Sorchan del Sol's page

As all of this was being said, a guardsman approached Lord Phoebus and whispered something urgently in his ear. "Are you sure?" he asked quietly, clearly shocked by what he'd heard. The guardsman nodded and whispered something else as well. Lord Phoebus stood straighter, frowning. "Excuse me, I need to attend to this," he said quietly before attempting to approach Lord Soleil.

After what appeared to be several false starts at speaking with the man, Lord Soleil said loudly, "I don't know what you're about, but anything you have to say to me you can say in front of everyone."
Lord Phoebus sighed and looked pained as the attention of the group was drawn to this scene. "If you insist," he said gravely, "but I would like to remind you that I tried to do this discreetly first. I have just been delivered some information by my guardsmen who were investigating the matter involving Aithne and Aine del Sol. They were attempting to locate a number of victims of the brainwashing ritual that were listed in the journal. Most of the survivors are already in custody, but there were a few still at large. They just found them a little while ago. Dead. Along with two Soleil guardsmen, Embre Soleil, and Apolla Helios. All dead. At this point we do not know who or, by the description of the scene, more likely what killed them. I suspect that either Embre or Apolla, or possibly both, attempted to use what they learned from Lord Helios and it went horribly wrong, but at this point there is no proof and that is simply conjecture. I am very sorry for your loss."

Fieri felt disconnected from herself. This must be a dream. It couldn't be real. She could hear a swishing sound like the ocean in her ears, and then the world tilted.

Sorchan jumped forward and caught his oldest daughter before she hit the ground. He could hear Lady Soleil screaming in the background, but he wasn't really paying any attention to her right now. He was too concerned about Fieri.

"You can't let them live! Not after all the lives they stole!" the large baker, Magmus, yelled for what must be the dozenth time. Somehow Magmus had been appointed as the representative for the common people, and Sorchan had no quarrel with that. The man was for the most part a calm and rational individual. Who was naturally horrified to learn the extent of the crimes of Aine and Aithne del Sol. He could understand that too. He'd been sickened reading off the charges.
"And here I thought you lot took the moral high ground because you were against executing our own kind," sneered Lord Soleil
Any second now this mess was going to erupt into a fistfight. Or worse. And there was absolutely nothing he could do to stop it.

Sorchan looked at the three girls sitting at the kitchen table. Raelle had been released from the infirmary just a few minutes ago after a mental scan from Healer Zamarosok last night had confirmed that she was not suffering any long-term effects of the botched ritual. Ignace looked very prim, as she always did when she was stressed. And Chara was slightly less bouncy than usual. They could tell that there was something wrong. He handed out plates of burnt pancakes with kerosene and waited while they ate.

"Dad, you're just making it harder," Fieri scolded from the doorway as she arrived and saw all the long faces. "Don't keep us in suspense. How bad did it get?"

He sighed. Aside from Ignace, the entire family was overly direct. What else could he expect? "We found a dozen or so others among their servants who had been put through the ritual. I was worried that there would be others hidden among the other Houses, but I found a record of every trial and success they had among their papers. They hadn't yet got around to selling their subjects as slaves. Raelle would have been the first. Thank the gods that didn't happen," he added with a shudder.

"Amen to that," Raelle said, making a face.

"Anyhow, the bad parts are the list of failed attempts. The ones who died. One of the first ones was Charles Charbonnier."

"Wait," Raelle said, frowning. "Like, our Uncle Charles. The one who went missing before I was born? The one that Chara is named after?"

Sorchan sighed. "Yes. They've been at this for a very, very long time. And all this time I never noticed, never suspected," he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to stay focused. "They probably picked Charles as a form of revenge because of my relationship with your mother. They never approved. Understandably your mother is taking this pretty hard. After all this time, it was hard to hope, but with so many exiles showing up, she hoped that....but that's not going to happen now. Charles is dead. They destroyed his mind and spirit and then disposed of his body." He stopped, unable to continue. Unable to face the blank, horrified looks of his children.

Fieri stepped up behind him and hugged him. "It's a hard thing," she said softly. "When someone you cared about turns out to be a monster. When others are happy to see them torn apart. Even when you can't help but reject the things they did, you also can't help but remember who you thought they were before you knew the truth. You told me once before that we're defined by our own choices, not by our families. You aren't a monster, just because they are. I know you're blaming yourself for not seeing it sooner, but they were really good at lying."

Chara climbed off her chair and hugged him gently around the knee. "Is Mommy okay, Daddy?" she asked, worried.

"Yeah," he said hoarsely. "Mommy's okay. But she's very sad. She cried a lot and now she's tired. Let's let her rest a while longer, okay?"

Chara nodded.

