The room was dense with students, all chattering excitedly. They had just finished testing, and knew their scores... The worst was behind them. Now it was time for orientation.
Some had been at the school for a few years, others never before. It was a time of excitement and fear and Jesibell viewed their faces and smiled. She loved the beginning of the year. It was a fresh start, so full of promise.
She stood slowly, from the chair on the stage amongst her colleagues and addressed the room.

"Welcome students, to Excelius..." She paused for the power of the school's name to sink in to the audience. The school was older than anyone would have thought. It was a place of mystery and intrigue... A place where darkness crept, and was kept at bay by the brave, the valiant.

"You are all here today because you have something to offer the world. We hope that through our guidance you will be shaped into the best you can possibly become... I'm not going to lie to you... You all know that the strange events, the earthquakes, the storms, the hurricanes... it's all signs that soon we will fall on hard times. A great, and horrible adventure lays ahead ladies and gentlemen and I am proud to stand amongst you today and know that one day I will fight beside you."

She glanced around at all the faces. They were silent, pensive. She motioned to the teachers beside her and introduced them one by one, starting with herself.

"I am headmaster and master of magic here. I go by the name of Jesibell D'Vorn, but you may call me Professor or Headmaster D'Vorn. She moved to her right, along the line of teachers who stood proudly in their Excelius robes. They were dark navy and wore the silver moon, which was the symbol of the school.
"This is Professor Linnhadhiel, teacher of battle tactics. If you are on the path to become a warrior, a valiant knight, she will be your guide." A petite, fair skinned, dark hair beauty looked up from her spot on the platform and nodded to the headmaster.
She moved farther down farther, to the next teacher seated.
"This is Professor Winsor. master of stealth. If you are going to be a spy, a man or woman of the shadows in this time for chaos he will be your guide." This man made no motion, just stood, face mostly covered in his garb.
Then she stood before the final professor.
"And last but certainly not least we have, Professor Ulderwerndt. She has descended from a great family of Elvin people who where the best of their kind at forging and crafting. She will guide those who wish to learn the intricacies of mechanical pursuits."

She took the staff in her hand and tapped it with a thud on the cement auditorium space. It echoed through the hall and the doors at the back flew open.
"We will show you to your quarters where you may settle in. Ulderwerndt, Winsor, Linnhadhiel if you will?" She said, motioning for them to usher the students to the west wing. "Show them around... teach them the ways of the school..." She whispered.

There were many things the students must learn about the school. The veil between earth and the other worlds, heaven and hell was growing thin. Things from the other side were crossing... People were getting stuck between one place and the next... It was a dangerous time.
Ghosts often came to the school seeking refugee and not all of them were nice. There were chambers in the school where they kept the worst of them contained by old magic so that they would not harm the nearby villages.
The better of the spirits roamed the halls at night... and no one was allowed outside of their beds. She gave Winsor a look that clearly said, "Tell them only what they need to know and keep them safe. Make sure they know the rules."

She waved him along and headed to her office she needed to sort through the children's tests, get them sorted before they returned. Then the teachers would show them their class rooms and hit off their first day.

"Jesi, do you really expect me to do anything less...?" The Shinobi sighed a little, stalking down the hallways, keeping to shadows, just from pure habit. Seeing some students go astray he would lead them back into the lines, "Go on, you don't want to get into trouble. I assure you." It sounded a little like a threat, so the students backed off.
Winsor didn't like most students, only ones who he could really get in touch with. Get to know. Though, majority of his life, he'd never been like that. He was sure he had a daughter out there, somewhere... Maybe... No... But... There was the possibility...
Turning to walk back down the halls, he noticed one of the teachers look questioningly at him. Smiling under his garb, his voice was serene, light. "Linn," He said clearly, yet gently. He had short names for everyone (this was Linnhadhiel he was speaking too, now), just to make conversation easier. Though everyone knew he meant this respectfully. "Do you know where Jisabel is? I'd like to speak with her as soon as possible."


Ian Rebus was a teenager who didn't know his place. Stalking around, wading in the crowds with the other students. He bumped into a young caped woman, maybe the same age as him. "If you'd please watch your steps, Miss...?" He was obviously being polite. He wasn't like most, always gawking about at women. He was gentle with them, and treated them as equals... That's what his... Parents would want... Right?

Amongst all the talking students sat a lone girl, back straight and eyes always attentive, albeit anxious. Nino Reed followed her two brothers before her, Llyod and Linus, both accomplished graduates and warriors of the mercenary guild Black Fang, long time ally of the school. And yet, despite all this, Nino felt .. nervous, almost pressured to do well, despite her family's reassurance and praise. She was the first mage of the family. She would be one to remember.

She listened to the lecture without grim understanding. For a long time, she'd known of the growing evil. More than once her brothers or her father came home after battling some sort of demonic creature or follower of the dark arts. It was distressing, especially with her new step-mother ... but that was neither here nor there. She stood and gathered her bag, full of her belongings and her tomes for magic. She filtered out of the auditorium with everyone else, trying to watch her step, but bumping into some every now and then.

Someone brushed up against her shoulder. "If you'd please watch your steps, Miss ...?" somewhat startled, she turned to face the boy, cheeks slightly pink in embarrassment. Oh, why was she such a clutz?! It made her look like a bigger idiot than she already was! Then again, she was a mage ... "Oh, sorry, it's just so crowded in here ... oh!" that's when she realized he'd asked for a name. "Ah, Reed. Nino Reed. Nino's fine!" She smiled somewhat sheepishly, obviously one of the more nervous of the bunch, even if her clothes were all washed and pressed and her green hair was held back by an indigo ribbon. Her mind was in total disarray, and it showed.

Linnhadhiel stood proudly and boldly alongside her comrades and fellow teachers, her hands folded primly behind her as she awaited politely for Jisabel to finish her starting lecture to the new and fresh- amongst the old and wiser- blood that sat starry eyes and open mouthed in anticipation.
Typically Linnhadhiel was not one to dress in her full battle armory, however the opening day rituals were always considered very traditional at the school and beneath her flowing satiny cloak of midnight, she proudly displayed her breath taking, gleaming battle suit- wearing her scabbard as a ceremonial possession for this occasion.
On a day to day basis, students and teachers alike would probably find her in a pair of satin black boots, buckled in silver, a simple corset, and a flowing shirt beneath that to hide her slender form, while a pair of black pants clung and stretched with her, to allow for the most easy access of movement.
As the Mistress of the school introduced her, she gave a small nod, her dark eyes boring into the mind of all those she saw would be under her charge. Many old faces- but a few new one's she looked forward to having.
As the festivities came to a conclusion, Linn nodded her assent and took the stairs from the platform fluidly to a group of gangly young males doffed in simple hem tunics.
" Young gentlemen..... i suggest you head down to your quarters." She spoke softly, barely above a whisper, but with enough potentcy to silence a whole room and demand attention. " You training begins at 5 this comming morn, and i assure you i do not go lightly on newcommers." Nodding to them she bade them farewell and watched until they dissapeared out of sight behind the legion of armoured older students who knew her ways already.
Sighing she shook her head. This was to be no easy task..... it would seem. As she found herself lost in thought, nearly running into her comrade- another proffesor she looked up sharply, but her features soon warmed to a smile as she recognized the hooded figure.
" ahh yes, Jisabel..... she will be within her office at the moment. If i knwo her as i think i do, she is pouring over endless test result checking and rechecking placements." Linn smiled gently in thought. " You may find her there....... does you matter....." At this she scanned the hall and dropped her voice slightly. " Concern ah..... the..... grounds affair?" Her brown furrowed in worry. Lately they had endless problems with invisible breeches, and alligations of an inside job. This was most worrying, and all teachers were kept on notice if any.. odd behaviour was to take place.

