A week had passed since the day of the Unicorn capture. The other girls of the academy crowded around the great beast, ahhhing and fawning as they brushed and fed the creature. Today was a day off from the rigorous studies and tests of the academy, a day for the kids, noble or not, to rest and refresh themselves as they pleased, at least it was after the announcement in the morning. Even in rest, the teachers weren’t ones to let the girls sleep in…The evidence of the announcement was posted on the board of the main hall for those too tired to keep up.



Beneath the announcement there was a illustration of two silhouetted figures waltzing together in front of the full moon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:19, Sat 04 Mar 2017.

Rosegold had to get up unusually early in the morning to make it to morning announcements, considering how long it took her to get ready to face the day. Still, it was an aspect of the competition within her control, so she dutifully went to bed early to make up for it. It wasn't like she was missing late-night shenanigans with the real princesses, since she expected them to give her a wide berth. Whether that was a self-fulfilling prophecy was anybody's guess.

So she was in the audience for the announcement of the new year's ball, and she tried not to look too obviously distressed. This was not the kind of challenge she'd been raised to be good at, and she knew she wouldn't get anywhere near competitive in only three weeks.

Brionne was a bit sulky that she hadn't been able to catch the unicorn, and she hated to think how sniffy He would be. On the bright side, her countrywoman had been in the group that had been successful, and speaking of which,  Brionne could see Rosegold reading over the announcement that she hadn't got to yet.

"Lady Rosegold!" Brionne raised a hand and waved it vigorously.  Seeing that that might not be enough, she barged a few people out of the way in her haste to get through the throng of people around the notice.
"Congratulations on your success. I was so happy when I heard, not as happy as I would have been if I had been able to help, but happy enough."

Ailie was homesick. She missed Usui and Micah, how they scolded and laughed with her, and played when they had the time. But most of all she missed Madacre, with its flowering branches spiraling upwards, each ancient rope bridge that was sturdy over her running feet, the glass orbs that made up each house, and how the city shone like twinkling stars at night. She missed how close she was to that open blue sky. When she as little, she always thought she could touch it.

But now she was here, where the castle invaded the trees instead of moving with it. She hadn't made any friends so far, as it seemed there were no girls her age, and Ailie wasn't used to not being friendly. And this ball coming up would be to judge the king's new wife, not a place for a girl as young as she. At first she was doubtful of the competition. Of course her place was as a Royal Advisor by her sister's side, not a queen. But when she had heard of it and had her aid write her sister, Queen Usui was ecstatic. "Follow your heart, sister." Usui had said "But remember to keep your options open. Forget about your insecurity and try. Who knows, it might be fun."

Ailie had tried to read the board. She went over the exercises, squinting and trying to sound out the syllables. In the end, she just listened to the excited whispers of the other students. It turned out, Usui was right.

"A ball? Like the Night of the Oracle Spring?" she asked softly "Sounds amazing!" Ailie turned and rushed into the crowd, only to collide with another young girl, one with scars running up and down her hands.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Ailie exclaimed, turning pink as she helped the girl up. She dusted herself of and extended a hand to the girl. "Ailie Lailah Charmeine, but you can call me Ailie." She refused to address herself as a Princess, knowing the other girl might be intimidated by her status.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:55, Wed 08 Mar 2017.

Brionne looked up a bit dazed, and then accepted the hand up, setting her bare feet back on the flagstones as she stood.

As she took in the person who had bumped into her, the angry retort died in her throat. Long blonde hair, dark eyes, pale skin and most importantly the soft hands. Then there was the name that gentle introduction.

_{"Don't mention it. ummm Brionne. Thank you."}

She shuffled a bit, and tried to look about, then she remembered how regal everyone was. _{"'m sorry for running into you."}

Shira was audience to the morning announcements. She was excited to plan for the big event, surely this would be her big debut as a true star of a princess. To get some inspiration for the image she wanted to present, the young teen had brought her poetry book out to the lounge area, just across from the announcement board... Then promptly fell asleep at a table, just after writing the first line of her newest poem. Her pen was still in hand, beneath her head, and her long hair was dangerously close to an opened ink well as she snored away in front of her open journal.

Ailie shook her head at Brionne's apology. "Why apologize? I was the clumsy one, running when there was a crowd of people behind me. I'm just glad to meet someone my age."

And she was. Breathtakingly relieved. In fact, this girl was the only thing that reminded her of home. Ailie was willing to bet anything that Brionne also hated this castle.

Ailie was so happy, that she found herself laughing, a gentle floating giggle, unmalicious and completely carefree.