Sorchan sat by the window and watched the sun come up. He hadn't slept at all last night. He'd finally persuaded Pyra to get some rest. Well, actually she'd cried herself to sleep. Same difference. Today was going to be a very long day. It had been supposed to be the day for the firebirds to decide on a system or systems of governance and a new home or homes, depending on how things were decided. But now there was also the need to put his parents on trial, and also try and see if it was possible to restore the victims. Well, the ones who were still alive. He rested his head on his hands and wondered if there was any good way through this mess.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

He didn't have to wait long before Sorchan showed up, his expression grim. He wasn't alone. There were guards from House Phoebus and House Svarog with him.
"Take them into custody, make sure to keep them restrained," Sorchan ordered. "Be gentle with the guards. They are victims, not criminals, but they can still be compelled to do violence if they are not kept restrained."

After they see to the prisoners...

"Excuse me, sir, but...is Raelle going to be alright?" He asks Sorchan.

Sorchan hesitated. "Yes, she's going to be alright. And I am trying not to think about how close she was to not being. Because murdering one's parents is frowned on. But I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering it anyway," he added with a grimace.

Jiminy, Prankster of the Future wrote:

"Take them to the firebird encampment outside Avalon. And release them into the custody of Sorchan del Sol. He'll meet you there. And go easy on the guards. They're not in control of their actions. There's a chance they'll never be in control of their actions again. Won't know for sure until I've had a chance to examine their spell book more closely. But prospects aren't great. And those are family members of your fellow pilots, Sunbeam. Something to be aware of, over," he replied on the radio while Fei funneled the magical energies through the portal.

"Copy that, Boss. I'll make this the nicest flight they're likely to get for a while, over." He takes off, heading toward Avalon, with none of the in-flight shenanigans he was mulling over...He'll land just outside of the refugee camp, send word to Sorchan he had his quarry(s), and begin to unload the containment cells.

He didn't have to wait long before Sorchan showed up, his expression grim. He wasn't alone. There were guards from House Phoebus and House Svarog with him.

Fieri Sunwake wrote:

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Lucas Svarog wrote:

"I have confirmed that raelle was captured alive and by a group of firebirds. they numbered four guards and one who appeared to be a child."

A series of expressions passed across Sorchan's face. Rage, sorrow, fear. But only for a moment. "Thank you once again for your help," he said.

"I'll let James know," she said, from where she was seated on the couch, with her arm around Chara. "That information might help them narrow the search area further."

"it was the least I could do. With our homes gone we must band together and aid each other in any way we can instead of squandering what resources we have in petty squabbles, besides, it was the right thing to do... Unfortunately I believe I am at the limit of what my creativity and power can help with here..." He seems somewhat lost but seems to be trying to draw strength from political pseudo philosophy.

"I will not forget this," Sorchan said, trying to convey gratitude, but practically bouncing off the walls with fear and worry.

"I have confirmed that raelle was captured alive and by a group of firebirds. they numbered four guards and one who appeared to be a child."

A series of expressions passed across Sorchan's face. Rage, sorrow, fear. But only for a moment. "Thank you once again for your help," he said.

Lucas takes off for the school starting where Sorchan flew off too, and using the arrows to go from there. When he eventually arrives at the door to Ephebe's room he knocks firml three times and pauses. If there is no prompt answer he feels out with his mental senses, looking for the presence of the mind he brushed up against earlier and, if not stopped by some sort of mental protection projects ::Mr. Del'Sol . I have gathered additional information regarding Raelle's capture::

The door swings open and Sorchan is standing there, the girls sitting on the sofas in the sitting area behind him, looking worried. "What did you find?" he demanded.

Sorchan stopped as if he were listening to something and then turned to Lucas.

"The things that you found of Raelle's, please hand them to me. I need to get them to Ryleh so she can find where they've taken my daughter," he said, jaw clenched as he tried to keep his emotions under control. "Thank you for your help," he added, realizing that he hadn't yet acknowledged that. "All of you."

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"Hmm." Sorchan stalked around the area, examining the broken branches and the disturbed dirt. "Where did you find her bag exactly?" he asked Lucas.

lucas stands up taller and straighter, looking the girl's father directly in his eyes "not far from here, under a bush. I almost didn't see it."

Sorchan examines the spot where the bag was found and walks around the whole site again. "There had to have been more than one of them. The angles of these breaks don't make any sense otherwise. She must have fought like hell. But there's no trail out of here at all. Not even in the upper branches. They didn't fly out of here. They definitely teleported. Damn it," he growled, dread and fear gnawing at him. "When I find who did this..."

He has a very special set of skills...

"Hmm." Sorchan stalked around the area, examining the broken branches and the disturbed dirt. "Where did you find her bag exactly?" he asked Lucas.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Sorchan nodded. "I'll go and see what if anything I can find out about who took her," he said. "Show me where her belongings were found," he said to Cindra.

Cindra nods, "Flying will be faster, sir."

Regardless of form, she will lead the way to where Lucas is as fast as she can manage.

Once they are clear of obstructions like students and such in the hallways, Sorchan will transform into his bird form and follow Cindra to the area where Lucas found Raelle's things. He lands and changes back.

