"Well," she said, dryly, "there is this little problem of people trying to kill my kind.""If you're talking about the coin, I don't know, and if I find out I'll be trying to destroy it. If you're talking about me....ummmmm....I was kinda born that way."stares in wonder at Ephebe
** spoiler omitted **
he blinks and shuts his mouth, gathering his composure
"Very powerful dweomer. Where kid get one?""Yes, coin. It was very strong."
Looks in awe at Ephebe
"Why do you hide? Your scales are mag...ni...umm..very nice."
merely nods
She sighed. "It means we have to start from scratch. Hunting them while they hunt us. Made all the more difficult because they are still using the same tactics of targeting the young ones first."
"Indeed. But why should we use the same tactics for fighting?" Ryo says from within the shadows of his hood. He opens a drawer at his desk and pulss out single large card. "It has been awhile since I've used them for anything but readings, but I think Illusion will at least confuse him."
Leaving his shack, Vakkler tastes the air. A kobold instinct, mostly pointless. Long since rendered nothing but a little habit of the species.
But not this time. For once, he detects something. Something that sends a shiver down his spine. Another instinct, one long suppressed.
He hurries back inside, locking the door and setting the traps.
Once certain that the only entrance is secure, he moves to a bookshelf and pulls out a tiny tome. With the naked eye, he can just make out the title:
Natural Enemies of the Kobold Race
"Is hunter a people? Is it training? What we dealing with?"
"At least this 'young one' can bite back." He says with a toothy grin as he pushes back his jacket revealing his caster and other weapons.
"At least this 'young one' can bite back." He says with a toothy grin as he pushes back his jacket revealing his caster and other weapons.
"Not you, dear," she said absently. "They have specific targets in mind. You don't meet their criteria. But we would definitely appreciate it if you could help keep an eye on Ephebe. Chances are you'll get a chance to destroy something sooner rather than later."
Nasima nods at the walking arsenal that is Asch Redgrave. Looking around, she sets her jaw and says "I didn't like that kid in the cafeteria, now I guess I know why. Next time 'll just let Khoda come. Let that kid -- or whatever he is -- fight the gods, if he's so tough, instead of a bunch of kids." She puts her arm around Ephebe's shoulder and gives her a sort of sideways-squishie-hug then releases her.
Nasima nods at the walking arsenal that is Asch Redgrave. Looking around, she sets her jaw and says "I didn't like that kid in the cafeteria, now I guess I know why. Next time 'll just let Khoda come. Let that kid -- or whatever he is -- fight the gods, if he's so tough, instead of a bunch of kids." She puts her arm around Ephebe's shoulder and gives her a sort of sideways-squishie-hug then releases her.
** spoiler omitted **
Vakkler does not know Nasima's motives.
"At least this 'young one' can bite back." He says with a toothy grin as he pushes back his jacket revealing his caster and other weapons."Not you, dear," she said absently. "They have specific targets in mind. You don't meet their criteria. But we would definitely appreciate it if you could help keep an eye on Ephebe. Chances are you'll get a chance to destroy something sooner rather than later."
"So...Dragons, then? Or whatever you guys are? That's what they hunt? I'll do my best to help but who needs looking out for? I can't call Khoda all the time or he...or I b-...I just can't. But maybe I can hide people again. Maybe."
"Thanks, 'Sima," she said gratefully. "You're really brave. And I'm really glad you're still willing to be my friend after...well, all of that."
"So...Dragons, then? Or whatever you guys are? That's what they hunt? I'll do my best to help but who needs looking out for? I can't call Khoda all the time or he...or I b-...I just can't. But maybe I can hide people again. Maybe.""At least this 'young one' can bite back." He says with a toothy grin as he pushes back his jacket revealing his caster and other weapons."Not you, dear," she said absently. "They have specific targets in mind. You don't meet their criteria. But we would definitely appreciate it if you could help keep an eye on Ephebe. Chances are you'll get a chance to destroy something sooner rather than later."
She sighed. Well, if this conversation went badly she could always rewind time and erase it.
"Just a specific kind of dragon. They were...they were sort of originally sent after us by other dragons. All the other dragons hate our kind of dragon so we hide here on this world."
Nods
"I shall help as well. Maybe I'll get to use his bones when he no longer ...requires them."
