering her lips in thought she moved from one foot to the other.
02:00:58 Lara failed to attempt to bring the fifth year into the conversation again, other than a simple look once he divulged that he was a Fifth year. Like any Ether-touched she wondered of his and Violette's race and blood purity, but she did not pose the question. Instead her slender limbs dropped so that she could smooth the short tartan skirt that hugged her hips whilst awaiting the dreaded verdict. The timetables only gave the Professor's initials along with the period, location and subject of each class. Locke expected to enjoy Braxton's joking, but with a melodic groan she was surprised to find herself dreaded her first class of the next day. The one Professor she had already found she disliked, what were the odds? Biting her lower, cupid bow lip, her piercing Jade eyes sought out the other new fourth year who had endured the embarrassing attention of Madame Dyke already. Charming with a sheepish grin in her direction. <i> “I hope for your sake that is not one of the classes we share.” “I hope for your sake that is not one of the classes we share.” Unfamiliar with the term 'Tilf' or any of the remaining teachers as neither of them were in Magus house, she made no further comment but tucked the folded parchment back in her inner blazer pocket. “Liar.”
02:07:35 Jer bets parking his arm atop her head would prove to be more comfortable than any stone ledge or wood banister here. Luckily he knows he shouldn't, no matter what her reputation may or may not be; he doesn't need to divine the future to understand how that could go wrong. Thus finished with that prospect, dashed upon the rocks as an impossibility, he's slowly dredged back up into the conversation. A revised breath of life visits his eyes, only to find he's missed the grand entirety of the topic at hand. Yet as they say, there's no reason to cry over spilled milk. Like a true Tritus, he invariably finds the flow and hitches a ride. "A new student, then?" he directs L... Laa... Lena's way. "Don't ya worry, it won't be all bad. Well, good luck to the lot of yer tomorrow. I should... be off." Shoulders bunched forward, hands still delved deep in his pockets, he gradually steals away his exit until he feels he can pivot about and sally onwards. He's got a secret date with a cigarette, and already delayed.
02:16:51 [Brax] Habits die hard and he ran his hand through his tousled, tawny hair for the uncounted time that night. The Fifth year was on his way, and as was he. Backing up, with a hand raised. “I'm off too.” He barely met either of their eyes, but he expected to catch Lara at least in the common room before L.O. For now he was off in the opposite direction to one, Jer of Tritus. Kennedy jogged down a grand staircase and made for the courtyard. It was commonly known that the Shifter's convened outdoors as often as possible. Stifling Libraries were more suited for a pompous Mage. Brax had to speak to Jed, and Maya, and they were without a doubt, with the others.
02:27:14 [Violette] Taking in a deep breath as people began to slip off she looked to Lara, puckering her lips she crinkled her nose "We have the same first hour..." Nodding her head she rubbed the side of her neck, she was getting that look from the other, the same look she'd gotten previously from Braxton. Nibbling her lower lip she spoke "Fae..." she nodded her head "Pureblood..." she nodded her head "Apparently..." her accent rolled off that silvery serpents tongue of hers. Another breath and her beating heart began to relax "Names Violette Croix, and though ut sounds fancy, and fits not my ethnicity... it works..." Nodding her head she watched Lara for a moment "Well I should go..." she rocked from heel to toe, she was want a damned cigarette -- letting a faint smirk dance over soft angelic features she ventured down the same stairs which Brax had went down, she needed to slip outside and find a place to hide to smoke. Slipping out into the courtyard she looked around curiously -- eying the shifters which had came together, Brax included she blinked a few times and crinkled her nose.
02:38:08 Lara was genuinely smiling in the face of Jer. Oh look, someone polite. It almost threw her off, but she managed a quiet “Thank you.” Almost as quickly as he'd come, he was gone. Miss Locke saluted Brax and she found herself alone with Violette, who was abating her curiosity. It remained a peculiarity that Violette's whose name was all French and appearance all Asian was actually a Russian. In return, “Elemental and Siren, Pure.” Lara's head canted ever slightly, her eyes surveying the girl before her with minute interest. It seemed her impromptu meeting with other students had come to it's untimely end, and Lara had barely smiled and uttered “I'll see you tomorrow, then. Goodnight...” before Violette was off, following the same direction Braxton had taken which brought an undeniable frown to those plush, Siren lips.
