Ephebe could barely restrain a laugh.
"Yes, thank you, Lang Fei. That is most helpful."
A large minotaur enters the school, his thick hair braided with grasses and leaves. "Where is the Headmaster's office," he asks the hallway as he walks around.
As the minotaur enters the school, en route to the Headmaster's office, he may notice the back of a shorter humanoid, who turns when he speaks, exposing her features to him.
The girl, perhaps a young human, undoubtedly, looks back at him with a mixture of surprise and then wonderment, listening to him speak apparently to nothing specifically.
She is dressed in desert attire, the loose fitting mixture of khaki and cotton colored cloth, along with some light embroidering that denotes (if he's keen eyed) flames, leaf and vine shapes-- a splendid and masterful tailoring hinting at nature. She has, where it's visible, tendrils of thick, black, wavy hair and dark iris which blend into her pupils. Her skin is well tanned, of an obviously darker skinned human species.
For anyone looking, she appears to be an Arabian Princess, provided they knew of such things, or their world's equivalent.
She does not appear to be wearing much else, save the cloth outfit, though from her left hand he might spot the glint of gold and silver, some chain wrapped around wrist and hand as jewelry.
She looks up at him for a moment, looking to mouth something, then falls quiet, watching him walk on by if he doesn't stop, one hand idly feeling the surface of the walls unconsciously.
He stops and bows slightly to her, "Greetings, I am Reed Plainsong, would you by chance know where to find the Headmaster's office?"
The young woman, no more than 5'6" in height, though uncertain of her mass given the loose fitted clothing she has on, looks back at Reed Plainsong and says, "I am uncertain-- I have but walked into this place, perhaps as lost as you are, but you seem to have a goal. What is this place called... Reed Plainsong?"
She looks around seeing various other people wandering about, though mostly they appear to be heading towards a singular direction.
She certainly looks out of place, and gauging by her expression and mannerisms, even the accent to her language, perhaps she stumbled in here without knowing what this place is.
One thing is clear though, she does keep Reed in her gaze, perhaps with a slight wariness to his large frame, or other reasons.
"I do believe it is a school," he said, rummaging in his wooden armor for something, "I received a bit of mail from someone directing me here." He produced a letter and handed it to her, "Perhaps we can help each other."
Anahita reaches out to take the letter and look it briefly over, before handing it back. She seems to study the minotaur's eyes as she does both and comes close to touching his fingers.
"I would be, thanks filled, Reed Plainsong, for your help." Then she peers around at the mass of people who are occasionally walking by, as if heading to something of importance.
While a few people glance her and the minotaur's way, none seem to be actually stop, which suggests an important gathering. At one point, an individual, clearly human and older by years, says plainly for both to hear, "Orientation in the auditorium, don't miss it." The teacher points while walking off to keep with the other students.
Anahita looks back at Reed and asks, "To follow .. or not, what say you, Reed Plainsong?" She studies the mixture of grass and leaves braided in his hair with a calm curiosity and light smile.
"I will follow," he said, smiling a little, "My name isn't suiting of a Minotaur because I was raised by Elves," he said to her as he walked with the others, "I learned the ways of the Druid and Cleric from them though I sometimes wonder what my life would have been like if I had been raised by my own kind."
While walking along side of Reed, when he smiles, she returns it without showing any of her teeth.
As he talks and mentions Elves, she turns more listening intently to the rest of his words.
Proceeding along, she asks him as her hands fiddle with the golden chain wrapped around her left wrist and in between fingers, "So-- you received a summons, to be brought, here? This school is for training of druids and clerics?"
She seems to nod as if something in that statement sense to her, then says again with her accented Common, "And, where in the lands, is this school? Where do you come from? I have met your kind, they are chaotic and violent beings, but you -- clearly, your parents, brought you up, different."
She gives him another smile at that statement. Something about this young human female is quite calming, charismatic and earthly, he may notice. More so now, after they have walked and she seems to shed some of her concerns with each passing moment.