Miranda Pheonix was new here, although already 16 years of age, she had been home schooled in her arts for the most part of her life as of yet.. only now her parents decided upon the option of sending her here to better her social skills... or so they said, personally she figured they just wanted the house to themselves ever since her brother went missing a few months back. " ran away" they said when she endlessly questioned the high council and elders of her villiage. That was bullshit, and she knew it. Maybe if she could learn enough here..... she would be able to find the truth of her brother before it was too late.

He looked at the ground, if only for a moment. Wraith had never liked hearing about the grounds affair, for his own reasons. No one else knew it, but he wasn't an Espionage teacher for no reason. He knew the rules, and could watch out for them. The only thing was... No. He couldn't think of it now. He wouldn't. "Aye, that is correct, Linn." Smiling under his garb, and bowing slightly, he stalked off without a word, other than "Thank ye,".

Prowling around Jisabel's office, he knocked on the door, waiting for a reply. "Oh I hope you're here..." He whispered to himself. None of his other colleagues knew of his situation, other than Jisabel. And he wanted to keep it that way.


Rebus smiled a little at the girl underneath cover of his garbs. "My name's Ian Rebus, call me whichever of the two suits your interest." Bowing slightly, his voice stern, yet still light. He was obviously a stressed teenager. "I assume you, as well, are new? If you'd like... Maybe we could get to know each other this evening. If we're closeby, that is." He'd never been one to flirt, hell, he'd never had a girlfriend. He'd seen people with them, thought it disgusting, people so vile unworthy to be with women so sacred. Though Rebus, he thought, was one of those vile people.

Jesibel was almost through with the papers when she heard Wraith's knock. She looked up from behind her pile of tests, out from beneath her thick, dark lashes.
She reached out with her mind, and entered Wraith's long enough to verify it was him. She didn't pry further, out of respect and waved her hand, opening the door for him.

She was a powerful telekinetic and clairvoyant so it wasn't hard to do. Wraith was used to it. She put down her pen and sat back in her chair, folding her hands across her lap and smiling up at him

"What can I do for you, Wraith?" She asked. She could have just snooped in his mind, but she liked him too much for that. She saw worry on his face however and immediately her smile vanished. It wasn't every day he sought her out for a talk.

Nino smiled lightly, almost nervously. The blush had not diminished, rather, it darkened if only a shade. What could she say? The bow, the tone of his voice, it was of one who was already partially trained in their given arts. She had barely mastered a fireball before she came here. He ... intimidated her, if only slightly, even though she knew he shouldn't. He just admitted that he was new, too. And he was willing to befriend her! Still ... once he found out what she was like, would he still feel the same way?

... oh, who was she kidding? She needed to stop overthinking things! "Oh, ahh, all right ... Ian. I'd like that. So, you're a thief, right? Or an assassin ... whichever you prefer." She thought she'd strike up a conversation as they walked down the corridors with everyone else, though it was loud enough already, people basically shouting over each other to be heard. She didn't want to insult him by calling him something he wasn't. But as a new student, the first class of future spies, assassins, and saboteurs were considered thieves, weren't they?

Wraith looked at her, it wasn't a stern look, but the look of a tired man. Not tired physically. Just tired of everything, life, especially. "You know what I'm here for, Jesi, probably more than I myself know by now. You should know, at least, I've been making this repeating trip on this day for five years, now..."

"Jesi, I can't stress this enough..." It was his first time in her office talking to her, he was nervous and it showed. "A couple of years back, three, maybe more for all I know... I... Had a daughter. I was proud... Yet... I've disappeared ever since. I've never seen her as she is now, last I saw... She was still a baby..." A little bit of burning tears almost escaped him, but he shut his eyes tightly. "I know that no one here knows my real name. But I've come to ask a favour..." He looked up at her like a man who wanted to know the answer to life, the universe, everything in this damned life. "If she's anything like me, she'll be here someday... Probably an Orphan... Or adopted.... I.... Jesibel...." Looking down, he almost started crying, but refused himself to. "My daughter, I suspect will come here some day... If she ever does... I want to know... I know she may hate me for abandoning her, but, Jesi... I still care..."
Now was the time he started crying, almost chanting to himself to comfort his own demons. "I swear it... I still care... I still care... I swear it..."


Rebus grinned at her under his mask like a child on Christmas. "I prefer the term 'Gifted Gentleman', though no one really cares for my words of trying to... Depervert (is that a word?) this... Vile trade, to say the least." Bowing again, he smiled a little more, "So about that little get-together...?" He couldn't help but be curious. She was pretty. And seemed nice.
But what was he? Vile, A killer, A Liar?
How low would he sink?

Jesibel had hoped he wouldn't bring this up. She didn't want to tell him what had been laying heavily on her mind. She had wanted to at least wait until after their first class to break the news.
She knew once he found out his daughter was actually not coming, but was here... well it would be quite a change for him and he was stressed out enough.
She sighed and spoke calmly.

"Sit down Wraith." She waited until he obliged and then started to speak.
"Something tells me she's among us at this very moment, Wraith. I looked through the files and there's quite a few students who have been adopted or are orphaned."

She watched his blank look and shift of anticipation in his seat.
"I can only go by my intuition however, I can't tell who she is... I wish I could but don't have the nose of a werewolf... But I have a friend. He's good with scents... perhaps we could call him in? He could match your scents in an instant..."

She leaned forward in her chair, eyes wary.
"But it might not be as you've dreamed Wraith... a lot can change in a girl over this many years.."

"Oh, yeah, sure!" Nino agreed, looking over the heads of students before she seemed to spot something, grinning and taking his hand in hers, leading him along until they popped out into an empty corridor.

She sighed in relief. "Ah .. that feels better. Nobody pushing you around or stepping on your cape." She scowled, pulling said cape over to see if there were any footprints on it. She just washed it, too! Letting it go after dusting it off, she smiled to Ian. "Well, why don't we go explore the school a little bit, on our own? I'm sure no one will mind! As for your profession," she started talking after setting off down the hall with him. "I don't think it's vile. Just necessary. I've grown up with this kind of stuff - my dad's leader of the Black Fang, ever heard of them? - so I know what you guys do. Not all of you are bad. I like a lot of you!"

Linnhadhiel gave a gentle nod to his evasive response, turning away as he did to begin the slow trudge up the stepp staircase. She was far more exhausted then usual the days of late- and that for sooth was most certainly not something she was planning on mentioning to anyone. She knew what it ment- her vision. They ere becomming mroe and more powerful, to the point of forcing her into unconciousness and should she get an episode while in class..... she could nto bear her pupils losing their faith in her. It took students a while to accept her becuase of her obvious structure (petitie) and the fact she was a woman. Boy were used to women holding high positions around these parts but those that travelled from afar were more weary..... and even so, a woman to teach men combat was something of an unheardof kind.