02:40:31 Sophelia had only recently returned to this place she was so forced to call a home, to her it felt more like a prison. With a very dissatisfying sigh, and after a bit of unpacking she finally managed to find some time outside of her room, which she'd be unwillingly forced back into in an hour or so. Trudging down a staircase, she passed a few of the new students who seemed all too giddy to be here, this only caused her to let out a faint sigh of disgust, though she couldn't really complain, she'd finally made it to her sixth year....it only had taken her a second try! Now looking about the various halls around her, she wondered if she could even find anyone she may have even absent mindly spoken with before the break. Tugging at the collar of the necktie she was forced to wear, she left it hanging loosely around her neck, the first two top buttons undone as the vibrant colors of the underlying tattoos showned through some. She kept the shirt as curled in as she possibly could, hoping none of the staffing here would call her out on having her ink showing, but she figured before the night was up she'd get at least one scolding. Finally deciding on a hallway to take, she meandered down it some, hoping to see a familiar face or something. Finding the halls gave little way to socialization or any familiar face, the courtyard was her last hope of any interaction before she had to be locked in her room until classes resumed in the morning. Poking about outside now, the shifters were in their usual little gathering, probably all prowling and poking fun at some of the newer ones, or even of another Ethertouched. Either way, she knew that group would serve little purpose in conversation at the current moment. Wrinkling her nose, she sat on one of the stone ledges just a bit off from the Institute itself, just sitting there patiently observing and eying everyone who walked past her.
02:45:27 Jer has spent years fueling his habit with his talents and his talents with his habit; that said, the mage (temporarily away from the stuffy cloisters) is enjoying a cigarette in a shaded part of the courtyard. It should go without saying that at night, every part of the courtyard ought to be shaded. But given a smattering more of thought, the seer is resting with his back against a cold wall, the rustle of tree boughs directly above him, and decidedly in a patch where light which pours from the windows doesn't touch at all. As for those aforementioned talents, he currently stares straight on through the wisping tendrils of smoke, his gaze a million miles beyond the ashy patterns that lazily escape from between his lips. This isn't something he's actively, purposefully engaged in; this is simply a thing that happens. And in the inevitable dissipation of grey, he sees a certain signal slip upwards, demanding focus to his sky-pale vision. With a newfound sense of time, he begins to suck down his cigarette with a little more urgency, as if getting back inside is suddenly more important than the indulgence of this private vice. Soon the filter is reached and the embered end crushed out against the side of the school itself. It's too early in the year to be climbing in through a window, so he'll chance his way back around to the institute's front and metaphorically keep his head down while doing so.
23:04:43 [Brax] He was a face amongst a few thousand students and faculty that milled into the Main Hall. It wasn't yet time for the evening meal so, each of the four wooden tables were devoid of food and placings. Instead, traversing the immense length that snaked up the Hall and was able to seat each House respectively, was a banner a hands width wide, embroidered finely with the crest of the House the table belonged to. Arcadia on the left, Tritus, Crux and then Magus. Students were already finding places on the benches pulled up to the tables. Brax nudged a Freshman boy who dared head for the table-end furthest from the Dais. “Grunts up the front. Seniors only.” The kid didn't argue, he needed only to glance up at the giant that was Braxton Kennedy, before he hastened to the very front, and as far as humanly possibly from the Shifter. Habitually he ran a hand through his tousled, tawny hair. The day had been long. Between preparing for the semester, greeting returned friends, carrying the skins team to victory on the football field and meeting some 'fresh meat', there had been barely enough time to shower and don his Assembly uniform. Blazer and all, and after some harping from Dryke he'd even bitten his tongue and fastened the top button of his shirt. Irritably, he pulled at the collar and tie. “I'm sick of this bull. he muttered softly. Silence hadn't yet been commanded, but the usual din of the Hall was absent when they were assembling for a Formal Address. Besides, those who had seen a Commencement Assembly at Hex before, knew what they were in for. The few Magus Shifter Seniors sitting with him nodded assent, grumbled and hunched forwards on the bench. A grim smirk finding his lips, he wondered on Lara and Violette's reactions. The Grunts would likely have no need for the Feast that was to come, and nightmares were guaranteed to plague their first night at Hex. Eyes of Molten Amber drifted across familiar faces. Crux was next to them, he eyed Trix. Caught sight of Hunter looking serious as ever with his pure-blood cousins. Arcadia on the far side, there wasn't a chance of spying petite Violette but Lara, in Magus, was easily spotted. Before she could pass by he reached for her wrist, halting her, and guiding her to sit beside him (after shoving the guy on his other side to move). Leila was likely seated nearby. Once everyone was seated, Headmaster Luthor rose from the Black Throne in the center of the head table. There was no request for silence, for the soft whispering ceased as soon as he moved.