He shrugged his massive shoulders, "I've seen many that are neither druid nor cleric. As I said I was raised by Elves, they taught my their ways, though perhaps if they had raised me as an outcast I would have been more like my racial kin, not the people who raised me."
Anahita while walking along with Reed, nods again and asks "Which Elves taught you, if I may inquire-- and where did you grow while learning?"
She moves deftly to the side as some student, announcing loudly while rushing ahead from behind in a gallop of sorts, passes the two heading to the 'orientation'.
A slight smile of playfulness reaches her features at that action and Reed may notice a hint of joy in her features.
Then suddenly she looks back at Reed and says, "Please to forgive, all my questions-- you are most interesting, and unique to me, a first."
"The Elves of the Foreststar clan, and I grew on the plains and in the forest of the Elven clan that raised me. Though I felt more at home on the plains. I also don't mind the questions, it feels good to speak to another than the animals."
A tiger growls a little beside his leg.
"Of course and Trasdran."
"Rosa where is it you hail from? I have seen others like you in my travels though most the like each other you however have a different design than them. I bet there are many other design I haven't even heard of, from where you are from though."
Anahita peers over at the small cat, looking happily at the feline.
"Why hello there, mighty hunter, have you caught any fearsome mice of late?" She says that with a playfulness to her words, observing the cat for it's age and breed.
"An adorable feline. Trasdran, you say?" She gives the cat another nod in greeting.
After a few more moments of walking, she says to Reed while looking ahead at the procession of students and the occasional teacher, "I admit, those names --unknown to me. I cannot say where I am, which is confusing. A school, that appears clear. I am here, most likely, to learn... as you appear to be, Reed Plainsong. Perhaps a divine hand, or Nature, she has brought us together, yes?"
She gives his armor a look over at this point, then looks back up at his features and horn tips, taking in the details of how he is dressed.
There is certainly something about this young woman, though, she exudes a certain air of ... well, her poise, her words, certainly more than a mere human female, but acts as if just that.
"It has been an honor meeting a human who doesn't run and hide from me, though I wonder if you're not more than you say you are," he pauses to think for a moment, "Though I could be wrong, you could just be a human and my fantasies are getting in my head again."
Anahita glances up at Reed when he says that last part, does a bit of a slight bow with left hand clutched at her bosom, saying "My travels and life have led me to many mysteries-- as this one now, but you have shown no evil, nor reason to judge as threat. All life has a right to grow and thrive. I suspect you know this too, in your training by Elves."
She is in the midst of replying to the observations he makes of her, when suddenly, yet another group of students, along with another teacher, surprisingly and quickly herd Anahita into the group that is passing, guided her quickly away along with other young adults her age. She looks to Reed and says while moving away, "We shall meet and talk again, soon, friend Reed Plainsong! After this orientation, yes?" It seems more that she is amused by the frivolity of the situation, or perhaps giddy as a schoolgirl on the first day of school. Perhaps nothing more than a floating leaf caught in the stream of human life in this school.
As the group gets ushered away with Anahita in it, she does wave a farewell at her newly made friend, a minotaur taught by Elves, while a smile warm her features and definitely reaches her eyes-- she most certainly happy over all.
He laughs a little at her reaction, "Goodbye Friend, may the All Mother guide you."
"Rosa where is it you hail from? I have seen others like you in my travels though most the like each other you however have a different design than them. I bet there are many other design I haven't even heard of, from where you are from though."
Rosa looks at the Elf, at a speed only meta tech devices can communicate she asks the SIMS mind.
"Do's he suspect?"
"No not for an instant, well about 99.98338% or there abouts, which I feel is good odds, so you know what to say, we all must play our part in this, now stop asking things you can work out yourself"
"I take it the head master did not tells you, well a long time ago, before I went into shut down to escape a star crash, I was a Imperial Dragon Fleet trooper, Officer technician 1st class, one of several Billion made to fight in a war long over. Back when A gold ruled the Dragon Empire and space was bigger as they say. Now I have no Idea how many of us are still around. I do have some data that one Dragon Dreadnought is still in operation, so only a few hundred thousand of us then. You may have seen one or two from that feet, also I have info on a Hunter feel that has need on the move, some way away."