Miranda succuried up the stairs ith the others who headed to the west astrology tower. Only mages and sorceresses of wizards of the sort slep in the topmost areas of the school. Where a person slept seemed to be determined by their calling, and she could hear hers at the moment- from her bed. Grinning inardly to herself as she enjoyed her little joke, she kept her face unnaturally placid as she was used to doing in the presence of her parents.... or more accuratly, the people who deemed themselves gods for giving her three square meals a day and a soft bed to sleep in.
She was never treated unkindly, that was truth but she had never recieved any "parental" sort of warmth either. They treated her more like a.. very valuable guardian. Ever since she could remember she had been using her powers- or more accuratly they had been using her, being entierly unpredictable her parents had hired someone to try and force her to take hold of and wield her "special gift". She seemed to be making progress, but ever since her brother had dissapeared her powers had started doing wierd things- things she was not even aware they were doing. And with that her wardens had no choice but to send her to a place here she might be set into a safer kind of line.
The funny thing was as far as she knew, her wardens decended froma long line of politicians (being dukes, lords, and otherwise men and women with affairs od the state.) But there as not a single trace of a drop of magic blood within any of them. They were all boring and died at old ages, never did anything exciting or had any adventures of the sort. While she loved to roam in forbidden areas, her skills had helped her escape many a times from her late night rendevous. And also, helped her frequently break into her warden's family history.
In appearance she was the absolute opposite then any of them- even her brother. She was most fair of hair, with cloudy, tempest eyes which drew the gazer in against his will. Her skin was creamy and remained ever untouched by the rays of sun- no matter how much time she spent swimming outdoors when the weather would so permit it.
Her brother and her wardens were very black of hair, their skin bronze from travel from one estate to the next. Their most stunning features included their impressive formes, contrary to her slender and smallness, and peircingly astute eyes of clearest blue.
Stopping suddenly she glanced around- and finidng no one present at such high altitudes of the school a almost sinister sly grin spread across her face and she lept into the shadows, inching along the wall until she found a darkened passage. What a better way to feel more at home..... then to feel free to take a .... small... peek at the new facilities? She'd gotten the standard boring tour, but she craved for more.. and was used to appeasing her cravings.

"I don't care!" He nearly shouted the words, though remembering he was still audible outside, he kept as quite as he could. "I know a lot can change, Jesi, but I don't care about that... As long as I know she's safe, well-raised, at least. I don't care who she is... As long as I know she's safe... If you wish, I won't even interact with her as if she is my daughter. Though, even if that's not the case. I'd like to speak with her adopted family." He sighed, bowing, if only a little out of respect, and to remind himself of his place. "I'm sorry Jesi, you know she's always been a touchy subject with me."

Sighing with regret of his shout, he looked up, almost pleadingly. "I need to find her, Jesi... You must understand this..." He choked, almost tearful, "You have to..."


Ian looked at her with surprise in his eyes, "You don't think me as vile, or, or perverted in any way?" He didn't mean perverted as in lustful though, he meant iti in the context of defiled, and he hoped she'd know that. The seven sins, he knew, were tempting to all. He tried his best to stay clear. Yet. Anger and Wrath... Sometimes Lust... They could take him by force, not much people knew, he didn't have the best of personalities at heart. "As for seeing the school ourselves... I'd appreciate this time to get to know you," Smiling with that little curteous bow, he looked around of where to split from the group.

Nino smiled innocently, almost ignorantly - the two were very close together. "You're weird," she remarked, taking his hand and pulling him down the corridor once more as she spoke. "You keep bowing and talking all politely, how do you think you gave me any reason to see you as vile or perverted? You're just what you said you are. A 'gifted gentleman'. Oh, let's look up here!" She had spotted a flight of stairs, and, not knowing where they went, she started to climb up them. "But, anyway. What did you want to know about me? Ask some questions, I'll gladly answer!"

[The flight of stairs they're heading up should eventually lead to Miranda.]

[Thanks for the heads up, :) but hold off on that bit for a little while she needs to dfo some snooping first, and maybe Raz or wraith could catch her lol. That should prove to be abit of fun lol.]

Miranda pressed herself as hard as she could against the shadowed wall as she heard faint noises in the background. Her heart pounding she melted into the shadows and swiftly (with much preactice from her usual excavades) sifted from one hiding place to the nect. Biting her lip ever so slightly she closed her eyes and leaned back, sensing something of interest was close. Placing her hand on the door knob she pushed gently and slipped in without a noise to glance around the darkened room.
It seemed to be an empty room- absolutly nothing, no desks, shelves, anything of the sort. frowning slightly she walked out into the middle of the room and gave a small yelp as she felt the floor give way beneath her. Before she had the time to gather her wits about her once more a massive rock came barelling down towards her. Her eyes widened and she braced her hands infront of her cringing as she expected the force of impact to kill her soon.
To her surprise the rock stopped dead and almost hovered as it quavered infront of her eyes. Prowling around it she kept her arms out until she walked the distance completely and with a wave of her fist sent the rock safely to a corner of the room where it sat obediently.
Heaving a sigh of releif she turned to go- or so she thought before her foot fell into the square whoich had decended below her. A gaping pit stood beneath her and without anything to hold onto she fell plummeting into it's depths.
Falling for scarcely a few seconds she commanded the wind to catch her and as a result landed rather lightly on her feet. Looking up and around she descovered she had fallen a few floors lower- directly into a seldom used hall adorned with elaboratly carved doors.

Jesibell listened and watched Wraith carefully, moving forward and crouching in front of him so she could look at his face, which was downcast and saddened.
He was unstable, barely holding himself together. She placed a warm hand on his shoulder and brushed her lips across his cheek bones. It was tender and her eyes filled with concern. As headmistress it was probably a bold move, but as his friend, as they had been for many years it was instinct.

"I do understand. You know me better than to doubt it. I'll make the call. We'll weed her out and I'll find you her adoptive parents. Once we get this cleared up what you do next is up to you. I won't stand in your way."

Suddenly alarms in her psychic mind triggered and her eyes went white, as they did when she was looking into the minds of others. She went rigid beside him and stood.

She watched the vision of a girl walking into the training room. How the hell had she separated from the tour group. The students were supposed to be shown around and set to unpacking their things, damn it. This one may be trouble...
Suddenly portal opened beneath her, triggered by her fear of the rock that flung her way. The rocks were for combat students and used to work their agility. If you can dodge an enchanted rock you can dodge a blow of a fist was the idea...
She must have been a rather skilled mage for her age, for only the teachers could use the portals that opened between floors. She'd triggered it accidentally. She wasn't very skilled though and went tumbling all the way to the bottom level. Shit.

"We'll have to finish this later. We have breach in the lower levels. Someone has gotten into the hall." The hall need not be explained to Wraith. The lower levels was where they kept the phantoms and other worldly creatures during the day, the ones that found themselves trapped between worlds. We provided them sanctuary or containment... some were innocent ghosts who would frighten but not harm... others... well others weren't so nice. They were kept in their quarters only because of the powerful charms she'd placed over the doors. If anyone let them out there would be bloodshed.

"Hurry, Wraith" She demanded, already on her way out the door.
She tried desperately to connect with the students mind, which wasn't hard.

"Stay where you are and for your life and mind don't open any of those doors..."

Wraith, calming down almost instantly, sighed heavily, angrily. Getting up and walking through the door after Jesibel, he let out a frusterated groan. "Well, if it helps the girls name is the name of my first wife. I told that to the woman who gave the child to a family, though I'll never know which. She was also under strict orders not to tell the family where she got the child." He paused, while walking, whispering, "Her name is Nino."
Wraith couldn't believe the fact he may finally find his daughter. Though before he really spoke to her, he'd visit the family who adopted her, he'd be able to find a substitute teacher, or those kids just wouldn't have his Espionage & Stealth class for a day.
The kids would be happy, at best, he wasn't going to make this year easy in the least. His first class, he thought, would be very fun for actors and the like.
"How the hell did the child get in the hall? Isn't it supposed to be impossible, I mean, finding the room of the hall is like finding a jailor in a crowd full of like-uniformed guards!"

Ian didn't have to be asked twice, but smiled a little as he followed Nino. "So you don't believe me to be vile, isn't that an interesting little notion... Well, as for questions for you... Here's one that shakes everybody's nerves, what's your sexual preferance?" He grinned, but, knowing she couldn't see this, he bowed instead, "I'm kidding, so you know. Though I am curious, what lineage are you a part of?"

"She found one of the portals a teacher must have forgotten to close properly is my guess... I don't think she could have conjered in on her own. My intuition showed me her in the training room. When a one of the agility stones flew at her a combination of fear and her powers opened the portal enough for her to fall through. We'll have to warn the staff to be more careful..." She gripped, but not in anger. These things happened. As long as the threat was still contained it would be alright.

Her eyes widened at his words of his daughter. Looks like she didn't need to make the call after all.