23:06:49 Lara 's eyes of deep jade found the stars as she moved nimbly toward the Magus table and found herself caught in the herd of delinquents that was students in their pursuit or a place. Slim fingers straightened the lapels of her expensively tailored Hex blazer that emphasised her enviable waist and the curves to perfected that her Siren inheritance had bestowed upon her. Her tartan skirt barely reached mid thigh, revealing just the right amount of flesh above navy socks that pulled up above her knees. Even her plain black dress with their slight heel were designer. If it was necessary that Miss Locke wear a uniform, she would wear it with style. Her posture was poised, and in true Siren style the beauty's steps seemed almost like a dance, one that was wasted in the midst of students. Plush, cupid-bow lips smiled prettily and she peered with her signature allure through long, lowered lashes at a boy that ceased in his very step to stare at her. The procession was dull enough to require a little fun, but before she could so much as wink at the boy, a vice like grip around her wrist carted her onto a hard wooden bench. She yelped. Even her surprised expression was pleasant to look upon. “Eugh! Braxton!” came her chide, accent as heavy as ever. With an irritable flick of her free hanging, waist-length brunette locks she turned to be seated properly. Of course Lara would be invited to sit with Seniors on her first day. Of course the resident popular jock would have taken liking to her. Fate always seemed to smile upon her. If one were to ignore her exile to Hex, they would find that the spoiled Lara Locke had lived a charmed life. “If you had wished to escort me, you need only have asked politely.” Rubbing her unharmed wrist as a spoiled Miss would. It was hard not to notice the unease that settled over the Seniors but she wasn't so easily cowed, and turned just as every other did, to stare at the Headmaster when he came forward to address them.
23:15:58 [Brax] He smirked initially at Lara's response, “Noted.” His smirk dropped and his eyes found their Headmaster. Behind Luthor, the grand windows that overlooked the Loch had turned a deep scarlet and orange in sunset, the reflection on the pristine water making it all the more red. It made the Elder man seem almost demonic. He was no kind looking Grandfather no, this man was tall and built with lean, wiry muscle. His skin skin was so pale it seemed almost gray and tinged with death. There were dark, markings on his face; Ancient symbols and words from the Old Ways. Cropped, dark hair was slicked back and drew attention to the long scar that cut his entire face, from forehead to chin in half. The rumours about that one ran wild, but no one knew it's origin. Dark, red eyes bore through the audience. He was robed in a dark cloak and formal wear with the Hex Crest on his breast. “Welcome students!” Deep voiced, the Acoustics of the Hall required no spell or human equipment for all to hear him,“To the One hundred and Seventy Fifth Year of The Hex Institute.” Pausing for effect, “Each year we endeavour to mould young minds, hone Ether Gifts and refine our future leaders. We do not take these tasks lightly. Ours is a serious task, for in the human world you will be put to the test. Our Gifts come at a cost, with them, comes duty and enemies. There are those that will seek to destroy what is different. Humans and our own kind. At Hex we believe in the unity of Ether, to bring an end to segregation eternally and bind us all as allies.” His dark, red eyes gleamed. “Ultimately, your biggest enemies...” Brax mouthed the words, the sixth time he had heard them, “Are yourselves!” Luthor let that one sink in. “Many of you come to us at Hex because you were destroying yourselves, risking yourselves. We will make wise men and women out of you. Wise and strong. Disobedience will not be tolerated, and weakness will be weeded out and crushed.” Brax could practically feel the spittle leaving the Seer's mouth as he spoke, the fiery burn of his eyes that every student would feel burning into their minds. So powerful was he that he was able to utter words in their inner thoughts, seep through their memories and engage with them all at once. For Brax, the words cut through the barriers he had built himself and he tensed in his seat and scowled. Sounds of confusion and fear left the Freshman and new kids who weren't used to Luthor's invading. “At Hex, we prepare you for our fight for survival.” Despite the setting sun outside, the windows instantly drew black, and every chandelier in the Hall and surrounding area lost its flame. Pitch dark. A young girl yelped, and more youth's gasped. The Seniors said nothing.
23:28:26 [Violette] Long dark lashes fluttering closed as her inner most secrets were thrown upon a poker table of sorts, dug up and unburied -- splayed out for her to live through once again. It was odd really, the darkness covered everything in that very moment -- yet violet didn't once flinch as her past nightmares were shoved forward as if living them again. She was being toyed with, made to face her demons in that very moment -- and the oracle of a girl wasn't even fazed. Violet pools glowing slightly within the darkness she looked around, she couldn't see a damn thing but she wasn't one of those new bloods that gasped and whimpered that was for sure. She'd been through worse, and surely she'd be through more in her life -- she was no bad ass -- far from it, but she'd seen enough in her life to know when to be truly scared. Nibbling her pillowy lower lip she wrapped her arms around her chest, willowy fingers kneading into her arms she sat still waiting for the 'magic show' to finish.
23:31:41 Lara 's nose wrinkled adorably in distaste once she had gauged the appearance of Headmaster Luthor. He was a frightful man. A shiver tore down her spine as he began talking, feeling anything but welcome from the spiel that seemed designed to turn their minds to unified putty. Between the lines, Lara was sure she caught violent warnings. She wanted to cast her eyes on Brax, or anywhere, but Luthor's eyes commanded her attention if she could but look away. The colour had drained from her face, and the girl jerked in her seat as his unsettling voice infiltrated the private sanctuary of her mind. For Lara he found her insecurities, her fears and addressed what she could and would become. It may have been a tool to instil motivation and the right set of mind for a semester of hard-work but, for those who were old enough to know better it was a distinct attempt to intimidate and earn obedience. Even their thoughts were not their own. When the lights and even the sunset disappeared she heard a breathy gasp, barely realising it was her. Desperate for answers she tried to seek out Brax or any of the others but she could see nobody in the darkness, only feel the Shifter's closeness.