Cindra Svarog wrote:

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

The school seems to be helping her hurry. That corridor had seemed longer before. And the stairs didn't used to be there, did they? She reached an area of the school she had never been before quite quickly. Professor del Sol was already walking down a corridor towards her, followed by a woman she didn't recognize with dark red hair. "What is it?" he demanded. "What happened to Raelle?"

Cindra curves in a graceful maneuver, flowing into her human form keeping pace with the Del Sols, "Professor, we do not yet know what has happened, except that she has disappeared. Lucas has found some of her belongings just outside the wards. That is when I reached out to you."

Sorchan and Pyra share a look.

"I'll go see if Ryleh can scry out Raelle's current location," she said, looking worried.

Sorchan nodded. "I'll go and see what if anything I can find out about who took her," he said. "Show me where her belongings were found," he said to Cindra.

Morrivan wrote:

Lucas Svarog wrote:

Lucas rummages through the bag looking for something to positively identify the owner and broadcasts ::and bring someone who can trace teleports::

Inside the bag is a small bag of charcoal briquettes, a notebook filled with strange doodles - page after page of circular designs, and a datapad. Also a hair tie, some lip gloss, and a small hair brush. The hair tangled in the brush is dark.

::Somebody go and get Professor del Sol,:: Morrivan attempted to sort of mentally shout at whoever contacted her next. Not being naturally telepathic really sucked right now. She ran in the direction that Lucas had been sending from.

Cindra banks and brushes the corridor wall, arrows light up leading to Professor Del Sol, ::I am on my way. I will try to reach him telepathically to speed this up.::

Cindra brings to mind the tall man from her memories, vague though they are, ::Professor Del Sol! Professor? This is Cindra Svarog. There is a situation developing regarding Raelle!::

The school seems to be helping her hurry. That corridor had seemed longer before. And the stairs didn't used to be there, did they? She reached an area of the school she had never been before quite quickly. Professor del Sol was already walking down a corridor towards her, followed by a woman she didn't recognize with dark red hair. "What is it?" he demanded. "What happened to Raelle?"

Sorchan let out a sigh as he entered the door of their apartment. He could smell smoke coming from the kitchen, which was definitely a good sign. He couldn't help but smile when he saw Pyra standing over the stove.

She smiled back when she saw him come in. "Hey, you. None of the kids showed up for dinner, so I think it's just the two of us."

"A quiet dinner alone? Are you sure that's allowed?" he asked in mock horror.

Pyra laughed. "Probably not, so we better take advantage of it while we can."

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"Ardiente's earth powers are the product of his non-firebird heritage yes, as his fire powers are the product of his firebird heritage. Because that is apparently what happens when two races that usually breed true breed with each other. Somehow I doubt the rest of you are secretly descended from dragons, so no, I'm sorry Miss Svarog, but that explanation won't hold fire. He is the exception and the rest of you are the rule."

"And he was executed. And revived. Unfortunately we were too late to rescue his parents. The Council broke their own laws that day. I had little respect for them before that and none after. But that is not the point, is it? The point is that you have to accept what is. And that means learning to control your powers. If you never choose to use them after that, then by all means, that's your choice to make. But you cannot ignore them. You could hurt yourself and others. Phaezeriel here would be able to best advise you what classes you will need in order to learn that control. It is not such a bad thing, Miss Svarog. Perhaps even useful if you allow it to be."

"Dragons..." Lily seems to focus on that word, her lip curling into an ever-so-slight sneer at the mention. Agartha hasn't forgotten all the old stories, after all. She doesn't say anything else on the topic though. Maybe she is actually capable of learning.

Lily stands quietly for a long period of time, perhaps considering Sorchan's words. Whatever the case, once the sneer over the dragons is gone, her face remains mostly impassive. "Very well. May we take a recess? I would like to walk while I think on this."

"Of course. That seems like a reasonable request to me. Phaezeriel, is there any objection to releasing Miss Svarog from the infirmary temporarily?"

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"Miss Svarog, while they are not nobles there is nothing the matter with the 'purity' of the Charbonnier family, not that I care. I love my wife and the opinions of everyone else on the subject are utterly irrelevant. Now, I am giving you some leeway since you have had an upsetting experience and this is your first day here, but you need to understand that if I ever hear you refer to any member of my family as a 'sootblood' again you will be spending a substantial amount of time in detention. That isn't a threat. It's fair warning. As is the mention that detentions around here can be very creative."

"Now, I presume we are done with particular bit of unpleasantness. My point remains valid Miss Svarog. The only ones displaying abnormal abilities are the children of noble houses. What you are experiencing is in fact perfectly normal."

Lily blinks as Sorchan states his non-threat, clearly non-plussed. "Understood, sir." she replies placidly.

"What of that..." Lily bites her tongue, stopping short whatever she was going to say before seeming to carefully reconsider. "What of the commoner that was to be executed? As I understand, he was not pure-blooded and yet displayed strange powers as well."

Sorchan, Phaezeriel, and Serrin get the impression that Lily is trying to argue her way out of her own powers. Trying to justify it, trying to reach at anything to get out of this. Even in her emotionless state, there's a kind of placid desperation to her arguements.