A week later, Tarina (and her grim shadow, Joanna) was among the other academy students... when the announcement was made.  Tarina had used a 'study excuse' to be there, since Joana seemed determined to keep her secluded.  Already the guardswoman had chased off curious students by telling them Tarina was dangerous and not to be trusted.  Joanna had not been able to get to the other Unicorn gatherers yet...



As the usual amount of excited chatter passed between students, Tarina looked for some respite... and noticed he sleeping form of Shira in the adjoining lounge area.  A half remembered idea from last night entered her mind, presumably something her night aspect was now sharing.  She was feeling a little lonely and homesick, so why not take her own advice.

"There's my study partner, Joanna.  Why don't you take a seat nearby... I'm not sure how long I will be."

Joanna frowned but decided it wasn't worth objecting over.  Instead she sought a seat with a good view of the hall and its people.  "Alright, but don't wander off."

Tarina made her way over to Shira's table and seated herself across from 'Sleeping Beauty'.  She coughed politely, trying to wake Shira without 'unduly' startling the young noble.  And she moved the ink away and stoppered it... to prevent a spillage.

"Hi... Do you mind if I keep you company?  I'm so bored and now that we have a new test, I'd love someone to pick it apart with.  Did you notice the new face?  She's a bit young, but I hope she's having a good time here."

Tarina indicated that the Brionne was the new face.

Brionne watched the Aielie laugh, and her mouth quirked up at the corners in a small smile.  _{"I did wonder if my parents had got the ages wrong when they sent me. I was accepted so I guess not."}

She sighed, it was good to meet someone her own age. Struggling to keep up in class and her own lessons and responsibilities meant she had little time for socialising so far.  She read the notice carefully and a far away look came into her eyes as she calculated things. _"Damn!"

Then she turned back to Aielie. _{"I'm sorry. It was Eylee, wasn't it? did you expect this?"} By this she meant the castle, the lessons the formal manners and then suddenly a queen competition.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:43, Mon 06 Mar 2017.

Unlike the others, Lia was not party to the initial announcement. In fact, she'd been suspiciously missing from all of the initial morning activities. Where usually she might have been found in the secluded corner of the lounge, reading, instead it seemed she hadn't left her quarters.

Or, well, it seemed that way, until the foundation of the castle shook under one decently-sized tremor, later found to have come from the roof, some fifteen minutes before said announcement was made.

Kog, on the other hand, had only just recently appeared, spectacles clamped between its teeth as it pranced to and fro, teasingly playing with anyone who might wander near and in general wandering away from the hallways suspiciously leading to the upper floors and towers, eventually finding its way into the lounge. The creature, having already sensed the guardswoman always near Tarina's vitriol for both it and its master, pranced up to her, beady eyes staring up as it sat before her, intelligent eyes mischievously daring the woman to react. It was pretty clear it relished the discomfort given.

"-oooooooooog!"

Her voice came out as an echo, but before long the eyewear-less Silverpaw wandered from the direction the creature had come from, hand outstretched along a wall to help steady herself as she moved. Though "Presentable," she did have a certain. . .look to her that suggested she'd been party to something going awry. Soot covered half her face, her hair was singed and disheveled, and her birthmark, usually covered up, was in full view, pulsating a veritable rainbow of colors. Experienced arcane users might recognize the concentration of mana being released - She'd just tried something powerful or complex, or a combination of both.

. . .And as was the case with many Syldurans, something failed.

It was some time before Lia managed to enter the lounge, half-shuffling, half-stumbling through the blurry landscape as she looked for the telltale sign of her keeper of the glasses. Pranks like this weren't uncommon for her pet, especially since it knew the teachers wouldn't scold it today. Lia, however, couldn't help but move forward, eventually (and rather awkwardly) reaching out to tap the nearest student on the shoulder. . .chest. . .somewhere she could reach. "Excuse me, you've not seen my twin-tailed companion about, have you?" She asked, unknowingly, to a gently giggling girl.

Ailie shook her head at Brionne's remark. "This is all so different. I've never been in such a place. Lessons were always on history, not how to sip tea. And quite frankly, the competition was also unexpected. The girls here seem a little young to become Queen, no?" Ailie smiled. When she thought about it, Usui was only fifteen when she inherited the throne. The older students, if prepared, would do just fine.

A tap was on her shoulder. A pretty if not disheveled girl had lost her friend, it seemed. Instantly Ailie's eyes were filled with concern. She was about to inform the girl that she hadn't seen a person with two tails, sorry, but she felt something wrap around her ankles. She looked down, certain that she was going to find herself bound at the feet, but discovered something curious.