23:35:30 [Brax] Above them, at the center of the room appeared what seemed like a glitching projector image, only it was holographic and cast by spells, three dimensional and realistic, save for the fact that the beings were pale white and rather transparent. There was no background, only three girls standing in the darkness. They were young, no more than fourteen and dressed fittingly for the 1600's. A Siren's voice sounded with Ether dripping from her words, soft, young and female. She recounted the story of these girls, “Seer Mages. Analise Medelor, Elizabethe and Brighid Weir......” The images seemed to zoom until the young, fearful faces were big enough that all could see the desperation in their eyes. “Fourteen years old. They offered their Gifts to humans, helped them with foresight and were used only for human gain.” Back to full length, humans appeared from all over the Hall, walking above the student's heads to the centre of the room where the young girls backed into each other and cowered. Two of them held hands. “A failed Harvest and a flood. The Seers were blamed. Humans always demonise what they cannot understand.” A man had been pointing, and seemed to scream something but his words were unintelligible. Farmers and the like approached with pitchforks, even a Priest brandished his crucifix hatefully. The mob threw stones and each sound was heard, like background music as the Siren voice narrated their story. “The sisters were battered and subdued, tied to one another and brought to the river.” The Priest raved, and then the leader came forward. Brax shut his eyes, knowing what was coming. Lara being a Mage would likely be horrified so he placed his hand over hers, and gave it a squeeze. “Elizabethe was fatally pierced, dead before her weight could bring her sister to the ground. Brighid and her sister's carcass were tossed into the water by hateful human hands. She drowned.” The students saw it all. Heard the unearthly scream of anguish before the girls hit the water. This was nothing in comparison to Analise Medelor's slow burn at the stake. The acrid stench seemed to waft through the Hall. Her screams. Some kids had screamed at the deaths, others were crying. All were horrified, even those who disliked Mages. Knowing she was one, and that it was her first time viewing the display, Brax gave Lara's hand another squeeze. Analise's body faded, and before relief could set in there was another image, this one over the Arcadia table. “Silas Everwood, Arya Everwood, Oskar and Reyenne Everwood.” Husband and wife, smiling, the father lifting his toddler son over his head and looking to his infant daughter. More gory than the last, they heard the story of the Elementals. We watched the father's public beheading, the mothers stoning and strangling of the children. Heard the screams, watched the fear and pain. Over Crux, a Shifter tortured and murdered, this one closer to present day. Those who murdered him cut his heart from his breast, and had tattoos of eyes and latin words on their own. The Eye of God a group of Religious fanatics that's sole purpose was to rid the world of Ether. Everyone touched knew about them. By the end of the display they had watched dozens of Ether-touched murdered gruesomely, every race, every age. Even infants, elderly and women were not safe. Humans would always fear what they could not control. The display was to teach them the importance of Ether secrecy, of their vow not to use their abilities in the mortal world until they were of age and then, do so with utmost care. Along with this, it taught them that they needed to work hard so they could defend themselves against such hate. Luthor delivered another speech of this sort in the darkness, which slowly faded back to light over the next ten minutes. A number of seats at the front of the tables were empty, Freshmen excused to the bathrooms to be sick, cry or those who were frantic were shocked were allowed to return to their dormitories. Sickeningly enough, with the gruesome display over , Luthor smiled “Let us eat! Energy will be needed for the beginning of the Semester tomorrow, a long day ahead students.” His hands rose and with a flick of a wrist he conjured the food prepared in the underground kitchens to a bountiful array on each table. Not many people were hungry, Even Dryke gave a Freshman from her house a sympathetic swat on the shoulder with her ruler, if you could call it that.
23:43:18 [Violette] Watching the display before her she felt sympathy, sorrow for those lost, but her stomach did not turn -- she did not look away from was was shown to her -- she took the history as knowledge and banked it within her mind. Tongue pressing against the back of her teeth she sighed as light poured back into the room, eyes flickering towards the paled faces of the others whom surrounded her she smoothed her hands down the front of her blazer and rolled her shoulders. Looking towards the food she grabbed an apple and took a bite -- a girl next to her running to vomit she smirked "Weaklings..." nibbling her fruit she looked around, eyes upon Brax and the beauty near him she nodded her head and bat her lashes -- she said not another word as ate happily. So what she had a few issues, a few things which didn't process like a normal persons would -- so be it if she were judged -- she didn't care.