"Ardiente's earth powers are the product of his non-firebird heritage yes, as his fire powers are the product of his firebird heritage. Because that is apparently what happens when two races that usually breed true breed with each other. Somehow I doubt the rest of you are secretly descended from dragons, so no, I'm sorry Miss Svarog, but that explanation won't hold fire. He is the exception and the rest of you are the rule."

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Sorchan snorted. "You are particularly ill-informed Miss Svarog. Your family must have kept you very sheltered indeed. How precisely would I blackmail you over this when my own daughter has psychic abilities. Which she demonstrated in front of everyone, council included shortly before that farce of a governing body was dissolved. And I am not ashamed of her. Far from it. I am proud of her, proud to be her father. She is a remarkable young woman who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes."

"As for having abnormal abilities being shameful or a sign of impure blood, I have had a great deal of time to think about this as I have observed the children of our noble houses. Do you know that the only ones who are manifesting strange abilities are purebloods of the highest order? I think we might have some wrong ideas about what is causing these oddities," he finished dryly.

Lily snorts with laughter, a confusing sound considering her emotion-suppressed state. Laughter shouldn't come naturally, which means the snort was a calculated part of the conversation for her.

"My parents told me about your daughter, at least the one with the Charbonnier peasant. She's the sootblood, isn't she? Not exactly the best example." All this is said completely level-headedly, without any sign of fear or regret from the young firebird Lady.

"Miss Svarog, while they are not nobles there is nothing the matter with the 'purity' of the Charbonnier family, not that I care. I love my wife and the opinions of everyone else on the subject are utterly irrelevant. Now, I am giving you some leeway since you have had an upsetting experience and this is your first day here, but you need to understand that if I ever hear you refer to any member of my family as a 'sootblood' again you will be spending a substantial amount of time in detention. That isn't a threat. It's fair warning. As is the mention that detentions around here can be very creative."

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Sorchan came into the room and closed the door behind him.

"First of all, I want you to know that everything said in this room is confidential. I will not violate your privacy, Miss Svarog. I was called in for a...cultural consultation since your cultural beliefs and what is medically best for you are currently at odds. Miss Surya is welcome to stay if that helps you feel comfortable."
"So perhaps we can talk this through and come up with a solution that doesn't involve turning yourself into a phoenix?"

Reminder: phoenix are notoriously stupid pets.

Serrin's impassioned outburst and Phaezeriel's horrified refusal earn nothing but quiet consideration from the young woman, the logical part of her mind looking for an out, an option, something.

As soon as Sorchan steps into the room, Phaezeriel can feel Lily's mind start to fight against the wet blanket cooling her emotions, wanting to break free of the control and start panicking again. Clearly, Sorchan's presence along would be enough to instigate another panic attack if her emotions weren't suppressed.

"So it's to be blackmail then." Lily deadpans in response to Sorchan's assertions. Not an unlikely response if one wasn't overly familiar with Sorchan's personal politics. Her voice is calm and uninflected as she carries on. "I don't see any other solution, Lord del Sol. Serrin wishes for me to bear this shame with grace, but I cannot see how to do so. I have lived all my life pursuing an ideal. That ideal has been despoiled, left in ashes. Perhaps it would be better for me to be like the pheonix. Then, at least, something new may arise from the ashes."

Sorchan snorted. "You are particularly ill-informed Miss Svarog. Your family must have kept you very sheltered indeed. How precisely would I blackmail you over this when my own daughter has psychic abilities. Which she demonstrated in front of everyone, council included shortly before that farce of a governing body was dissolved. And I am not ashamed of her. Far from it. I am proud of her, proud to be her father. She is a remarkable young woman who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes."

He opens the door and smiles a tired smile up at Sorchan, ::Professor Del Sol, thank you for joining us. Lily is calmer now, at least outwardly, but I do not think the crisis is resolved based on her last request. I greatly fear that she will come to harm if her mind remains set as it is.::

Sorchan came into the room and closed the door behind him.

Reminder: phoenix are notoriously stupid pets.

Lily Svarog wrote:

She turns around, her face once again calm and composed, with the red colour slowly receding from her cheeks.

"You're right Serrin. Sorry, I just... was considering what might happen if this was... discovered. she begins, her voice flat, barely inflected.

"Nothing. Nothing will happen to you. For two reasons. One, the old ways of our home are gone, no longer forcing those of us who are different to hide." She pauses and looks Lily directly in her eyes.

"But, the other reason nothing is going to happen to you, were this discovered, is because it changes nothing. Sure, maybe your family will get all worked up due to you no longer being *'pure'*, but that's just outdated nonsense. You're still you, with or without this new ability. It, whatever it is, does not define you, unless you let it. Even if you do let it define you, it doesn't have to be a bad thing. I've let my shadowmancy define me, to an extent, but it doesn't truly change who I am. Whatever Mr Phaezeriel has discovered about you will not change who you are either."

At this point there is a knock at the door of the exam room.