"Could this be who you are looking for?" Ailie said with amusement, lifting the creature for the older girl to see.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Mon 06 Mar 2017.

Shira rubbed her eyes as Tarina woke her. As she did, the pen in her hand gently smudged a black swoop across her cheek, with her noticing. "Eh? Ah, yeah! Of course Tarina, it's always great to work with you. Together, we shall surely star in the ball like..." She trailed off. Her simile creation wasn't working yet this morning.

"Liiike... snow...flakes? No..." Snowflakes didn't really star, they were just piled up by the thousands... Which was sort of like a star too now that she thought of it. She shook her head at the line, then watched the kid Tarina had pointed out. It looked like their other friends were quickly getting acquainted with the children. "Yes, maybe we should get together with everyone and help our young classmates? Unless of course they are pairing off for dance practice. A bit of a height difference makes for an elegant looking waltz." She smiled at the other morning-resistant girl.

Joanna eyed the creature, with one hand sliding down to a weapon hilt.

"Make your move, monster spawn... I'll defend myself to the fullest."

However Kog seemed to move on and Joanna had to let it go.  Until she was given an excuse there was little she could do.

Meanwhile Tarina smiled to her sleepy companion.

"I've been up earlier, so the worst is past... but its nice to see I'm not alone.  I hope you didn't mind, but I claimed that you were my study partner... just to get Joanna off my back for a while.  If she gives you a hard time, just ignore whatever she says."

Glancing to the two younger girls (one was known, one was not).

"Maybe we should go over and say hello to the younger ones.  But I wanted to talk about this practice ball too.  There are no boys here, but you and I could practice... alternating the role of boy and girl."

With a stern look, Silverpaw reached forward, plucking her glasses from Kog's teeth and sliding them on. Blinking as everything came into focus, most notably a younger-looking girl holding her mischievous pet, its tails swishing back and forth with playful glee.

Reaching a hand forward such that the creature could find purchase on her wrist, it hopped out of her hands, darting up to rest around Lia's neck, winking at the girl as Lia breathed a sigh of relief.

"Ah. Thank. . ." Her train of thought drifted away as she caught sight of the notice board, abruptly moving to get a better view, away from the younger girl. As she read, she stuffed her hands in her pockets, the color slowly draining from her face as she read and re-read the board.

AIlie followed the white-haired girl, grabbing Brionne's hand in a sign to follow. The white-haired girl looked paler than she had before, almost shaky yet composed. Perhaps she was nervous at the prospect of the ball.

"Oh, cheer up!" Ailie chirped. "You'll have plenty of time to practice, see, it's only in-"

Panicking, Ailie realized she had forgotten what the other girls had said earlier. In desperation she frantically tried to read the sign.

"In.. in..." she stuttered, cheeks turning hot. She realized that she was clenching Brionne's hand in a death-grip and forced herself to drop it. She felt tears well up and looked down, shame and embarrassment flooding her face instead of salty drops. Ailie bit her lip. 'I'm useless.' she thought.

A hand clasped hers, smooth and pale. Ailie looked up into the face of her aid, Irin, a pretty girl of sixteen, with fiery copper hair arranged in a  high-tail of tiny braids with pearls strung through them. She had been standing a few feet off earlier, but now was smiling down at Ailie with gentle understanding, her dark blue eyes filled with sympathy.

"Perhaps I could be of some assistance, Princess Ailiel." Irin said patiently "The ball is in three weeks.

Ailie nodded, still looking down. "Thank you, Irin." she whispered graciously. "See?" she said hoarsely to the white-haired girl."There's plenty of time." Ailie smiled convincingly but it was too late. They had seen too much.

"Hmmmm..." Shira hummed as though she was making a decision. It looked like the others were having a lot of fun, but being fake study partners sounded fun too. "Hmmmmhmmmhmmm...hmhmmm" She continued humming as she started circling the table, it sounded like she was humming a ballroom song,though there didn't seem to be any particular tune to dance to. She tied her hair back into a ponytail, then loosed a small strand with a showy flick of her wrist.

"I'm sorry dear princess, I saw the light of your flaming visage from across the room, and I couldn't help but approach before I knew it..." She took the stray strand of hair and rested it atop her lips like a mustache, then offered out her other hand, giving a deep look to meet Tarina's green eyes. "Would you grace me with this dance? Hmmhmm..." The poet continued to hum out the song, apparently willing to dance right there, as ill advised as that might be in a room filled with chairs, tables, and people.