"There's a girl here under that name. I just read her file, sorted her into the mages. She'll be focusing on my classes. Her adopted parents last name is Reed. The family has two sons of their own, members of the Black Fang guild, Llyod and Linus Reed. They've been at the school a few years now." She smiled at Wraith, glad he would finally get to meet his daughter.

She waved her hand and removed the glimmer that made the door before her appear to be a regular wall. To the students it was a wall. Only teahers could remove the glimmer and get to the lower levels... well that is until one of the students discovered one of the portals. She quickened her pace and opened the door, stepping through into darkness. On the wall hung torch. She picked it up and muttered a few latin words, casting a spell that had the end erupting into flames.

The light flickered off the walls as they descended into the hall of chambers. The girl was just up ahead.

Nino blushed at the question, giving a shaky laugh, but a laugh nonetheless. "Haha ... well, I like guys, thank you very much. As for lineage ..." Her blush immediately faded and her smile turned to one of a proud one. "My Dad's the leader of the Black Fang. Ever heard of them? They're a mercenary guild, always helping the school out. I've got two brothers, too, they just graduated! But they're swordsmen, so they haven't really taught me anything. Well ... they're my adoptive family, don't know who my mom or dad really is. But I love them just the same! My step-mom even taught me some magic! But ... she kinda gave up. Said I wouldn't benefit my Dad even if I practiced for a hundred years." She shrugged helplessly, as if it were the truth and she had long since accepted it. "As long as I graduate, I'll be happy. I'll make my family proud." Her eyes held the look of someone who was used to being on the bottom, used to being protected, yet yearning to do the protecting. The underdog. Well, she'd show them was Nino Reed was really made of!

Goliath had listened to Jesibell among the other students. This was it, a chance to prove himself to be a warrior. A chance to live up to his father's name. This was his chance..and he would succeed. He had done relatively well on the tests...though he thought he still could have done better. Acedemics had been his weak point. But now, he intended to prove himself. The very best warriors, mages, archers came from this place, it had a reputation. He would be honored to be part of it's legacy.

Walking down the hallways...trying to locate the boys dormitories, he suddenly heard a crash. His eyes widened, and...for a minute, he considerred whether to go towards the sound or not....but...he had other things to do. he turned around, and walked down the stairs, again, trying desperately to find the boys dormitory. Eventually, he came across two other students, and he stopped by them. "uh...hello..." He said. He wasn't sure whether to be friendly, or just ask the question, but he decided upon friendly. "Do you two know where the boys dormitory is, I was a little late leaving...my name's Goliath..." He said, smiling a bit.

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At perhaps the lowest point of the school, the dungeon it could be called easily, though it was more of a basement, a single classroom lay. Darrius Sat down in a chair, meditating, focussing his thoughts. "Another year...another year...this one will be greater then last..." he thought as he sat there. For the past couple of years, Darrius had only been permitted a small room, more like an extended closet more then a class. He was only permitted teaching three students at a time, and, truthfully, it displeased him. But the teachers had complained. there was little room for a lich here. But this year would be different, this year...he had a full class. This year, he had more time with the students, all thanks to Jesibell.

There was no bed for him in the entire school, he didn't sleep. Didn't need to, sleep was for the living. Oh, how he would like to live. Still...Darrius had to admit. Things were finally turning for the better. Darrius took his mask off. His door was locked, and no student would be coming here anyway. His skeletal, pupiless eyes touched the air of the room, though didn't feel a thing, and he gave a quick sigh, before something interrupted his thoughts. He could feel it, something was wrong. It was intuition more then anything...but nevertheless, Darrius tried using his mind to peer outside of the room, trying to get to jesibell. She was not in her office.

Darrius's abilities were of a magical variety, unfortunately, black magic. While Jesibell could peer at a person's mind, he had to ENTER a persons mind. He had to touch, rather then look, and it sickened him. When he enterred someones mind, the problem was, he was supposed to, by lich history, take control of it, or damage it. He didn't, but, his psychic abilites were an attack anyway. Luckily, the most anyone ever got was a shiver down their spine, but it still was not pleasent, and it was yet another reminder he was not human.

Finally, Darrius found Jesibell, and enterred her mind, for a second. She felt nothing but a shiver, as he conveyed a messege to her. "Jesibell...are you alrihgt? Do you need my help with anything? I'm bored anyway, and want to talk to you when I can. If you like...i'll be down in a second..." He messeged...and got up, to put his mask on. unlocking and walking out of his classroom, he proceeded to walk up the stairs.


OOC:Anyone can meet me along the way...

Jesibel's mind stirred as Darrius entered her mind. She was used to his chill and it did little to phase her. She simply responded to his voice within herself.

"We're actually on our way to the lowest level, to the hall of chambers. A student managed to get down here." She responded, seconds before she could hear his footsteps. She shown her light farther and there he was, face hidden behind his mask. She never got used to that. His soul, the being that he was didn't deserve the fate he'd been dealt. That was why she'd hired him she supposed, half pity, and half because he's good at what he does. He taught strategy, an extra cirricular course this year at Excelius and continued to impress her with his sharp mind.

She nodded to him and turned to Wraith.
"Wraith, I'd like you to meet Darrius, the Strategy teacher. He was late coming in so he wasn't able to make it to the ceremony." She lied. Fact was, the teachers on the council that funded the school and watched over orientation day wouldn't be pleased. Many didn't take kindly to a Lich working with children. Legends had polluted their tradition minds in her opinion, so much that they thought him as evil as demons themselves... But she'd gone to the underworld and met a few demons in her day and they didn't even come close.
She watched Wraith's face out of the corner of her eye as she continued down the stairs, Darius now on one side, and Wraith at her other.

The girl was on the other side of the tunnels and she seemed just to be checking out the sites. The creatures and phantoms were still contained. She was in the main corridor, away from the cells, and for that she was thankful. They'd get there in time, but she would need to warn the girl...

They began to pass the chambers. The first of the rooms weren't locked, and in fact stood open so that they could peer into the rooms. These were the guests, not the inmates. She waved to a phantom that stood by a mirror, brushing her hair and humming softly. She looked up and smiled in return, giving Jesibell a polite nod.

Her name had been Camriell and she had been the bride of a knight. They had had many talks. Ghosts like her stayed at the school because they had no where else to go. They were trapped between heaven and hell and until the barriers that were keeping them from crossing over were crumbled they would remain on earth.
They were peaceful folk, not wanting to frighten people in the towns or the students upstairs they remained below ground until nightfall.

Jesibell had made a deal with them. Stay down here and stay peaceful until night and then they could do as they pleased. In return they didn't frighten people and Jesibell agreed to find their families, and finished any business they needed attended to that they did not finish in life. She also promised them she would find what was making the barrier and help them cross over... And by god she would keep that promise.

She continued on and as she did the noise grew louder. They moved from open doors to locked ones, with wailing beyond the thick wood. These were the angry ghosts. They were only let out on certain nights when Jesibell took them on walks, using magic to contain them. It may sound cruel but they couldn't be trusted. They weren't here by their own free will. She had trained a few of her best students to hunt them down and use magic to encase them and bring them back to the school. They loved terror and the trouble the caused. These were the lesser of the inmates.

Finally at the end of the hall were the phantoms that could not just stalk the night but could possess and manifest a form. These could cause physical pain to their victims. Above their doors silver incantations were inscribed. Dark magic swirled around the doors. This was another reason she had needed Darrius. Good magic alone could not hold them. Only when they combined their powers could they keep them behind those doors.

She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that all these doors were locked. The girl hadn't gotten this far, meaning they were still safe.... at least for now.

"A Lich? I've worked with a couple of you- One of my old friends was a Lich..." Wraith sighed a little as they finally stopped, well, he hoped it would be for a little while.


He hated being stressed.