Ponders...
She sighed. Well, if this conversation went badly she could always rewind time and erase it.
"Well if the wife of The Boss says look out for their daughter you have my assistance then. I will also let Amada know to look out as well. Let them come at us with a full blooded demon and a half-vampire on guard." He says with more than a little anticipation in his voice. You'd swear his eyes were glowing so bright you can see the glow through his shades.
"Thanks, 'Sima," she said gratefully. "You're really brave. And I'm really glad you're still willing to be my friend after...well, all of that."
*smiles back* "Of course! Hanging around you is good for my reflexes. Maybe I can quit dropping my books all the time." *winks*
Looking thoughtful, 'Sima replies to Ephebe's explanation; "I think I understand, at least a little bit. It sounds maybe like my dad's people -- Djinn -- and the Efreet. Same basic race, but different types, and the Efreet don't like the Djinn and are always after them so they have to inhabit separate planes and be on their guard."
Having leapt and leapt again for good measure, Mr. Sinh is well out the door of the Academy, still cupping the cursed coin and having no idea what to do now.
:: squeee-squeee-squeeeeeeee ::
The familiar sound of the battered washpail gives him little comfort as it finally catches up with its master. He looks at the battered old thing, feeling more than a little sympathy for it. "Well, friend, it looks like we may be out of a job. I made a hash of that, I did."
He jots a quick note on a threadbare notepad, tears the page, and attaches it to the washpail. "Please deliver that to the Headmaster and then does what he says after that. Alright? Good boy."
The little washpail squeaks off at its best pace. The note, flapping in the light breeze reads:
- Dear Sir,
Is the young Miss alright? I hope so. Sorry for being a right fool and bringing that coin in yours and hers presence. I'm in front of the school with the coin. Please send word on what I should do with it... or feel free to come yourself and blast me into nothingness.
Sincerely,
O.E. Sinh, MCA
I must have a word with one of those mage fools. They can help me narrow it down.
Vakkler opens the door and walks briskly towards the school. He pauses, noticing Mr. Sinh. "Ah. Sinh? What are you doing out here? I need to--"
He spots the coin.
"Holding that a bit overcautiously, don't you think? Are you--"
His eyes narrow as he finally recognises Mr. Sinh's discomfort. "Are you alright?"
Sinh looks distressed. His words pour out in a torrent, "I can't say, Master Vakkler, but I'm glad you're here! I-found-this-thing-near-where-that-boy-was-and-it-had-queer-markings-so-I -took-it-to-the-Headmaster-but-it-affected-the-girl-since-she-was-there-too -and-then-there-was-all-sorts-of-commotion-and-I-got-it-out-of-there- as-fast-as-I-could... and now I'm here." He rallies, trying to calm himself. "Would you go check on the young Miss and see that she is alright?"
Sinh looks distressed. His words pour out in a torrent, "I can't say, Master Vakkler, but I'm glad you're here! I found this thing near where that boy was and it had queer markings so I took it to the Headmaster but it affected the girl since she was there too and then there was all sorts of commotion and I got it out of there as fast as I could... and now I'm here." He rallies, trying to calm himself. "Would you go check on the young Miss and see that she is alright?"
"Slow down. Markings? Let me see."
Vakkler puts out his hand. If given the coin, he examines it closely.
Sinh says, "I don't know how safe it is to touch...". He cups his hands under it, supporting it on a cushion of magic, allowing Vakkler to examine it as it spins or grab it, if he chooses. "I can't make heads or tails of it... no joke intended."
Sinh says, "I don't know how safe it is to touch...". He cups his hands under it, supporting it on a cushion of magic, allowing Vakkler to examine it as it spins or grab it, if he chooses. "I can't make heads or tails of it... no joke intended."
"You said it 'affected' the girl..." Vakkler mutters. "Which girl? How?" Not even Mr. Sinh's magic seems to bother him, so preoccupied he is with his thoughts.
Mr. Sinh sifts through his mind. Like any good custodian he'd been going through the faculty and student lists trying to familiarize himself with everyone at the Academy... but it was only his first day. He pulls the name from his memory, "Miss Ephebe is her name, I believe. And she was.. hm... shaken is maybe the best word."