Tarina snickered at the fake mustache and then played along, hamming it up a little.

"Oh... pardon my fluttering heart, milord.  You flatter me without cause, but yes... allow me to do my duty and accept."

Slipping her hand around Shira, Tarina delicately trod the familiar dance... and aided her friend in avoiding furniture peril.  While Tarina had been tutored in these things, it seemed as if Shira was in her element... dancing with a true heart.

"Should we all just declare you the winner, upfront?  You will clearly have your partner besotted in no time.  I just hope Joanna isn't trying to sabotage me... she has form in that sort of thing.  I have to find out how our partners are selected..."

Anemone Narcissus was the person who had the most information on the contest. The girl who stood a few inches taller than all of her classmates seemed to be missing, however. She hadn't even shown up for meals since the incident with the Witch. However, her bedroom - carefully kept in the dormitories with all of the other Princess's quarters, seemed to be constantly locked.

There was a dual reason as to why it was vital to contact her for any information regarding the contest. The first was that she was the most invested in all things, well, princessly. She loved making up stories, singing to birds (So long as she didn't crush them with her mighty grip accidentally), and generally acting like a royal pain in the behind during class. Though the claims that she had lived through her own fairy tale were off the wall, there had to be a reason why she specifically was Linda's apprentice.

Which brought up the second point. Anemone was, in fact, Linda's apprentice. She had inside information, meaning that she knew about the selection process for partners. Heck! She likely wasn't present because she already knew about the ball and was practicing for it herself. Which was a very Anemone thing to do.

Either way, if they wanted to get an early edge on the competition, then, as usual, Narcissus would have had the answers. The only challenge would be finding and getting into her room.

Rosegold startled slightly in place and looked away from the notice when she heard her name called. The voice was faintly familiar, as she recalled that at least one other girl was here from the Harraf Bog, though she only knew of her in passing. By the time she located the person that had addressed her, though, she was already talking with another girl. Then a number of other princesses (or however close they were to the status) arrived as well. It was to be expected since Rosegold had been early, but it still made her feel crowded. She wasn't used to being in a castle in the first place, much less around this many people.

"Er... hello," she said quietly, not really expecting to be heard over the conversations that had sprung up.

Lia's lips moved silently, eyes narrowed as she hunched down, the creature about her neck nuzzling its jeweled forehead against her cheek in a vain attempt to comfort her. Normally such undignified posturing was frowned on - Something Lia had learned since she'd arrived here, and been frequently reprimanded on. She'd gotten away with plenty in Syldur because she'd no reason to be scared. The prospect of learning was an exciting one, and even if Silverpaw enjoyed dancing despite the one or two rumors of her. . .commandeering a stage in order to dance abysmally along to a ghostly orchestra. . .She was under no illusions about her ability. Nor was she terribly keen on the idea of making a mockery of herself in full view of everyone.

Maybe she could transmute another's ears into tapered points, like hers. She was the only half-elf here, and it wasn't as though they'd know the difference. Mayhap some glasses and a polymorphed kitten, and "The pride of Syldur and Sidhe" could make her country proud.

Her lips dipped downward in a frown, yet another detestable habit rearing itself as she chewed on her lip, closing her eyes in thought. Three weeks. . .a long time to figure things out.

Blinking, she glanced to her side. The girl had followed her. Tilting her head, Silverpaw quirked a thin brow. "Sorry, did you say something?" It wasn't uncommon for her to get lost in thought, and while she hadn't meant to be unkind. . .

'Oh, thank the stars.' thought Ailie 'She didn't notice.' Maybe Brionne hadn't either.

"Oh, I was just saying that if you were worried, the ball is in three weeks, so there's plenty of time to practice." Ailie breathed. Suddenly, an idea hit her.

"Hey, maybe we can all practice together!" she exclaimed. "Brionne, you, and I, plus any other friends you might want to involve. It'll be fun!" Ailie could hardly contain herself.

"But first, we should probably know each others' names. I'm Ailie." she said, extending her hand for the second time today. Two new friends! Suddenly, the poster incident seemed like a faint memory, years into the past. If Ailie had a single emotion that gave her strength, it would be joy, and if she had been given a slice of cake in this moment, she would have been able to take on an army.

Brionnes ears twitched, not actually twitched but the harmonics of the air carried something to her.
"Oh. Lady Rosegold. I apologise. I just met this person Eylee."  She reached out with one hand and attempted to grip Aielie wrist.
"Eylee, this is Lady Rosegold of Harraf.  I was five when I first saw her, we had our annual celebration on Hunters Moon and _{..things happened..} Haven't seen her since then, but then I got sent here. Coincidence huh."