He also hated remembering those days... his days as a Ghost. He knew a few Black Fang members as well, only a little bit of them, he knew some were, originally, Ghost's. They just liked the Fang's better, sometimes. He never knew why. He'd loved being a Ghost, back then. But having to force his own daughter to train as what he was? He didn't like the thought of it. That was why he gave her up. He didn't want her to become what he once was. Or still was...? He never knew anymore...


After all... What if Jesibel, his most trusted friend, found out of what he was truly up to, deep in the recesses of his mind? Well, he knew that wouldn't happened, he played cards in his head, literally, just to block out his thoughts to others, that, and emotional walls. Especially despair.


Staring around for a moment, he sighed heavily. "Jesi? Darrius and you seem to have this covered... I... Have to go check on something..." Quickly, without a word, he left. It was nearly midnight... His employer would be here soon.

Wandering through one of the seldomly used 'Ancient Gardens' he approached the base of the clocktower which was in the middle. There was no entrance, he knew. Not anymore. So, he climbed to the top. When he got to the bell, just over the clock, he hoisted himself up and walked over to a pedestal. The moonlight was there, but barely showed anything. Taking the blood-stained crow's feather out from his pocket, he slammed it down with his hand hard on the pedestal. He spoke a little loudly, knowing none but his employer, he was sure they were here, would hear him. "I can't do this anymore! No matter the pay, I cannot do my Espionage for you any longer!"


This is who Wraith truly was, he was still a Ghost at heart, still the master of all forms of Stealth and Trickery, the true art of stealth. Trickery and Blending with a crowd. Wraith had been paid, in the middle of his real employment of teaching here, by someone who wanted to bring down the school. Not the school itself. But Jesibel.


Now, three years into his Espionage on Jesibel, he'd grown extremely attatched, to the point of loving her. He wouldn't let this, originally, affect his shadow-operation, but now it was too strong. He knew he was too valuable to the employer to kill. So, he'd get his way... He hoped...


He had to stop, no matter what. (OOC: Anyone can play the Employer who wants to bring down Jesibel)


Rebus smiled as he looked at the newcomer, "No, sorry." Bowing lightly, keeping his voice cool and calm, he spoke to them, "My name's Ian Rebus, call me whichever of the two you wish. I like both of them." He winked playfully to the boy. "But you're welcome to hang around us I guess, what'd'ye think, Nanimo?" He knew nanimo wasn't he name, but it was a play on words. A nickname.

The reason he chose it was because Nino reminded him closely of the word 'Nanimo' as in the Naninmo Bar which some people ate.

He loved them, personally.

Nino looked over to Ian with a questioning look in her eyes. Her name was four letters long ... was it that hard to remember? Either way, she brushed it off. No big deal. She'd never had a nickname before! Well ... other than pipsqueak, but only her brothers could call her that!

"Namino?... ahh, yeah, sure! It's always more fun with more people around!" She grinned to Goliath and bowed to him slightly, as was her custom. She looked around properly for the first time in a while, and her grin slowly faded to a helpless smile. "Uhm .. where are we, exactly?"

***

Atop the clocktower, within the inner workings which housed the bells, above the gears and levers which turned and operated the large clock, a dark portal opened. Out stepped a mastermind who worked from the shadows, who let others sow the field of destruction while they reaped the benefits.

They stepped out to the railing and looked down upon the school grounds, disgust rising subtling in their features. They had it in the palm of their hands, and yet, they could not take it ... no. Anonymity and stealth had to be put into play. Impulsive, foolish actions only lead to ones untimely death. And no one listen's to a dead leader.

"Pathetic ..." and they stepped back into the shadows to wait for their spy.

They were not disappointed. Not long after, there came a smack against the railing. The blood soaked crow feather. So beautiful, and yet, so morbid ... it was truly art.

"I can't do this anymore! No matter the pay, I cannot do my Espionage for you any longer!"

A grimace tugged at the corners of the crimson painted lips. And that's when Sonia of the Black Fang stepped from the shadows and into the half-light, the hood of her traveller's cloak sitting at her shoulders. "You needn't shout, you incompetant fool ... now, what is this about you resigning?" She stepped closer to him, heels clicking against the ground with resonating authority and power. Her whole figure eminated strength and superiority. Not to mention a rather busty cleavage ... "I don't think you understand .." Sonia drawled, her voice a dangerous calm. "You're much too far in to back out now ... you know that, don't you?" She smiled, though it was not a friendly one.

[[ http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa104/l...adera/Sonia.jpg For a visual. Just add a traveller's cloak to the ensemble for the moment. Excuse the skimpy dress, even if it suits her. I swear, Sonia is Fire Emblem's unofficial whore ... ]]

The Lich nodded to Wraith as jesibell introduced him. He smiled a bit under his maks, knowing that it of course was NOT him being late that made him not attend the ceremony. When Wraith mentioned knowing a lich as a friend before, he somehow didn't feel as assured as he should have been. He kept his voice silent, making sure Jesibell to did not hear of his suspicion, but, he had two problems with that sentence. One, how on earth had Wraith known he was a lich when it wasn't mentioned. Two, despiute him as an example, and far be it from him to think in stereotypes, but most lich's were evil. Him being friends with one just made him wonder what kindof lich he HAD been friends with. Still, he said nothing except "Nice to meet you..." as Wraith walked off.

They passed by the doors, some of which holding the friendly ghosts, others the not-so-friendly ones. But looking at some of the doors, the security that had been placed here, he couldn't help but be impressed a student could have stumbled upon it. This hallway had more magical energy in it then most sorcerors would use in a lifetime. Jesibell and himself had done a good job. Jesibell hiring him on had truly saved his life, he had almost lost all hope. And, even he, who had been a mage long before he gave up his existance, thought Jesibell was a spectacular mage. He had never seen someone with so much power, and it impressed him. Truth be told, though she didn't know, Darrius had grown to be a little bit more caring for her then as a friend. In fact, putting it simply, he loved her. He had only ever loved once, the one who he had given up his life for. But it was Jesibell who gave it back. And he loved her for it. He would have told her by now his actual feelings for her, but he couldn't. He could never kiss her, never feel the warmth of her body. He was dead, in every sense of the word. His love for her, he did not think could ever be returned.

Shaking off these thoughts, he walked alongside her. "Jesibell..." he said, as if actually going to convey his feelings, but shook his thoughts off and focused on the task at hand.

"I'm not sure which this student has more potetnial as...a mage or a theif..." he joked, and continued walking alongside her. She may have been able to sense some sortof inner conflict within him, but that would be all. Besides, that was always there.

"A Ghost is never too far from the wall he phases through." It was an old saying from the Clan, though one he never thought he'd repeat in his life.

Obviously, Wraith was having some inner conflict, "I cannot do this for you, there's no way in hell anymore!" He thought of the first lie that came to his mind, and it sounded honest, panicked, he wanted it that way. "Look, you don't understand, Darrius, the Lich, he's nearly about to rat me out. I think he knows! We're both in too deep if he tells the headmistress!"

This, however, wasn't true for the life of him. Darrius, nor anyone, knew a thing. He was a master of Espionage, and that reputation, he thought, was earned perfectly. "I don't even have the information needed, my last Ghost Informant died weeks ago! I'm still waiting for her replacement." It was that damned woman, the swordsman. She'd gone in too deep, and had almost blamed Wraith, he remembered it clearly, though the Employer didn't know the whole story...

"That student almost died!" The man was yelling, at Wraith, and at Arieth both were to blame, in a way. "Why exactly, though, was it that one student that got harmed, the arrows didn't shoot for any other child!"