Lily Svarog wrote:

This is what I get for posting at work. Doh.

With the door back to the infirmary blocked, Lily's hyperventilating only increases as stabs of claustrophobia shoot through her brain. The firebird rushes to the small window and desperately fumbles at the latch.

Unless Serrin or Phaeze intervene, she'll fling the window open in a panic and take to the air in her bird form.

There, that should be more consistent.

Phaezeriel, knowing how destructive to Lily her panic attack could prove to be if she were allowed to simply run free, exerts the full strength of his mind, pressing calmness over her rioting emotions like a wet blanket over a fire.

His mental voice, still calm, slips easily through the mad panic in her mind, ::Please, Miss Svarog, come away from the window.::

** spoiler omitted **

::On my way.::

He should have known better than to think he was going to be able to finish his lunch. That never happened. He hurried to the infirmary and tried to get instructions from the confused staff as to which room he was supposed to be going to.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Sorchan sat back down on the edge of the desk and ran his hand over his face after Ardiente had gone. Suns and stars, but it never ended. Four girls. Four. It was going to kill him before they were all grown up, that was all there was to it.

"Welcome to the Overworked Fathers' Society, my good man. We've got drink mugs and fuzzy slippers. What size should I order for you?"

;P

I used to think it would get better when they got older....now I know better. >.<

And I find it's best just to carry a flask...

;P

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"First of all, nobody can give you permission to court Raelle except Raelle," he said in a carefully controlled voice. "She is her own person and doesn't need anyone else making those decisions for her."

He stood up. "But I would be remiss as a father if I did not remind you that she is only fifteen, and has just been through a difficult time. If you hurt her, it will be my duty as her father to introduce you to a world of pain. Let's not let that become necessary," he said, his expression grim and a little frightening.

Well she sure gave eager permission last ni--- DEAR FLAMES DON'T SAY THAT OUT LOUD!

Ardiente looks extremely conflicted for just a second then nods. "Yes, sir." he says seriously.

"I can't protect her from everything anyway." Ardiente says without quite realizing what he was saying. He blushes and awkwardly tries to correct himself. "Er.. not that she needs protecting. If anything I'm the one who..." He trails off again, looking to the side.

He straightens and stands respectfully before saying: "I'm gonna stop digging myself a hole and just go. Thank you, sir."

I had to clean tea off of my ipad thanks to this post because I laughed so hard at the first line. :D

Sorchan sat back down on the edge of the desk and ran his hand over his face after Ardiente had gone. Suns and stars, but it never ended. Four girls. Four. It was going to kill him before they were all grown up, that was all there was to it.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"Hmm?" Sorchan looked up from updating his lesson plans. "Yes, of course. What's on your mind?" he asked, setting aside the grade book and sitting on the edge of his desk.

Ardiente fiddles with his hands still clasped behind his back, looking a little uncomfortable. He glances around to ensure the classroom is empty before speaking.

"Erm... sir." he begins somewhat formally, the nervous tone creeping into his voice. "I..." another pause, then the nervous firebird blurts: "I wanted to formally request permission to court your daughter."

A muscle in his jaw started to twitch and the pencil he was holding snapped in half. He took a deep breath. Got to remember he's a good kid, he told himself. Remember, Pyra will kill you if you follow your instinct to lock the girls up until they're adults and beat up anyone who dares to look at them sideways.

"First of all, nobody can give you permission to court Raelle except Raelle," he said in a carefully controlled voice. "She is her own person and doesn't need anyone else making those decisions for her."

He stood up. "But I would be remiss as a father if I did not remind you that she is only fifteen, and has just been through a difficult time. If you hurt her, it will be my duty as her father to introduce you to a world of pain. Let's not let that become necessary," he said, his expression grim and a little frightening.

Ardiente acknowledges Lucas' telepathic communication and gives Elektra a nervous grin, overhearing her as the group heads out.

"Erm... Professor, can I talk to you?" Ardiente asks, feeling a rush of nerves. Despite that, he's standing prim and proper with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Hmm?" Sorchan looked up from updating his lesson plans. "Yes, of course. What's on your mind?" he asked, setting aside the grade book and sitting on the edge of his desk.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

The attempt feels like it's working at first and then slides out of his control at the last minute as he realizes too late that the problem is that these aren't actually fireballs just as they detonate around him. The room shakes with the noise of the sonic explosion and Ardiente is knocked prone.

::Did I also mention that it's important not to make assumptions?:: Sorchan asked dryly, choosing to rely on telepathy while he waited for the ringing in his ears to cease.

Ardiente chooses to just lay there for a moment, stunned by the sonic blast. He was pretty sure that Sorchan pulled his punches just there or he'd have a few broken bones from that. He just felt rattled. He could feel the reverberations from the blast in the stone under his body, attuned to it as he was.