23:55:07 Lara stared at the conjured pictures, watching the young girls with rapt attention just as it was intended they do. Luthor played them all like puppets, like fools. The Siren held them all in his grasp with her narration, and she could only stare with horror as the people of the village surrounded them. With the lights on and their minds their own, she would have batted Brax's hand away and flirted in return. In this instant? Her heart was beating rapidly beneath her heaving breast, and she entwined fingers with the Shifter, he was an anchor. The lesson drew soft mewls of fear from her full lips and tears welled in her eyes but froze there, never falling. By the time Luthor began to speak again and the Hall grew lighter her eyes were shut tight, her teeth embedded in her lower lip and her hand holding so tight to Brax that, were she any stronger, she may have broken his fingers. Unwilling to show another ounce of weakness, she forced herself to let go and open her eyes to the food in front of her. As luck would have it, there was a steaming pot of tomato soup in front of her placement, jam tarts to her left. Lara's stomach rolled for she could still smell the acrid burning and a metallic taste soured her tongue. Surprisingly, the girl did not put anything on her plate.
00:19:23 [Brax] He didn't flinch at the attack on his hand by Lara. Physically, she was as weak as a kitten in comparison to his naturally inherited strength. He and the other Shiters of Magus house, at least those considered old enough to be welcomed a place at the end of the table weren't exactly over-excited to eat after that, but most have them had experienced the 'performance' five times before. It never got any easier. But this was a boarding school, you couldn't simply turn your nose up at food and go back to the kitchen when you were hungry it was eat now or try to sleep on an empty stomach. Besides, Shifters were known for having quite the appetite. When Lara let go he muttered “Welcome to Hex.” Call it the only home he had ever known, but it wasn't Luthor or a number of the staff that made it that way. One would expect a torrent of conversation between the friends who hadn't seen each other over the school break but it was a quiet dinner, and once they were finished were allowed to leave and roam the correct areas of the school until it was time for Lights Out. Leaving the courtyard was forbidden after dinner, so most chose to remain inside. This gave the students free time within various hallways, most rooms (none of the classrooms or off-limits areas) the Library and their House common rooms, dormitories and bathrooms. Brax pasted the Kennedy grin on his face as he, the Shifters and Lara who was likely caught in their midst headed for the doors. “Where to? The grunts will usually go for the common rooms .” Common rooms were regularly senior ruling grounds but, with segregation causing students to stick with their own kind, and each kind seperated in different houses, they picked other hangouts. “We got the Courtyard, don't go for the Library that's filled with Mages.” His particular group of buds had found a few secret areas that were likely off-limits. His favourite was notably the room 'in the wall' that has peep-hole views into a few rooms. A few classrooms and a, most importantly, a girls bathroom. As they left the Hall he spotted Violette in the crowd and wolf-whistled. “Vi.” He gave her a half wave.
00:26:18 [Violette] Slipping from the hall quickly as possible her eyes darted this way and that for escape routes -- she always had escape routes for everything. Pursing her lips her eyes darted towards a whistle which cause her attention, swallowing the lump within her throat she nodded to Brax and slowly slipped over. "Hello..." eyes darting from Brax towards Lara she ticked her head to the left side. "Interesting playboy..." a smirk danced over angelic features as she rolled her shoulders. Taking in a small breath she smoothed her hands over her obviously hemmed skirt -- she was more than likely going to get tons of shit for it -- but she didn't give no fucks. Pressing her lips into a thin line her eyes moved back towards Brax "Nice seeing you again richboy..." nodding her head she turned on her heels -- she didn't want to be in the way of the obvious self-proclaimed princess at his side -- that wasn't how she rolled. Shoving her hands in the pockets of her blazer she moved one foot in front of the other. If stopped she would do so, if not she'd find her way back towards her dorm.
00:44:53 Lara went without her dinner, but the sick feeling left her eventually even though she was forced to observe the beastly Shifters stuffing their faces. Brax may be one of the better looking guys at Hex, Senior and paying her attention but a lifetime of prejudices couldn't be dropped even if he'd held her hand. Could they? There was something sweet beneath his hard exterior, but she visibly shook her head at the intrusive thought, still finding herself easily lead along by the Shifters. There were a few fourth year Magus Siren's and Mages she'd introduced herself to such as the girls she was dorming with, but it suited her to stay with the feral Shifter for now. “So many choices.” Sarcasm with underlying truth. The Academy may have been an elite school but it was so elite, expensive and hindered by it's refusal to admit half-bloods or the bestial races that it was a smaller school. A smaller school with smaller grounds. In the Academy's defence, the Headmistress didn't force them to watch dozens of horrific murders before dinner either. “Implying I wouldn't prefer to go to the Library be-..” She was cut off, flashing Jade eyes staring over the boys shoulder at Violette. Another new fourth year she'd heard, the girls in her dorm were gossips and had eyes everywhere, which Lara considered a useful tool. Having not actually met the girl, she offered her a polite, charming smile and kept herself from raising an eyebrow. Playboy and Richboy? The girl was 'clever' in her insults and she found herself wondering if she'd go all out and call him Fatboy too. “You're the other new fourth year, aren't you?” The words were spoken before the girl had moved to leave. Lara's voice was sweet, French and inviting.