Wraith sighed heavily, looking at Arieth in a way that said 'You're a fucking idiot. You aimed for the wrong target.' "Sir," He started lightly, he was talking to the school's Healer ('ex-healer by now', he chuckled in his mind while remembering), "With all due respect, we--"
"There's no due respect about it Winsor, BOTH of you are having dangerous stunts pulled off in your classes lately. Which means ONE of you is a traitor, you're trying to pull the school down from the insi--" The Healer was now emotionless, "Professor...?" Wraith started, but the Healer cut him off, "You're both working together... You're trying to take down- to kill -Jesibel, aren't you?!"
"I TRIED TO STOP HIM!" Arieth yelled, 'DAMN INFORMANTS! SO COWARDLY SOMETIMES!' Wraith thought, storming, "HE WOULDN'T LISTEN TO REASON!"

Glaring at the two of them, he shouted, "Enough!" Both of them stopped their mid-argument, and looked at him, chuckling, he looked at them both. "I'm sorry, Arieth... And Charles..." They were frozen to the spot, caught in his emotionless eyes and his just-as-empty voice. "Laws are our own here... I think I'll have to pull you away..."
"ON WHAT CHARGES?!"
Without saying a word, he reached into his garb, grabbing two throwing knives. Immediately he whipped them out, both knives flying as true as his motives. Impaling the throats of the two, they gagged, trying to breathe, they weren't quite dead. For their last sight they would see Wraith standing there, frozen, the position he'd had just after throwing the knives.

The last thing they would hear... The cold, emotionless voice of Wraith saying one word...

"Treason..."

Sonia shot him a sharp look, one that was neither angry nor fearful. It was a careful calm. She was a closed book. Finally, she waved with off with a flick of her wrist. She had had enough.

"How unfortunate. You can lie to everyone but me ... you're not even safe from yourself, thinking you could convince me with such feeble excuses. Hmph ..." she scowled. "Save your breath. That Lich is powerful, but he is a tactician, and a tactician alone. He plans for during the present. He knows nothing. And such ridiculous excuses will only get you killed. Or, if you prefer ... you could just keep going. But it'll cost you something else. Something much more precious to you than your life, I'm sure ..." Sonia had turned around and took a few steps forward, summoning a portal up from the floor as she smiled a knowing smile. It was get him riled up, and once more he would be wrapped around her finger. She had no tolerance for the girl. But he loved his daughter. What she wanted to know was, to what extent ...?

Suddenly, there was the sound of a cane tapping along the floor of the clocktower. A man walked out from the darkness, a smile upon his face. He was wearing a very nice black suit, and a hat to go with it. He had blonde hair, and a monocle on his left eye.

"Well well, looks like the puppet has cut off a few strings. Well, obviously it seems the only tactic is to add a few more...that's where I can come in..." the man said, took a hand, and raised his hat, giving a little bow to Wraith with a seemingly friend;y, but somehow sly smile.

"My name is Rath Hadeal, gentleman, scholar, and loyal servant to your employer." he said, knowing most of that was a complete lie. He turned to Sonai and gave her a small wink.

"Sorry i'm late dear mistress, I had some business that required my immediate attention...have you told this one your offer yet?"

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Goliath gave a little nod to the two of them, and offerred a small smile. But he didn't have time to be fooling around, he really wanted to get to the boys dormitories, and prepare himself for the classes tommorow. There was something about this place that got him excited, he really WANTED to learn.

Miranda dusted herself off, ensuring she was unharmed before she decided to begin her exploring. Her powers had an odd way of working when she didn't call upon them and ignoring her when she wished to use them- although when it was life or dead, they always saved her somehow. That was why she was here- so she could learn to control them.
Staring in awe at the high doors and unimaginably intricate patterns engraved upon them she placed her hand on one door and trailed her finger over the markings. She had never seeen anything liek this before.... handleless doors, at least 20 feet if not taller in stature. But there must be SOME way to open them....
Suddenly a voice boomed inside her head and she lept back, terrified the door was talking to her. Looking left and right and up and down she could see no one, but the messgae had been for her to stay there. If it had been foe- she would be stupid to listen, if it had been a teacher or guard she would surely be whipped or tortured if she was found- and she had no desire to see the dungeons from the view of the walls. Actually she had no desire to be tortured in the least and her feet obliged her as she swiftly darted along the hall searching for a way out... or a place to hide. Seeing no exist she ran to one of the doors and bracced her hands against it- shaking. Nothing.. or so she though. When suddenly a warm feeling began stretching from her palms, a bluish glow like liquid travelling through the symbols. Her desperation must have set of something in her power for which she was unaware of, and slowly- ever so slowly the door gave way and creaked open... just enough to allow her entrance. The second she was behind the door she willed the door shut and it obeyed.
Glancing around the room she was within she saw nto a room, but what seemed to be... a place outside... but she was within the hear tof the castle undergorund... she could not be outside. And even if she were outside... she could remember no such beaches of white sand anywhere close to this location. Though the forest she eyed seem to offer protection. Gazing back at the door, she was afraid they might find her traces of opening the portal and fled once more into the darkened forest.

Jesibell suddenly felt the cold sensation of danger close at hand. Her intuition screamed and she ran around the corner. The Realm Rooms. She hadn't thought to check them. They were portals in and of them self only unlike the portal that had brought the student down into the basement, these took you to other worlds, other times, other places...

Heaven and Hell were even accessible if you had the power to do it.

She opened the door with a gust of magic to reveal a large forest. She only knew the location because she'd been there before. It was home to many dark creatures, ones she'd like to avoid if at all possible...

A dark, gigantic wolf emerged from the tree line and she whispered desperately to the girl. "Move back to me, slowly..."

The werewolf growled, and the dark blood on his teeth shimmered in the dim light. He charged for the students throat and she grabbed the student by the back of her robe, trying to get her out. She flicked her wrist fiercely and sent sparks from her palm, sending out a blast of bright light, and knocking the wolf onto his back.

Darrius stood right behind her in the doorway looking helpless. He wouldn't be able to enter this room. It took a strong clairvoyant to get into the other realms... Which made her wonder about the power this student possessed...

Once she got the student through the door the wolf was really pissed, her gathered himself and charged once again, liquid fire in his eyes. She used the last of her strength to shut the door, and repeat the encantation that sealed it.

She felt drained and sunk to the floor of the hall.
"Pesty beasts.." she said, swearing under her breath. She turned to the girl, her eyes wild.
"Do not ever come down her again. Do you hear me?! Do you know what could happen if creatures from the other realms got out?! Do you want to see the villagers down the hillside torn to bits?!" She said, harshly. The anger in her voice shocked her. This battle between worlds was getting to her more than she realized.

Her shoulders slumped and she looked at the girl apologetically.
"I'm sorry. You are very talented... but there is much that you must learn. I am willing to teach it to you, just please, until you are ready let these things be? Promise me?" She sighed, tired.

[ OoC: Rayne, slow down with your characters powers. She's supposed to be a student that needs to learn, not as powerful as the head mistress.]

"Do not apologize, Rath, I understand," Sonia replied, closing the portal and turning back to face them both. She gestured to her subordinate with her hand, addressing Wraith. "Have you met my partner yet, Wraith? He works at the school now, you see. A school councellour. Very useful for collecting information, wouldn't you agree?" She smiled.

"I suppose you're curious as to what dear Rath has said ... here's the thing," she crossed her arms under her chest and looked at him with her golden eyes, her gaze intense and unwavering. "I know who your daughter is. I know who her family is. I know everything there is to know about the girl. And I promise you, she will suffer the consequences of your inadequecy if this persists. Rath here will watch you both, and he'll inform me if anything seems amiss. And he's perfectly capable of taking action, if I so wish it ..." She turned to leave, the portal opening up once again. "That is all. I do hope, for the sake of your daughter, you will not betray my trust, Wraith. Rath, I trust you will continue to serve me as you have before. I'm expecting a lot from you. Do not fail me." She smiled to them both before she stepped into the shadows, disappearing into the night and leaving them to themselves.