As she says this an image comes up in the SIM control screens.
"That world was Mironus 7 of the Star Tinta, population 28,000,000,000, looks like they used Atmo Fusion and Shriks to wipe it clean before searching, now what could they be looking for do you think."
A chime sounded followed by a cheerful female voice over the schoolwide comm.
"Good morning, students. Orientation will begin in ten minutes. Professor Reading will be waiting by the door to give passes to late arrivals to the school. Anyone without a pass will be sent to detention. For those recent arrivals looking to enroll, there will be a table set up for enrollment and choosing classes after the orientation assembly. Go straight to the auditorium with the others. I repeat, orientation will begin in ten minutes."
Dave turns to Raelle "I suppose I best get moving then"he looks thoughtful "do you guys who've been here a while go to this thing"
The auditorium was basically pure chaos as students rushed to get to their seats a few still in pajamas.
"Children, please stay in your seats! I know it's exciting, but it's important to follow the rules and stay put," she said, trying to keep the restless younger children in place as they were fascinated to see all of the older kids."
::Sadie, would you mind sitting over here please? Dara is having trouble dealing with such a large crowd. I'm sure he'd feel more secure with you,:: [i]she sent after noticing that Nala was having difficulty keeping the unnaturally quiet child calm.
Dave turns to Raelle "I suppose I best get moving then"he looks thoughtful "do you guys who've been here a while go to this thing"
"When they say everyone, they mean everyone. It's for the entire school. I guess it's a yearly tradition or something."
Sadie excused herself from where she was sitting with her half-ogre friends and made her way over to where the elementary kids were sitting, sitting down next to her little brother.
"Cool" he stands up and offers her his hand "care to join me?"
It had been more terrifying than facing down a demi-god in his element, but Vai had managed to do it. Her heart was beating like a hammer despite her outward appearance. She was surprised she had been able to keep calm enough to play the harp. It was all worth it. Fei's smile wasn't his usual politeness, or even the fond caring smile that was reserved for her. It was full of hope. Her heart was slowing, the fear receding, replaced by pride, and a sense of peace. She didn't flinch at Fei's outstretched hand, though moved no closer, knowing Fei's limits.
Tears of joy well up in her eyes when Fei thanks her. The passion... and again there was hope. "We don't have to walk our paths alone. Though the road is winding, may ours will wind together that we might walk side-by-side." Vai was sure she had read that somewhere - some book of poetry - but it fit here.
Fei closes his eyes and nods, slowly bringing his hand back to his side as the sun fully crests the horizon.
"And there is no brighter light for that path than you," he says as he opens his eyes again, taking in the wondrous view of her - and then being reminded by two all-familiar 'growls' that hunger waits for no amount of poetry - especially where teenage dragons are involved. ;P
"If I may...I think it would be a nice idea to have breakfast out here instead of the Cafeteria. I will bring something back for us."
With her assent, he heads into the Cafeteria and brings out a rolling cart full of Vai's favorites - and a bran muffin for himself (with honey on top, to celebrate the special occasion, of course). (^-^)
They spend a pleasant morning on the green until the Orientation announcement is made, then gather their things and make their way to the Auditorium.
Phaezeriel looks up from his breakfast at the announcement, then looks to Ehos, ::I suppose we should go then, yes?::
With a sigh that sounds like a forge bellows, Wyrd relaxes his concentration and the scale model of Avalon sinks back into the stone. Leaving his room, he joins the stream of people headed to the auditorium.
With an irritated twitch to his wings, Kezzin glances about and chooses to follow the crowd. Surely all these people know where the auditorium might be.
At the joining of a hallway, he falls into step beside the towering form of a minotaur.
::Yes, I suppose we should. Detention with Professor Relkav would not be pleasant.:: Ehos busses their trays, and falls into step beside his demonic friend.
Lysander calmly walks over to the little ones and smiles gently.