She looked over her shoulder at the dishevelled but still regal woman with the strange animal around her neck.  Then she caught sight of the tattoo, slowly fading into regularity.  That explained the animal. Lia's magic was unrecognisable to Brionne, but Brionne could still sense the primal force there.
"I'm sorry. I missed your name."

"Oh, you are ever too good at this too milord." Shira switched the roles at a moment's notice since it seemed Tarina subtly took the lead in the dance. Still, despite the joking nature of the whole scene, the young teen's ears reddened and an involentary smug grin crossed her face. Despite being able to say pretty much any outlandish thing without batting an eye, Shira was extremely weak to flattery. Her ego swelled with just a bit off watering, particularly when it came from an actual blood princess.

Once that was set into motion, she was eager to impress. "If we all take this practice to Anemone's room, she might have a way to get us into a teacher's office or even the headmistress' archives... why is it your guard is so mean anyways though?"

Readjusting her hands to assume the male stance, Tarina led the dance and got a better look at Shira's skill.

"I'm not sure if Anemone will help us... but it couldn't hurt to try.  I assume we'll host some male students from a different academy.  There can't be a lot of boys around these parts who formally dance, not in the numbers required for this ball."

Glancing over to where Joanna was seated in the background, Tarina shrugged.

"She's like my night time gaoler, but she could certainly be nicer during the day.  I don't dislike her... Joanna has a tough job, keeping me safe from Kingdom rebels and upholding directions from my family.  Ask me again after dusk..  and you'll get a different answer to the question."

Arriving at their destination (the other younger girls), Tarina left the talking to Shira.  Joanna might be more open to the idea if it came from someone else.

"Nice to meet you, Lady Rosegold." Ailie said with a formal curtsy that was adopted by other lands. "I hope we can be good friends!"

Two figures approached. Older girls, one with long red hair and the other with waves of soft brown. Ailie brightened.

"Hello!" she said "Can I help you with something?"

It was fun dancing with the talented Tarina. The princess definitely had a refinement to her, Shira couldn't help but look up to her a bit. She brought there hands up and broke the dance with flourishing bow to her partner, since she couldn't keep track of who the boy was anymore, to place or receive a kiss on the hand for the awesome ability of dancing them to the board.

"Hello, I'm Shira Edelfelt, and this is Princess Tarina Raptori." She curtsied to the little princess. "We were thinking that regardless of who wins the competition, it is in our best interests to make the bonds we can, after all, how could this kingdom be stronger that with its ruler loving and being loved by the many important people here?" She hadn't even reasoned that out before that moment, she was just trying to be passionate because she really wanted to spend the day with everyone. "So if it's alright with everyone here, could we take some time to practice together?"

Practice.

A good idea, if Silverpaw had any hope that she could improve. She wasn't clumsy by any means, but neither was she particularly coordinated, and she couldn't carry a beat to save her life. That. . .wasn't going to match up well. The lead weight in her heart gradually worked itself into her feet, rooting her in place as she tilted her head, contemplating the flighty girl who seemed adamant on roping her into a lesson amongst one another.

And then Tarina and Shira showed - The beginnings of their performance hadn't gone unnoticed as the still-soot-covered half-elf arrived. Her eyes drifted shut as she folded her arms to prevent herself from fidgeting even moreso.

"Isn't this supposed to be a competition?" It was a rare sight, Silverpaw being stern. She was never cold or mean-spirited hardly ever, at best aloof, but in this moment she was severe. Reproachful, even. Her eyes remained narrowed, amplified by both her glasses and the angular heritage half her being was comprised of. Thin lips scowled as she turned and began making her way out of the study, directly towards the Library.

The twin-tailed creature, on the other hand, noticed when its affections were going unacknowledged, and hopped down, plodding along at Silverpaw's side for a moment, then, seizing the moment when its master was unawares, turned and darted in the opposite direction, making a beeline directly for Shira. Ambushes by Kog weren't uncommon - It loved attention and petting, and knew where it might be able to find it. Ever the agile climber, if Shira weren't careful (Unless she was actively trying to avoid the familiar), she'd find herself with a furry neckerchief in short order.

"That's right, Shira.  As a group we worked well in wrangling the unicorn, so perhaps we could do so again.  Newcomers are welcome, too."