***

Meanwhile, the three students finally found the boy's dormatories, and Nino bade the two good-night, before running off to find her own quarters. It was going to be a good year.

[ Thought I'd speed things up a little bit. ]

Ian couldn't help but sigh heavily as he crept onto his bed, looking around the room, winking at Goliath. "I have Strategy tomorrow... Goody..." He sighed a little more, shrugging. Closing his eyes, he crept into that hibernative state he knew oh so well.

* * * *


"DAMN YOU!!!" Wraith yelled, running and punching the wall which Sonia had just disappeared into. "Damn you!" He looked down, tears starting to stream down his face, his first held on the wall, he was almost leaning against it now. "Damn you..." He looked, angrily at Rath, "Don't expect me to heed your advice all the time, why are you my Informant! You're not even of my Clan! You're not even a brother, why did she choose you and not someone under my own circumstances?"

Wraith looked seriously annoyed by now, he couldn't believe this. His Clan couldn't help him now, his Ghost Informant had been replaced with this rich high-class cheeseball. What was he going to do? He had nearly lost everything.

Then again, he also knew the Black Fang, his daughters adoptive family almost, had their darker side. The side run by Ex-Ghost's and Traitor's, Heretic's and the like. So maybe when he met with her adoptive father...

Glaring, looking around at the sky, the garden, everything. He sighed heavily. "Fine. We'll play the twisted game of hers... Partners?" He held his hand out, no tears in his eyes, no emotions either. From now on, he'd become what he'd been bred to be. A Master of Stealth....

If only for his daughter's sake...

Aidyn hurried into the school and to the girl's bed chambers.

Her mother had called her home after the tests for an unknown reason. It turned out that her grandfather had died and she had to go for his burrial. So with grief still heavy on her shoulders she returned to Excelius for her schooling.

As she entered her room she chose a bed by a window that faced the east. She wanted to see the Moonrise each night before she slept. Her trunk she plunked onto the bed and began unpacking.

On the top of her things lay two pictures, the first being of her mother and father, and the second of her and her grandparents. She put then on the nightstand and finished unpacking. Then, she shoved the trunk under the bed and climbed under the covers. Memories of her grandfather flooded her mind, and tears stung her eyes as she fell to sleep.

Rath listened as Sonia spoke with an open interest. When she directed her words at him, he swung his cane up to rest on her shoulder. He gave her a little nod, and focused his monocle a bit, before responding. "Me? Fail? I will not fail. I garuntee you Sonia, I will more then meet your expectations. If i can, i will do a lot more then meet them..." He said with a little chuckle, and watched as she disappeared.

he didn't flinch as Wraith shouted out after her, and only turned to look at him for a second, as if summing him up. When he turned back to him and held his hand out, Rath smiled and shook it. "That's a good boy...yes...partners." He said with a smile before releasing the hand.

"I don't want to hurt your daughter Wraith, and I won't if you don't make me have to. But...let's try and understand eachother. I may work for Sonia, but YOU work for me alright?" He said, and began climbing down the tower. "So...let's try and stay on eachother's good sides..." he said as he reached the bottom, then began walking towards the school.

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Darrius ran alongside Jesibell, until they reached the open door. Had Darrius been human, he would have been in a panic at the fact that the door was open. If anything got out of one of them, then they would be in trouble. However, he wasn't sure whether to sigh of relief or be even more worried when he saw which door had been opened. At least one of the imprioned ghosts had not been in this room, but this room lead to an equally dangerous place. Yet this student had walked right in, not heeding Jesibells warnings.

"Stupid girl..." he mumbled as jesibell walked in, furious that he could not actually follow her. His clairvoyent skills were not what they used to be, all of his previous magicks turning dark upon sacrificng his soul. Even if he had the abilities to go in, he wouldn't want to. In fact, he would hate going into any of these rooms. They were designed to keep dark creatures, dark creatures such as himself, locked away inside of them. Wandering into one could result in him being trapped until they were open again.

Still, the fact that this student could get into such magical places was truly remarkable. She had great potential. He listened as jesibell told the student her little lecture, then he felt he had to add his in.

"What part of "following the rest of the students to your dormitory" did you not understand? By technicallity, you should be expelled this very second, but of course your magical talentsdo hold some merit to be considerred. I suppose you think yourself special for breaking into a highly secure area. Well give yourself a pat on the back, because if you ever come down here again...you'll be lucky to be doing card tricks at the side of a bar. Do you have any idea how much trouble you should be in?" Darrius said to her, looking down to her. His words were cold, but he was being honest. He never, ever softened up the truth. In a war...mistakes mean death. And they he was pretty sure were getting dangerously close to wars. They would have to grow up and take the truth...or die and at least live in their precious wonderful fantasy world of lies.

He was expecting a glare from jesibell, but he wouldn't back down even if she did. She broke rules, she deserved to be punished for them. "Jesibell...can i at least suggestion detention? I'll take care of it myself if you wish..." he said.

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"Goliath picked a bunk and lay in it, slowly dozing off. When Rebus spoke he gave a nod. "Yea, i have the same class..." He said. Strtegy was not exactly something he looked forward to. He wanted to learn how to fight, not how to talk about fighting. But, nevertheless, he would do it.

[ sorry raz, :P wasn't my intention... but the actual problem with my charrie (the reason she's here) isn't really for strengthening her power- it's to control it. Becuase at the moment she has very little to absolutly no control over the great power which she does posses]

Miranda caught her breath sharply as she began running towards the forest, only to find a giant creature skulk from within the shadows, into the open. The wolf snarled darkly, curling it's lip up at her. His giant paws left deep imprints wherever it went, his fiery eyes freezing her to the core- keeping her trapped.
Suddenly she felt a gust of wind from behind her, and a woman yell to her to get back but before she could react the wolf lunged and the woman pulled.
Slamming the door shut after her, the woman then turned to Miranda, who now found herself out of the fire and into the frying pan.
Realizing this was the woman who had spoken to her previously her hand went automatically to the ring she wore on the opposite finger and began twisting it as Miranda glanced nervously around her. Escape seemed something imaginable at that moment.
She remained deathly silent when the woman yelled at her stupidity, making no move to do anything besides wearily observe the two adults through exhausted eyes. She did not flinch under her torrent of anger, nore did she soften when the woman apologized and offered to teach her. She said nothing at all to her, but her eyes showed she was sorry for causing the nice lady so much trouble and Miranda dropped her apologetic gaze from the woman's eyes to the floor accepting the fact that she had screwed up- but she didn't know such dangerous things dwelt within the halls of this building... she had never even heard of such things being possible.
Suddenly the extremely sharp voice of the male pierced her and her rage flared up unchecked against him, her eyes seering into his as her lip curled into a snarl.
" Go ahead...." She hissed, her voice low and roiling with a tremendous force of aggrivation, frustration, and above all things spiteful hate. " Expel me.. i DARE you...." Her soft voice was barely audible but she had no reason to yell or even speak at a normal decible, there was enough force in the impact of her tone to demand being heard. Sneering she made a rude sound when he commented on her potential. " What are you going to do? Strip me of my power and use it to better yours- seeing as it obviously needs to be bettered." She jabbed further at him, her eyes filled with a fury that reflected the raging fire within a volcano that was ready to erupt.
At his comment of her doing card tricks at a bar she actually let a very soft lagh slip from her lips. " I suppose you think you are soo much better then me, so perfect. My family is richer then you can probably count to." She snarled angrily " And im not here becuase i want a career... im here because i need something, and i don't need your help to get it!" Her voice rose at the last part when the thought of her brother's fate clouded her mind once more and worried her beyond anything these people could possibly do. " WHat do you want from me? I suppose it's to torture me.... kill me? Strip my powers..... well go ahead. Becuase i vow i would take you to the grave with me!" Her piercing scream echoed throughout the hall, a sudden thunderous shaking begining to quake beneath their feet as her young temper took the best of her and awoke her powers.
oh.. oh crap..... she though frantically when she began to see how much farther her body was taking this then she ever intended, frantically trying to force her powers back down she found her mounting anxiety and fear only increased them.