Mr. Sinh sifts through his mind. Like any good custodian he'd been going through the faculty and student lists trying to familiarize himself with everyone at the Academy... but it was only his first day. He pulls the name from his memory, "Miss Ephebe is her name, I believe. And she was.. hm... shaken is maybe the best word."
"Shaken. I see."
A gray house cat with wings glides gently down to hover in front of Mr. Sinh, holding a letter gently it it's mouth. The words "Letter for Mr. Sinh" appear between the feline's wings.
I do not regret to inform you that you shall be keeping your job. In fact, you have provided a very valuable service! Imagine what would of happened if a student had picked up the coin instead! We may be able to use it to track the boy too.
Miss Sunwake is indeed alright. The coin's magic reacted badly with her own(which was probably the purpose of it anyway) and left her in a tight spot for a few moments. She is perfectly fine and in good health.
Signed,
Ryo Antairus, Headmaster of Avalon
P.S.
I know about the tremendous mess you had to clean up in the cafeteria. While you probably expected a large mess to clean, I doubt it was one of that magnitude. You'll be getting a bonus next time you are paid for your troubles. Think of it as a "It's just my first day!" bonus. You may also give the coin to Ruji, the cat that carried the letter.
Sinh reads the note with relief. As soon as Vakkler has finished examining the ring, Sinh pockets the kindly note from the Headmaster hisself no less! then drops the ring into the envelope and seals it, presenting it to the flying cat.
He looks at Vakkler, "Well, it looks like the Headmaster is too good-natured to atomize me or too busy to fire me today. That's good."
Sinh reads the note with relief. As soon as Vakkler has finished examining the ring, Sinh pockets the kindly note from the Headmaster hisself no less! then drops the ring into the envelope and seals it, presenting it to the flying cat.
He looks at Vakkler, "Well, it looks like the Headmaster is too good-natured to atomize me or too busy to fire me today. That's good."
"I doubt he'd do so. He's a seer, but of the domestic variety."
Mr. Sinh scratches his head and gives the kobold a small, hesitant smile, "What's an imported seer like, then?"
"Thanks, 'Sima," she said gratefully. "You're really brave. And I'm really glad you're still willing to be my friend after...well, all of that."*smiles back* "Of course! Hanging around you is good for my reflexes. Maybe I can quit dropping my books all the time." *winks*
Looking thoughtful, 'Sima replies to Ephebe's explanation; "I think I understand, at least a little bit. It sounds maybe like my dad's people -- Djinn -- and the Efreet. Same basic race, but different types, and the Efreet don't like the Djinn and are always after them so they have to inhabit separate planes and be on their guard."
"Ummm...yeah, it's kind of like that. Only one side has kinda been dominating the fight for a while. And it's not us."
"And we definitely need to get you a bookbag. We could even decorate it if you like. I mean, errr, if you happen to like sparkles and stuff anyway..."
She slides her own bookbag which was covered with colorful glittery patches slightly behind her.
Looks around at everybody in the office
"What now? Do we go like nothing is wrong and keep a look out, or go on the...offensive?"
"They say the best defense is a good offense."
"But how do we go on the offense if we don't even know who we're attacking? Which one or ones of the students are Hunters? Right now my family and you three are the only ones I'm sure aren't. Well, I'm pretty sure Mr. Reklar and Mr. Sinh are okay too."
"I...errr I just hate waiting." He says as he sits in one of the remaining chairs and sulks.
"Ummm...yeah, it's kind of like that. Only one side has kinda been dominating the fight for a while. And it's not us."
"Ugh. I'm sorry." Nasima gives Ephebe and the other Sunwakes a sympathetic look. "That must be awful. I can't even imagine..."
"And we definitely need to get you a bookbag. We could even decorate it if you like. I mean, errr, if you happen to like sparkles and stuff anyway..."
"Yeah! I'd like that. Sparkles are cool. I can ask a little wind to make a pattern."
"But how do we go on the offense if we don't even know who we're attacking? Which one or ones of the students are Hunters? Right now my family and you three are the only ones I'm sure aren't. Well, I'm pretty sure Mr. Reklar and Mr. Sinh are okay too."
"That's what I was just gonna ask. I seems like all we can do is wait for an attack and then be ready, and also try to always have one of us around Ephebe to help out. It's, uh, it's not much of a plan, I suppose."