"If all of you don't sit down and, the chairs will be very angry, turn in mouths, and try to eat you until orientation is over. If you don't behave even then, I'll be angry. Ask Mrs. Blackscales. I'm not nice when I'm angry."
Some time before the announcement, Tyrrin had gotten up from the table with Albin and Jaiye, saying: "Well, I must be going. I have responsibilities to attend to for this assembly. I shall see you both later."
"And there is no brighter light for that path than you," he says as he opens his eyes again, taking in the wondrous view - and then being reminded by two all-familiar 'growls' that hunger waits for no amount of poetry - especially where teenage dragons are involved. ;P
Ace wanders over to the auditorium, not in any particular hurry. When he walks in, he looks for Ginni, Morrivan and Tamina, and takes a seat next to them.
Having managed to skillfully slip away from the pack of teens around her age, Anahita eventually ends up by following the diminishing hallway crowd, at the Auditorium.
Peering around at the assembled mass of beings, she appears to study what she can of the people and oddly enough, the very room, walls and seats too. To her side, stragglers like herself, slip into the room and find their desired seats.
After taking in the room and it's occupants, looking just a hint bewildered or amazed at the variety of sights to see, she walks in wide-eyed and partially entranced.
>> Simply amazing. <<
Jostled out of her partial daze by a student running by and bumping her lightly, she glances around for an open seat, a larger than man sized bull headed Reed Plainsong, or anything else unique in appearance.
Having managed to skillfully slip away from the pack of teens around her age, Anahita eventually ends up by following the diminishing hallway crowd, at the Auditorium.
Peering around at the assembled mass of beings, she appears to study what she can of the people and oddly enough, the very room, walls and seats too. To her side, stragglers like herself, slip into the room and find their desired seats.
After taking in the room and it's occupants, looking just a hint bewildered or amazed at the variety of sights to see, she walks in wide-eyed and partially entranced.
>> Simply amazing. <<
Jostled out of her partial daze by a student running by and bumping her lightly, she glances around for an open seat, a larger than man sized bull headed Reed Plainsong, or anything else unique in appearance.
Taking his chaperone duties seriously, is at some of the children's dismay, in three places, watching over them. They are just as antsy as the others, but probably most aware of watchful eyes...
In glancing about, spotting some angelic wings, Anahita strains standing taller to look over towards them, then shaking her head mentally exclaims,
>> This must be a dream.. simply amazing, again. <<
She walks in a few feet more, still glancing to and fro, continuing her survey of the room and it's occupants. At this point, she is towards the back, not trying to be sneaky about it, but more polite so's not to block anyone's view in her search for a place to stand.
It's clear to anyone capable of sensing her motives, she's not quite sure if she's allowed to join just anywhere, or if there is a specific place where she should sit, i.e. she's not in her normal element. This doesn't come off as fear, but more, a politeness to her manner.
Ushers in a few late comers, nod-bowing to the other staff members.
Reads to the eggs, as he does every morning...
::Let me know if anything exciting happens. I know how last year's orientation went...:: he sends to his mate.
In glancing about, spotting some angelic wings, Anahita strains standing taller to look over towards them, then shaking her head mentally exclaims,
>> This must be a dream.. simply amazing, again. <<
** spoiler omitted **
She walks in a few feet more, still glancing to and fro, continuing her survey of the room and it's occupants. At this point, she is towards the back, not trying to be sneaky about it, but more polite so's not to block anyone's view in her search for a place to stand.
It's clear to anyone capable of sensing her motives, she's not quite sure if she's allowed to join just anywhere, or if there is a specific place where she should sit, i.e. she's not in her normal element. This doesn't come off as fear, but more, a politeness to her manner.
Phaezeriel and Ehos arrive at the auditorium along with the last few students, and he comes to a halt behind a slender and beautiful woman dressed more for desert temperatures. Phaezeriel projects his voice to her with a pleasant, friendly tone, ::Good morning. If you are looking for a seat, most of the people here are fairly friendly.::
Anahita looks over at Phaezeriel, as she appears to make the connection that he/it is speaking to her mentally, her eyes go a touch wider.