After a few seconds, he pushed the air out of his lungs in a huff and drew fresh breath, then kipped back up to his feet in one swift motion. ::I think I need to learn more about magic in that case. That's one field where I am very lacking. I couldn't tell those sonic attacks from fire.:: He smirked. ::Which was probably your intention, if I had to guess?::

::Indeed. You have the talent and abilities necessary to counter that attack, but not if you don't learn how to recognize what you're fighting. Just because you are not a magician doesn't mean you shouldn't know how to recognize magic. The study of spellcraft would have been part of the next part of your training,:: he added in a somewhat pained tone. He was far from unaffected by the massive changes that had taken place recently even if he had been responsible for setting many of them in motion. ::So we take care of that here....which is going to mean more homework for my class. For all of you benders. You're woefully behind your classmates when it comes to understanding magic.::

"Whenever you're ready," he said aloud, preparing to counter Ardiente's next attack.
We don't have to continue to play through every attack as there would be quite a few volleys left before the end of the class period.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"There's more than one way to push yourself. If you always push the limits you ignore the possibilities of simpler techniques that, used effectively, could be more deadly in battle than flashier choices," he admonished and sent a series of (apparent)fireballs at Ardiente.

These are sonic fireballs, so it's gonna be loud in here if Ardiente can't stop them. :P

Whelp, going out on a limb here Lyn, let me know if this works. I'll toss in an opposed-level check for some fun.

Ardiente's mind raced as he considered Sorchan's words, already dipping into a firebending form as his instincts took over. Simpler technique? Which simpler te... oh!!

One of the simplest techniques a Firebender has... dousing fire!

Ardiente moves sinuously into another form and attempts to exert his control over Sorchan's magical fire, to force it to simple douse itself before it exploded.

Opposed Bending (caster) Check: 1d20+16

The attempt feels like it's working at first and then slides out of his control at the last minute as he realizes too late that the problem is that these aren't actually fireballs just as they detonate around him. The room shakes with the noise of the sonic explosion and Ardiente is knocked prone.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"Impressive, but how long can you keep that up? Be careful not to overextend yourself in battle," he cautioned, moving into a defensive stance. "Not to mention disrupting your classmates," he added dryly.

"Right, cause there's not going to be distractions in a real situation." Ardiente quipped back, grinning as he slipped into a stance. He understood the mild rebuke Sorchan had given him, but he just couldn't help himself. He had to show off a bit. He had to impress Sorchan after all. "I'm not gonna hold back though! I always have to push myself to be better, especially when training!"

"There's more than one way to push yourself. If you always push the limits you ignore the possibilities of simpler techniques that, used effectively, could be more deadly in battle than flashier choices," he admonished and sent a series of (apparent)fireballs at Ardiente.

These are sonic fireballs, so it's gonna be loud in here if Ardiente can't stop them. :P

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

"Remember, the point of the exercise is to counterattack with the same element, effectively canceling out the attacking spell," Sorchan said, and shot a simple scorching ray at him, the multiple beams all targeting Ardiente.

Ardiente grinned, wanting to show off a bit. Whether it was for his guardsman friends or born of a desire to impress Sorchan in his role as Raelle's father... the reasons didn't matter. Maybe it was just his usual flamboyant personality finally finding an outlet after the emotional rollercoaster of the past week.

Or maybe it was just that he had always prided himself on pushing as hard as he could.

Either way, he stood stock still, focusing and breathing out flame, which shaped itself into barriers to block the incoming beams. He was controlling the flame just by managing his ki flow! As the blasts connected, they flashed brilliantly, exploding in a wide array of stunning and rich colours.

Firebending Seed: Fire Blasts, augmented with Breath of the Dragon and Pyrotechnics seeds, base DC 55.: 1d20+35+2
Overbending Damage: Fatigue (which Ardiente is immune to)

Pyrotechnics seed causes Fascination to anyone within 30ft of Ardiente for 1 round unless they succeed a DC 24 Will save

** spoiler omitted **

"Impressive, but how long can you keep that up? Be careful not to overextend yourself in battle," he cautioned, moving into a defensive stance. "Not to mention disrupting your classmates," he added dryly.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Sorchan reacted instantly to the lightning bolt streaking towards him with a lightning bolt of his own, the lightning crashing together with a brilliant flash that left much of the class trying to blink away afterimages.

"You can see....well, some of you can still see, but that is beside the point. The point is that if timed correctly you can counter an attack by using the same forces that are being used against you. Now I want all of you to take turns attacking and countering to practice this technique."

Okay that meant that NOW it was his turn to defend. Ardiente shores up his stances, trying to clear his mind of all else. He was trained for this, he could do it. He could even use his earthbending if he needed to.

"Remember, the point of the exercise is to counterattack with the same element, effectively canceling out the attacking spell," Sorchan said, and shot a simple scorching ray at him, the multiple beams all targeting Ardiente.

Sorchan reacted instantly to the lightning bolt streaking towards him with a lightning bolt of his own, the lightning crashing together with a brilliant flash that left much of the class trying to blink away afterimages.

"You can see....well, some of you can still see, but that is beside the point. The point is that if timed correctly you can counter an attack by using the same forces that are being used against you. Now I want all of you to take turns attacking and countering to practice this technique."