"I will have alot of..umm...arcane and divine theory and thau..ma..turgy classes...what do you all have?"
"Ummm...yeah, it's kind of like that. Only one side has kinda been dominating the fight for a while. And it's not us.""Ugh. I'm sorry." Nasima gives Ephebe and the other Sunwakes a sympathetic look. "That must be awful. I can't even imagine..."
"And we definitely need to get you a bookbag. We could even decorate it if you like. I mean, errr, if you happen to like sparkles and stuff anyway...""Yeah! I'd like that. Sparkles are cool. I can ask a little wind to make a pattern."
"Oh good! That sounds like fun. I like sparkles a lot, but my brothers make fun of me for it. It's not like I have to be girly all the time, but it's still nice once in a while, you know?"
"I have gun training, advanced gym or as I like to call it 'dodgeball', mechanics, and a few arcane classes." Asch says as he goes back to his usual cocky self with one leg thrown over the leg of his chair.
"I will have alot of..umm...arcane and divine theory and thau..ma..turgy classes...what do you all have?"
"Well, divine theory for sure. Mom's advanced combat training class. And of course firearms. And, let's see..." she pulls a schedule out of her bag. "Looks like advanced potion making, mathemagics, and I have to retake divination since I failed it last semester," she added, making a face.
"So then some of us will mostly likely be in at least one or two classes with Ephebe at any given time..."
ponders a bit, then looks to Ryo, Tamrin and Aananda
"No offense is...intended here, Great Masters, but...what if Ehpebe is a distraction? What if the hunters decide to start from the top...while we focus defense on her?"
"Given how rarely Mother comes out of her lair these days, it seems unlikely. And I assure you, I can take care of myself. I have a few surprises on my person at all times that I am fairly certain they won't be expecting. In fact, I would rather they took that tactic since it would reveal who they are while keeping the children safe."
"Besides almost all of my classes are taught by the teachers in this room right now. So if they go after them I will at least be there." He says as he absently rolls a caster shell across his knuckles.
A short teenager - about 16 by the look of him - walks across the great lawn, a giant military style bag (nearly his own size - and defintely more than you'd think a squirrely kid his size could carry) strapped across his back. An unruly shock of nearly black hair sits atop his head and his darks eyes dart all around the place, drinking in what are obviously new sites. He spies Mr. Sinh and Vakkler having their conversation and jogs up, an excited grin on his face.
"Hey, mister and… uh… little dragon man. You guys know where I can find…" he looks in his hand, surprised to find it empty. Then digs through an over-sized back pants pocket. Then a front pocket before finally finding what he's looking for, and draws out a large neatly folded, pressed, wrapped piece of paper with a long word written across the front in the Headmaster's handwriting. "uh.. Mister RY-O? I'm supposed to check in with him."
His dark eyes wander everywhere, as if nothing can keep their attention for longer than a second, and he wipes the back hand across his nose with a sniff. Then, with absent-minded realization, he sticks the same hand out to the two school workers, "oh yah. I'm Despin. I'm new here. People call me Spin, though."
Vakkler does not shake Spin's hand. "I have no idea where he is right now, but I'd assume he's wherever you need him. Mages."
"Alright, I think you can work out the schedules among yourselves. I would like one of you to be with Ephebe at all times if at all possible. Ephebe, if one of your friends can't be with you, make sure to stick near one of your brothers. We're going to see if we can find out anything more, and work from there."
"The three of you," she said, looking pointedly at Nasima, Asch, and Krays, "are currently privy to a secret that could cause a lot of destruction if the wrong people found it out. I expect you to be very careful with that information."
Excitement unabated by the kobold's coldness, Spin's eyes shift over to the tall man, expecting some guidance. He jams his hands into his front pockets, rocking from heel to toe on his feet. "Are you guys mages?" He remembers his manners just a second too late, obviously trying to make a good impression, "Sirs."
"Will I get a boulder thrown at me if I inform Amada? She will be with me most of the time anyway."
"Will I get a boulder thrown at me if I inform Amada? She will be with me most of the time anyway."
"I'll leave that to Ephebe's discretion. She's probably the most cautious of the lot of us," she added ruefully. "If she says it's okay, then it's okay. With Hunters on the loose, we need allies who know what's going on...And I don't throw boulders as punishment. That's training." ;P