Clearly experienced with telepathy, she doesn't seem to freak out at the opening conversation he initiates, but he senses that her mind strikes him as stronger than any mere human's.
Speaking in Common, though with an accent, she says to the over sized quaist "Greetings to you. I -- this school, I am new, though here for teaching, I suspect. Do you, speak? or only do the mind speak?" She glances around towards open seats, then back, nodding a greeting to Phaezeriel's companion Ehos as well, politely.
"So many .. amazing things here. Where in the world is this place?" She sounds very curious, though a hint of excitement at it all. Then she peers back at the quasit pondering something.
Fei and Vai enter the Auditorium, the space abuzz with noise and motion. Between the (hopefully) happy Champion of Light and the "Energizer Monk™", the light levels in the room seem to increase a bit upon their entry, and the speakers seem to carry sound more crisply. ;D
Bowing in greeting to Phaezeriel and Ehos as they are nearby, the two step to the side and start scanning the rows for seating in their section.
Anahita:
Anahita maintains eye contact with the over sized quasit, though she does seem quite perceptive and attentive as additional people walk into the room.
Once the lighting appears to gain strength, she seems a quick enough study to make the connection, peering over Fei and Vai, quickly, before looking back at Phaezeriel.
"I see, I am familiar with the .. mind speak, but have not experienced it in so much. Agartha-- that is unknown to me. Is this, one of the many layers of the Great Beyond? Another land far from the Inner Sea, I suspect?" She uses the term, 'Great Beyond' in a manner that suggests even that term, is unfamiliar to her.
As Phaezeriel is most likely versed in the ways of planar travelers, he probably can deduce that this young human is not from Agartha, and certainly gets the sense she's probing given her manner and questions.
Anyone who would study her, however quick or slow it might take, will realize that unlike Fei's 'perfection', this young girl is just overly 'more' than a human being ought to be-- the sort that would easily become a leader, warlord, or chieftain of her kind, which contrasts against her apparent nervousness, youth and curiosity. Even a casual sense motive, however, would indicate she isn't bluffing, it's a combination of excitement and uncertainty that plagues her, though she does seem calmer with the conversation currently underway.
She watches Fei and Vai again looking them both over with interest, but as soon as Phaezeriel might 'speak' to her again, she makes eye contact- clearly the telepathy is new to her.
A slight fidgeting of nervous energy, as she fiddles with the golden/silver metal chain that is wrapped in her left hand and wrist. She doesn't seem to notice that action though, even if she notices much going on around her.
lang continues assisting Ephebe with the younger ones in his own unique way.
On girl makes a funny face at lang hoping to throw him off Lang glances at her careful your face may freeze like that
with a wave of his hand a small blast of air blows across her face
but something was different this time, Lang only meant to get her attention but she suddenly gave a shiver and lang notices small bits of frost form. as the moisture around her was starting to freeze.
lang immediately stopped and looked around to see if someone was about doing that. but saw noone.
lang immediately tried to warm her and ease her fear What just happened, I've never done that before I don't even know how to do that
Knowing she will be alright Lang goes to Ephebe
He bows to her and softly makes his humble request Headmistrees Ephebe?, after the orientation can we please talk? something happened and I am worried
(Treisdan can no longer disguise himself at will... so he is about 6'1" with silver hair and Iron grey eyes) My appearance for now.
Phaezeriel's tone remains friendly, and he is no longer speaking solely to Anahita, ::Pardon my lack of manners! My name is Phaezeriel, and this is Ehos. We both arrived during the middle of the last term.:: Phazeriel's voice turns somewhat scholarly, ::It is my guess that you are from my own homeworld. You are from Golarion, are you not? This world is simply a different place in the Prime Materiel Plane. As Golarion is an orb orbiting it's sun, so too does Agartha orbit it's sun.::
As Vai and Fei come in, Phaezeriel turns a bit in their direction, ::Good morning Vai, Fei. Was the sunrise beautiful this morning?::