"You're the one who is supposed to attack for this part of the exercise," Sorchan said dryly. He was a it surprised. Ardiente had never struck him as the type of person who had trouble with being the center of attention.

narrator wrote:

Lucas Svarog wrote:

Lucas turns to his new.... Friends? Whatever. "So I suppose we should pair up?"

that awkward moment when you realize there is an odd number of people in your group....

I was thinking the same thing when Sorchan said that...

Ardiente had blushed when Sorchan had bustled into the room, his mind suddenly filled with images of Raelle and his planned discussion with Sorchan. Just because it was the honourable thing to do didn't mean it wasn't going to be awkward.

And then... pairing up. Hm. Well, he could always take one for the team. "You guys go ahead. I'm sure I can find someone else." Ardiente said, making a vague motion to include his three friends and Lucas.

Brooking no arguement, Ardiente immediately turned to the rest of the class searching for someone to pair up with...

Naturally though, the entire class was an odd number, which likely meant that someone was going to end up as Sorchan's 'demonstration partner'.

"Today we will be working on the fine art of counterspelling. Ardiente, come up here please. Since you don't have a partner you can work with me today."

"Now, one of the best but most often forgotten ways to counterspell is by blocking the spell with the exact same spell. Ardiente, whenever you're ready, I will block to show the class how it's done,"

Sorchan arrived at his classroom considerably late. He'd had to break up a...well, you couldn't call it a fight exactly. But the hallway between classes was no place for a dance off. By the time he'd finished handing out detentions, he was late to class himself.

"Good morning, class. I apologize for the late start. Let's do our best to make up for the lost time with efficiency. Everyone pick a partner and we will begin today's lesson."

Rakki takes a quick glance behind him to see if he's being followed.

Seeing that he's not, the five of them glance around where he ended up.
He seems to be in an intersection of one hallway to the next with three directions to travel down.
"Came down this one, so..."
He pulls a coin from somewhere in his sleeve.
"Heads left, tails right."
He flips the coin in the air.
Catching and taking a look, he heads to the right.
It isn't even 15 paces before he reaches a door marked "Registration Office."
He takes a look inside.
"Hello. I was told there was a touring group? I'm here to register, but I'm afraid my manager held me up."
Scorchan may recognize him either from his earlier years or possibly one of his kids. He remained strictly neutral on the Sun.

Sorchan nearly bumped into the boy on his way out of the office. Something about him seemed familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Hello. I'm afraid you missed the tour. But don't worry. Your new student packet comes with a map. You'll get the hang of things before you know it. Just go inside and fill out the new student paperwork. Mr. Quillblood can answer any questions you have," he said, indicating the elven scribe sitting behind the desk.

"Ah! Sorry." Kedikai says, releasing the professors hand. Sitting down he fills out the paper work and chooses Psychology, Light Blades, Music, Necromancy, PE, and History of Agartha for his classes.

"Here you are." He says, turning in the paper work.

"Well, that's certainly an interesting array of classes," he said, glancing at the filled out forms before handing them to the scribe.

"It'll just be a minute and you'll have your class schedule and room assignment. If you'll excuse me, it's generally bad form for teachers to be late to class so I have to get going," he said, smiling. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Kon. I hope you enjoy your time here at Avalon."

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

The door opens. Inside a red-haired man is chatting to an elf sitting behind the desk. He looks up and sees Kedikai.

"Another new student? Well, it does seem to be the morning for that. Come on in. I'm Professor del Sol. I teach Evocation. Speaking of which, I have to get going soon. It's almost time for second period and I have a class to teach then. But we can at least get you started with your paperwork before I go," he said with a friendly smile.

"Kon Kedikai." The young man says, taking the professor's hand and shaking it. "Er..Kedikai Kon? You speak your clan name last here, right?"

"Yes, clan name last. Er...you can stop shaking my hand now. It's only supposed to be for a second."

He picks up a clipboard full of paperwork. "Here, Mr. Kon. This is all the paperwork you need to enroll. The first page is personal information...name, place of origin, and so on. After that is a catalog of classes you can choose from in order to get a schedule. PE is required. As is History of Agartha for those who come from off-world. You can pick up to six classes, or five and a study period. Once you have the paperwork done you'll get a schedule and a room assignment. Room and board is free for students, so you don't need to worry about that. I'm afraid you missed the school tour, but there is a map included in your packet, so that should help."

Kedikai shrugs. "I don't even know my own motivations half the time." He reveals. "But I wasn't mocking you, I too am a stranger in a strange land and I thank you for performing your duties well."

Kedikai shakes the mantis man's sickle limb. "Take it easy, Doc."

With that Kedikai turns and knocks on the office door.

The door opens. Inside a red-haired man is chatting to an elf sitting behind the desk. He looks up and sees Kedikai.