00:48:27 Jer too has been through the school's customary gauntlet of a welcome a few times before. That first year, though, seeing the torture reel had verily harrowed him to a dry throat (more likely in guilt for his flippant run-around behavior than any true horror, but harrowed all the same). With each successive year, it's become a question of how long he actually pays attention before zoning out. At least once all is over and done with, he's roused from his distant dreaming by the reanimated housemates at his sides; the consumption of their meal continually interrupted thereafter by conversation and laughs and new introductions. Nonetheless, eventually there is no more dinner to be had and the lot of them must shove out from the Great Hall. Jeremy himself walks on the outside of this five-Tritus-deep pack, the likes of which begins to unravel and split off in different directions. Short story made shorter, the fifth year is walking backwards and waving off friends - until a muscle jerk around his left eye prefaces a very sudden change in course. He whips around to face near-forward before indulging a very wide pivot around the petite Asian miss he would have sooner collided into. "Pardon, pardon," he apologizes fast, inappropriately still grinning (residual from the raucous company he'd just left). The hand he'd placed on her shoulder to sweep around her is lifted off, both hands jammed into his pockets from there as he toddles a couple steps more away, his gaze meanwhile flicking between the two others clustered with her.
01:03:01 [Brax] It came as a surprise when Svetlana stopped and gave him the time of day but she had been uncommonly nice when she had left him at the mercy of two argumentative harpies or rather, Elaine and Leila. Somehow he had emerged unscathed, albeit with a bad mood and more strikes against his dislike for the Were and that twit of a little Mage. Interesting? What was interesting? That he and six Magus Shifters, girls and boys, had taken some fresh meat under their wing? Again, with the wounding. He ignored the suggestion. “How was your first Assembly?” Brow raised,wry grin. His buds had wandered off, their direction hinting at a meeting in the Courtyard. If Vi had still left, he would shrug it off and turn to Lara. “Hex is going to tear you a new one. Show me your timetable, I'll see who will be torturing you tomorrow.” For now he was leaning against the wall, some students heading past or talking in small groups.
01:08:04 [Violette] Pausing in her steps she took in a breath, head ticking to one side she went to speak as suddenly her eyes widened as hands were upon her shoulders. Biting her lower lip harshly, almost to the point of drawing blood her eyes landed upon Jer -- you see Violette had this thing about being touched. Going rigged she nodded her head, he'd 'sort' of apologized for it -- had he not...? Breath Vi, it was just a hand on your shoulder... it's not like he violated you... Shaking her head she took in a breath "No excuse me..." her voice was dripping with that Russian accent which made her words seem so much more harsh than they should have. Sucking in a breath she looked to Lara "Yes, I am..." she finally exhaled -- her eyes darting back towards Jer -- staring at him long and hard her shoulders still uptight. Looking towards Brax as she suddenly snapped back to reality she smirked "I lived through it, I ate unlike most, so I'd say all and all... it went pretty well..." chuckling softly she smoothed her hands down her front as she stepped towards Brax and looked up at him -- at the back of her mind though something was probing -- she couldn't quite figure it out yet though.
01:19:13 Lara listened to the banter between Brax and Violette. Did the guy hunt down all the new students and become their tour guide every commencement day, or was this a special occasion? It was hard not to notice the awkward arrival of Jer, but she smiled in his direction and smoothed things over by continuing the conversation. “I figure we'll have classes together. Lara Locke.” She introduced herself, her name rolling off her tongue confidently. The introduction seemed directed at Jer as well, and she seemed to beckon him into their instant group “Are you a fourth year too?” Her nose took to another wrinkle as they discussed the Assembly. “That was disgusting. It was such a blatant mind-control attempt.” The girl would never admit it, but it worked, she may consider herself of higher standing than the untouched but now she found herself feeling wary of them, and harbouring a budding dislike for their kind. Huffing a playful sigh she pulled the folded parchment from her inner breast pocket and handed it to Brax. “Please!” She joked, one hand shielding her eyes. “Be gentle.”
01:32:28 [Jer] Someone imbued with a seer's gift really ought not to be as thick-headed as Jeremy. And yet, as that affronted gaze shoots up at him and tensions roil beneath the surface, he scarcely even catches a whiff of it as he congenially glosses right over. He is, however, a tinged surprised himself to hear that thick accent - Russian, no less - gob up the tongue of a girl who hardly looks Russian at all. But maybe he'd already known that about her and had simply forgotten over the break. He does tend to dump the minor details while the immediate future leaks in. In any case, a small twitch at the corner of his left eye scrunches ephemeral while he otherwise plucks up the visages of the other two. The upperclassman he recognizes (and not much more beyond that) but the other girl he can't quite place. Somewhere in the midst of this far-off analysis, he realizes said girl is kind of addressing him. His soft countenance quickly snaps from the stupor, brightening instantly with a wide smile once he's checked over a shoulder and seen no one else there behind him. "Me? No. Fifth," his amiable answer comes succinctly. A moment later he notices he hadn't actually returned his own name (or remembered hers) but the window has closed by the time the conversation continues without him. Should he be on his way? It seems rude now. He doesn't want to interrupt for the sake of leaving, so he decides to stick it out until the next opportune moment. But gosh the Arcadia girl beside him is short. That's a good arm rest height right there. He must have seen her in these halls or in class before; maybe he's never stood next to her. These thoughts aren't quite helping the fact that he's peeping down at her the whole while as the newbie's schedule is sorted out.