_________________________________________________________

All of a sudden a slender figure appear, dropping down into the corridor from one of the openings above. Linnhadhiel gazed from Jesibel to Darrius, and to the tormented young mage, her eyebrows raising ever so slightly at the scene. Clearly the girl had no control over what she was doing.
" What is the meaning of this?" Her voice boomed across the hall as she quickly closed the distance and stood amings them, bracing herself against the crumbling earth. " If she keeps this up it might tear a hole in your spells..." She murmured looking towards Jesibel. " I think i can do something here...."
Using her strength and positioning it correctly she slowly trudged through the protective barrier the girl had placed around her until by sheer tactical movements she had woven through the weaker spots and found herself close enough to reach the girl.
" Give me you hand!" She yelled over the turmoil. " I will not harm you.. you have to trust me!" She pleaded as the girl with tears steaming down her face reluctantly reached out and clasped the surprisingly steelen grip of the dark haired woman.
As their skin connected Miranda fell from the air, the power slamming into Linn and sending her skidding backwards by a few good meters despit Linn's brace.
Immediatly the trembling of the earth had stopped and the professor held the student gently within her arms as the poor girl shook and sobbed, exhausted to the point of paralysis.
Turning to the other two she gazed sharply at them, her intense eyes boring into theirs.
" This child nearly ended her own life...... what caused her to lose control like that? She will take some time to recover from this...." Her voice quietly echoed through the hall.
" i.... it.. i can't control it..... less... when i get frustrated and tierd...." The girl spoke up before going intoa fit of choking coughs which ended in her head rolling back, a thin ribbon of blood falling over her neck from the slightly parted lips.

Nino quietly stepped into her own quarters, avoiding any other students or teachers along the way, so as not to get caught sneaking about the school. She didn't want to earn herself a detention on the very first day. Climbing into bed, she looked over to her left, the moon-light from the window offering some sort of illumination by which to see. It was a small room - the bed beneath the window, a desk against the wall, a dresser, and a bookshelf. She smiled. She was satisfied. She shut her eyes, and within minutes, she was asleep.

Darrius watched the girl, completely unsympathetic as she insulted him. His initial response was "she needs to suck it up..." But as the power began to emenate around her, threatening to explode, Darrius realised he had done wrong. He had spoken truthfully, but he had done wrong.

"Stand back jesibell!" he called to her, as he thought of what he could do. Using more magic might just add to the power emenating off of her, and he knew it would be useless. "Damn...." He said out loud, then saw Linn come down, and watched, with relief, as she disabled the girl.

The Lich sighed, and silently messehed jesibell. "I'm sorry...i didn't know she had such little control over her abilities. She is...powerful...but she can be tamed. Please Jesibell...can i make up for this? let me give her detention...and...I have an idea...." he messeged.

"Sorry Linn, it was me. i upset her...." he said, knowing exactly what her response would be. it was the same with everyone. Something goes wrong, it is the lich turning to the darkside.

Linn's brow furrowed in worry as she watched the girl slipping beneath the surface of conciousness. But even as she gave closer inspection, she could feel the girl's powers wrapping like sinews around her, sewing up the damage that ahd been done with care. Interesting... how this girl's powers seem to have a mind of their own.... which amde her exponentially dangerous.
" The girl should be alright shortly....." She murmured as she awaited an explaination from someone.
And lo and behold she got it..... from the person she thought she might. The litch... no wonder he would be dumb enough to provoke someone who could not have any control over her power. Rolling her eyes silently she shook her head in Darriu's direction.
" Why am i not surprised..." She sighed heavily. " What more could i expect from someone who's job it is to destroy."
Gazing down at the girl with more sadness and pity then abhorrence she gave a soft exlaimatin as the blood that had trickled from the girl's mouth began to shimmer falling to the floor as small crysta like particals.
At that same moment the girl reopened her heavy eyes and looked around her, cringing slightly as she tried to raise her head to high.

Darrius shrugged at Linn's words, responding with "It could have been far worse...". He watched as the student began waking up, and he walked over to her, looking down at her. "Welcome back...looks like it's going to be a very fun year...." he said, and bent down to her level, looking directly at her, though she could only see his mask. "What is your name....and why have you-" He said and was cutoff by someones words.

"Hello Jesibell. uhh...we spoke earlier? I'm the Counsilor you asked for? What's...uhh...what's going on here?" he asked in a friendly voice, his cane swinging around to rest on his shoulders as he focussed his monocle.

Miranda groaned and stirred gently within the slender woman's arms, snapping to attention as the man began walking towards her once more. Like a cat, she began to tense up, her inards begining to runble under the smouldering gaze. She almost wanted to yell " what" in his face- but stopped herself.
His sarcasm earned a sneer from her but she refused to say anything to him, turning her face away. He asked her her name but she showed no signs of having heard him.
Another man came in then, cheery and friendly sounding but she took no heed and continued her stubborn vow of sielnce.

______________________________________________________________

Linn felt the child stirr then tense in her arms as Darrius approached her, and even Linn couldn't help but stiffen and become more alert as he approached. She seldom trusted him for she knew all bout him and what he did and she couldn't believe Jesibel would have someone like that teaching at times.

Stranghill stared at the ceiling. It had been a boring day for him. He hadn't met anybody interesting, or beautiful. He opened his pack and pulled out the journal his Grandfather had given him. I was quite the adventurer in my day, Stranghill. I'm sure you will be too. Those were his words when he had given him the journal. Stranghill had noticed how heavy the journal was, and so he opened it up now that he had time, and a very thin dagger fell out. It was barely possible to hold the hilt due to its size. The dagger had writing on the blade. "May the bearer of the blade be blessed with good fortune." Stranghill read aloud. He put the dagger in his pack, and opened the journal to page 1.


Crullys Olganis,
1st Entry:

I recall buying this journal several weeks ago, but I have yet had a reason to write in it. However, I have met the woman of my dreams. She's a mage, specializing in clerical magic. Her name is Eltyra, a beautiful name. She often wears a blue silk dress. With this, one would assume she comes from wealth, which she does, but she has been kicked out. Apparently her family despised magic users, and when they learned she was of magical line, they exiles her. That blue silk dress is what they kicked her out in. As strange and non-romantic as it sounds, I would steal for her a thousand dresses if she would be even approach me again. I end this entry now to attempt to speak with her again, hopefully she will not look down upon my profession should it come up. I wish myself luck.

I enjoyed the journal entry, it amused me. To think that my grandfather would be so romantic, it was foolish to believe in love at first sight.

OOC:
He will soon be eating those words. *wink*

Sprinting back into the hallway where most of the teachers were congregating, Wraith looked at Jesibel with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Jesi, I was just meeting with--" He noticed Rath standing there, looking smug. "Ah... Hello, Rath..."
He cut himself off immediately, he wouldn't have liked this. But, business was business. Who will I be sent to kill... Sent to steal from... Sent to frame... My Lord... What have I gotten myself into. Am I no more worthy of love or sorrow than the tragedies of a simple man's life? Nino... I'll protect you...
Looking over at Jesibel, he sighed heavily, barely a whisper, so inaudible from everyone. "I'm sorry..."


Rebus, looking at the newcomers arrival in the room, smiled as he saw him reading a book. "Ah, quite the reader as well, aye?" Smiling, and bowing his head slightly, he said aloud, not bothering to whisper. "Ian Rebus. And yourself?" Rebus had an interesting day, he couldn't believe it for the life of him, either. Just from simply telling a girl to watch her steps, he'd nearly fallen in love. Could he let himself? An orphan, do that?

...It was possible, he mused.