"Another new student? Well, it does seem to be the morning for that. Come on in. I'm Professor del Sol. I teach Evocation. Speaking of which, I have to get going soon. It's almost time for second period and I have a class to teach then. But we can at least get you started with your paperwork before I go," he said with a friendly smile.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Shoshin the Fox wrote:

"I hope so, I didn't really get any info on what happened, but a lot has been happening today so if you don't mind I'll be heading to my room to relax for a little bit"

"Very well. When you hear the bell that means it's time to go to class. I hope the rest of your day goes less eventfully," he added, a corner of his mouth quirking up into what might almost be the ghost of a smile.

"Alright, see ya' later Professor" he starts walking away before stopping, "oh, and could you tell me when Iolth gets out of the infirmary?"

"Yes, I'll send you a note."

Shoshin was rooming with Iolth, yes? Since he won't be around anymore, would Shoshin mind rooming with Kedikai instead? Or would you rather he have a single room? Up to you, feel free to describe his room accordingly.

"I hope so, I didn't really get any info on what happened, but a lot has been happening today so if you don't mind I'll be heading to my room to relax for a little bit"

"Very well. When you hear the bell that means it's time to go to class. I hope the rest of your day goes less eventfully," he added, a corner of his mouth quirking up into what might almost be the ghost of a smile.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

Shoshin the Fox wrote:

Shoshin takes the schedule, looking it over before answering, a small amount of worry in his tone "When you said it was dangerous to go alone, I noticed Halo had left the group, Iolth and I went looking for her, but he ended up in the infirmary"

"Well, yes, that is a good reason. Is he alright?"

"I think so, I wasn't really allowed in the room afterwards"

"I see. Well, you have a few minutes left before second period starts. You are free to use that as you see fit. You can go and see your room, or go back to the infirmary and check on Iolth. I wouldn't worry too much. They're extremely good at what they do. I'm sure that he will be fine."

Shoshin takes the schedule, looking it over before answering, a small amount of worry in his tone "When you said it was dangerous to go alone, I noticed Halo had left the group, Iolth and I went looking for her, but he ended up in the infirmary"

"Well, yes, that is a good reason. Is he alright?"

"Sorry I ran off Mr. Sorchan" he looks sheepish for an instant, scanning the office briefly "I had a good reason though, if that counts at all"

"Possibly, depending on the reason," he said dryly, handing Shoshin his schedule.

Shoshin, tired of simply sitting in the lobby and waiting, sighs and gets up from the seat before heading to the nearest wall.

"Iolth should be alright if I leave him here, Sorchan's probably gonna be mad anyway" he mutters to himself, thinking of the office before following the glowing arrows.

When Shoshin arrives at the office most of the other kids have already collected their schedules and left. Sorchan raises an eyebrow as Shoshin comes in but doesn't say anything yet.

Sorchan del Sol wrote:

he asks, looking around, exasperated. "And of course it's the same ones," he added, frowning.

He quickly casts a spell and each of the missing students hears, "Please report to the office to get your class schedule."

Runs up and joins the tour.

I thought her tour has ended??

Uh, no. Halo, Shoshin, and Iolth snuck away from the tour to have their race. Halo and Shoshin are not making the best impression so far. Sorchan said, more than once I think, that the group was going to head back to the office so everybody could get their schedules once the tour was over.

Once the group gets back to the office, Sorchan starts handing out schedules.

"It's already nearing the end of first period. You should just have time to check out your rooms before your second period class. Which you will be expected to attend. Nobody expects you to be up on the homework, but you should at least show up. Phaedra Svarog and Vis Niyambi, if you will please wait over there, I'll show you two over to the elementary school as soon as everyone else has their schedules."

"Alright, I think that's about enough of the tour. Let's head back to the office and get you all your class schedules. Come on....wait, did we lose some students?" he asks, looking around, exasperated. "And of course it's the same ones," he added, frowning.

He quickly casts a spell and each of the missing students hears, "Please report to the office to get your class schedule."

"Alright, the rest of you, follow me and then we'll get you lot to your respective classes."

Serrin's eyes light up at the mention of such an amazingly massive library. "C-C-Can I g-go there now?" She says, her excitement overwhelming her ability to talk.

"Not right at the moment, but you will be free to go there during any free period you might have and after classes. I know it can be difficult to be patient, but believe me, you will have plenty of time to explore the library during your time as a student here," he said with a smile. It was good to see such enthusiasm for learning. And rare. Very, very rare.

Serrin is quite through much of the tour. The SIM rooms are interesting, but she isn't very much into such physical activities. Could be a place to have some fun however. She took note of the bad foods in the cafeteria, making sure she knew what to avoid.

As it seems the tour might be wrapping up, she asks a question that's been on her mind since it started "Is there no library here? I brought most of my books with me, but one can never have enough" She says with a smile for her love of reading.

"There is a library. I didn't bring the group through it because we would have been too noisy. The library has some extraordinary properties that I think that you will especially appreciate with that attitude towards books. I've been told that it contains every book that's ever been written. And not just on this plane of existence. You'll never run out of reading material while you're at Avalon."