01:43:57 [Brax] In true Braxton Kennedy style, he chuckled and shook his head. Vi was a tough nut, and from their earlier encounters he would have put a bet on it taking more to shatter her. Jer was offered only a quick glance. He was a lower year, a different House and most importantly a Mage snob. Aquaintences at best, but ignoring the welcoming performance he'd offered the Fresh meat, he didn't take kindly to those that weren't his own kind. Jer's case may have been helped by female and attractive but, as luck would have it he was an airhead of a guy one that Vi, he noticed Jer was looking at, would eat or breakfast. Brax unfolded the parchment, turned it over and studied the timetable. His voice went low and dangerous, “Well, well, well.” Grinning with sly intent, “You've got Dryke. First thing tomorrow.” He let that one sink it, remembering that Lara was present during lunchtime when he'd personally had his ass handed to him, received a ruler swat along with Lara and Violette. He let that one sink in, remembering that Lara was present during lunchtime when he'd personally had his ass handed to him, received a ruler swat along with Lara and Violette. “Massive bitch. Eh, then Weir total Tilf. Blah, Hart.. Linard. Morgan.” Refolding and passing it back he leaned more leisurely against the wall. “Can't say I envy you, Mage.”
01:49:10 [Violette] Pixie-like eyes widening as eyes feel like they're burning into her very soul her heart began to race -- taking in a breath he looked towards Lara "Maybe we will..." not a girl of many words was she. Tonguing the inside of her left cheek she feels the pace of her heart quickening, it was starting to feel like it was thudding in her throat, ticking her head to one side mocha strands of silken hair fall into violet eyes -- lifting her head she suddenly locked eyes with Jer. Biting her plush pomegranate painted lower lip she hissed out a breath she'd been holding in her lungs which caused a burning sensation. Swirls of silver flecks dancing through plum colored iris’s she bowed her head "Hello..." her accent rolled off her pillowed lips like that of a venomous honey. Eyes darting away from Jer towards Lara and Brax she wrung her hands together -- you seen Violette wasn't scared of the norm -- she could play it off as if nothing bothered her, but she had insane anxiety issues and she was medicated for it. Raised in a world which her 'gifts' were not acknowledged, untouched human issues ailed her. Thin dark eyebrows knitting she was silent -- little did she know the massively tall guy which stood next to her was thinking upon her height. Obsidian lashes clashing closed not once but twice she looked towards Brax, ticking her head to the side -- fidgeting she took in a breath "Well umm..." puckering her lips in thought she moved from one foot to the other.
02:00:58 Lara failed to attempt to bring the fifth year into the conversation again, other than a simple look once he divulged that he was a Fifth year. Like any Ether-touched she wondered of his and Violette's race and blood purity, but she did not pose the question. Instead her slender limbs dropped so that she could smooth the short tartan skirt that hugged her hips whilst awaiting the dreaded verdict. The timetables only gave the Professor's initials along with the period, location and subject of each class. Locke expected to enjoy Braxton's joking, but with a melodic groan she was surprised to find herself dreaded her first class of the next day. The one Professor she had already found she disliked, what were the odds? Biting her lower, cupid bow lip, her piercing Jade eyes sought out the other new fourth year who had endured the embarrassing attention of Madame Dyke already. Charming with a sheepish grin in her direction. <i> “I hope for your sake that is not one of the classes we share.” “I hope for your sake that is not one of the classes we share.” Unfamiliar with the term 'Tilf' or any of the remaining teachers as neither of them were in Magus house, she made no further comment but tucked the folded parchment back in her inner blazer pocket. “Liar.”
02:07:35 Jer bets parking his arm atop her head would prove to be more comfortable than any stone ledge or wood banister here. Luckily he knows he shouldn't, no matter what her reputation may or may not be; he doesn't need to divine the future to understand how that could go wrong. Thus finished with that prospect, dashed upon the rocks as an impossibility, he's slowly dredged back up into the conversation. A revised breath of life visits his eyes, only to find he's missed the grand entirety of the topic at hand. Yet as they say, there's no reason to cry over spilled milk. Like a true Tritus, he invariably finds the flow and hitches a ride. "A new student, then?" he directs L... Laa... Lena's way. "Don't ya worry, it won't be all bad. Well, good luck to the lot of yer tomorrow. I should... be off." Shoulders bunched forward, hands still delved deep in his pockets, he gradually steals away his exit until he feels he can pivot about and sally onwards. He's got a secret date with a cigarette, and already delayed.
02:16:51 [Brax] Habits die hard and he ran his hand through his tousled, tawny hair for the uncounted time that night. The Fifth year was on his way, and as was he. Backing up, with a hand raised. “I'm off too.” He barely met either of their eyes, but he expected to catch Lara at least in the common room before L.O. For now he was off in the opposite direction to one, Jer of Tritus. Kennedy jogged down a grand staircase and made for the courtyard. It was commonly known that the Shifter's convened outdoors as often as possible. Stifling Libraries were more suited for a pompous Mage. Brax had to speak to Jed, and Maya, and they were without a doubt, with the others.
02:27:14 [Violette] Taking in a deep breath as people began to slip off she looked to Lara, puckering her lips she crinkled her nose "We have the same first hour..." Nodding her head she rubbed the side of her neck, she was getting that look from the other, the same look she'd gotten previously from Braxton. Nibbling her lower lip she spoke "Fae..." she nodded her head "Pureblood..." she nodded her head "Apparently..." her accent rolled off that silvery serpents tongue of hers. Another breath and her beating heart began to relax "Names Violette Croix, and though ut sounds fancy, and fits not my ethnicity... it works..." Nodding her head she watched Lara for a moment "Well I should go..." she rocked from heel to toe, she was want a damned cigarette -- letting a faint smirk dance over soft angelic features she ventured down the same stairs which Brax had went down, she needed to slip outside and find a place to hide to smoke. Slipping out into the courtyard she looked around curiously -- eying the shifters which had came together, Brax included she blinked a few times and crinkled her nose.
02:38:08 Lara was genuinely smiling in the face of Jer. Oh look, someone polite. It almost threw her off, but she managed a quiet “Thank you.” Almost as quickly as he'd come, he was gone. Miss Locke saluted Brax and she found herself alone with Violette, who was abating her curiosity. It remained a peculiarity that Violette's whose name was all French and appearance all Asian was actually a Russian. In return, “Elemental and Siren, Pure.” Lara's head canted ever slightly, her eyes surveying the girl before her with minute interest. It seemed her impromptu meeting with other students had come to it's untimely end, and Lara had barely smiled and uttered “I'll see you tomorrow, then. Goodnight...” before Violette was off, following the same direction Braxton had taken which brought an undeniable frown to those plush, Siren lips.
02:40:31 Sophelia had only recently returned to this place she was so forced to call a home, to her it felt more like a prison. With a very dissatisfying sigh, and after a bit of unpacking she finally managed to find some time outside of her room, which she'd be unwillingly forced back into in an hour or so. Trudging down a staircase, she passed a few of the new students who seemed all too giddy to be here, this only caused her to let out a faint sigh of disgust, though she couldn't really complain, she'd finally made it to her sixth year....it only had taken her a second try! Now looking about the various halls around her, she wondered if she could even find anyone she may have even absent mindly spoken with before the break. Tugging at the collar of the necktie she was forced to wear, she left it hanging loosely around her neck, the first two top buttons undone as the vibrant colors of the underlying tattoos showned through some. She kept the shirt as curled in as she possibly could, hoping none of the staffing here would call her out on having her ink showing, but she figured before the night was up she'd get at least one scolding. Finally deciding on a hallway to take, she meandered down it some, hoping to see a familiar face or something. Finding the halls gave little way to socialization or any familiar face, the courtyard was her last hope of any interaction before she had to be locked in her room until classes resumed in the morning. Poking about outside now, the shifters were in their usual little gathering, probably all prowling and poking fun at some of the newer ones, or even of another Ethertouched. Either way, she knew that group would serve little purpose in conversation at the current moment. Wrinkling her nose, she sat on one of the stone ledges just a bit off from the Institute itself, just sitting there patiently observing and eying everyone who walked past her.
02:45:27 Jer has spent years fueling his habit with his talents and his talents with his habit; that said, the mage (temporarily away from the stuffy cloisters) is enjoying a cigarette in a shaded part of the courtyard. It should go without saying that at night, every part of the courtyard ought to be shaded. But given a smattering more of thought, the seer is resting with his back against a cold wall, the rustle of tree boughs directly above him, and decidedly in a patch where light which pours from the windows doesn't touch at all. As for those aforementioned talents, he currently stares straight on through the wisping tendrils of smoke, his gaze a million miles beyond the ashy patterns that lazily escape from between his lips. This isn't something he's actively, purposefully engaged in; this is simply a thing that happens. And in the inevitable dissipation of grey, he sees a certain signal slip upwards, demanding focus to his sky-pale vision. With a newfound sense of time, he begins to suck down his cigarette with a little more urgency, as if getting back inside is suddenly more important than the indulgence of this private vice. Soon the filter is reached and the embered end crushed out against the side of the school itself. It's too early in the year to be climbing in through a window, so he'll chance his way back around to the institute's front and metaphorically keep his head down while doing so.