Tarina looked to Ailie and Brione in particular.  Silverpaw's outburst was a little unexpected, but the Elven girl was gone before Tarina could say anything... so what was there to do?  Maybe she just didn't like the thought of dancing with humans (as opposed to Elves)... or it might have negative social impacts back home.

"You were the ones who caught the unicorn?" Ailie asked, curious. She hadn't been able to see it but she had heard that it was a magnificent beast. She couldn't imagine how you would catch such an elusive creature.

"Oh, forgive my manners."Ailie said, breaking out of her reverie. She curtsied in return, smiling at the odd custom. "Princess Ailiel Lailah Charmeine of Madacre, but call me Ailie." She couldn't help notice that the white-haired girl had stormed off, but Ailie knew boundaries and when to respect them. Right now the best course of action was to leave her be and return to the conversation at hand.

"That is smart. Plus, even if one of us succeeds, it'll be nice to know that a friend has attained such an honor. I'd be happy to practice with you." Ailie glanced to Brionne and Rosegold. "What do you guys think? I'd love to practice with you as well."

"Ack! Angry or not, you needn't sic Kog on me! Mercy, great Silverpaw, I am but a simple maiden!" Shira pretended she was being choked, trying to get Lia to come back, but it seemed Kog wasn't the only one being given the cold shoulder at the moment. She looked at the creature and petted it soothingly with a worried look, hoping Silverpaw was alright. She glanced at Rosegold, as though silently asking her if anything bad had just happened to their friend that she and Tarina had missed.

Turning her attention back to the child, she put on a smile. "Well it is an honor to meet you Aielie. I must say, since coming to this academy, I have witnessed the finest gold and tasted the sweetest honeys, yet none compare to the vibrant yellow of your hair." She reached out slightly, in the hopes of giving her a pat on the head as well as Kog. "Do you think I might feel it for a moment?"

_{"I have.. a lot of practice of my own to fit in, but if I can I will.  I have to be ready for seven weeks time."} She remembered at last to release Aielie's wrist, and then shied away from the forward wordsmith.  She had also heard her new friend say Ilee-el. So she had to have got it wrong the first time, but had not been corrected.

Ailie blushed at Shira's compliment. "No, not in the slightest. That's very nice of you to say, Shira." Ailie had never really thought of her hair as pretty but it sure was nice to hear it. Brionne mumbled under her breath so Ailie barely caught it when she said that she might join the practice.

"That's wonderful, Brionne!" Ailie rejoiced. "It'll be so much more fun with you there."

Shira patted the younger girl's head gently. It felt nice to have children in the academy, like having a younger sibling. She smiled, feeling satisfied at all the affection going around today. After a few moments, she returned to patting Kog, not wanting it to feel left out again.

"So, shall we all head over to invite Anemone to our grand ball, or should we see if Lia is alright first?" She was a bit worried about both people for different reasons. She looked to the others if they had any ideas on how to help everyone out.

Row after row of shark-tooth trees surrounded the worn, beat path, trembling with the pounding of horses' hooves. Their long, withered branches cast eerie shadows into her carriage, filtering the racing rays of light into hand chosen survivors that stopped, at last, when they met her sunkissed skin. With her chin in her hand, a lonely girl looked out from the curtained windows. The carriage was mostly made of wood--old, dark, wood; the kind of wood only found in the center of forests--and was drawn by a pair of well-groomed, chestnut brown steeds. Silver Crown Academy, she thought, in tandem with the feared announcement of the driver:

"Young Miss--you have reached your destination."

The carriage came to a slow halt, alongside the welcomed whinnies of the tired horses. The driver stepped down to open the door to the carriage, facing the front of the enormous, academic premises. As he pulled on the door, he immediately found resistance. A tense moment ensued, a drop of sweat falling from his forehead, as the stress of navigating the complex social situation took hold.

"Y-young Miss.. I would ask, if you would be so kind, that you unhand the handle."

No response. Whomever the carriage's occupant was, she didn't seem to be a very willing participant in the proceedings. The grand spires of Silver Crown towered above; thick, stone pillars of safety--or, perhaps, imprisonment.

The driver sighed heavily, caught between a rock and a hard place, powerless to force the occupant out without assaulting his decorum. Perhaps, with the right encouragement, the defiant female could be convinced..

Tarina smiled pleasantly to the new faces (and the known ones too)

"Well met, Princess Ailiel... and Brionne.  I look forward to learning more about you and your kingdoms.  I've never been able to travel freely, but my brief time at the Academy has certainly whetted my curiosity.  I'd better speak with Joanna, can I meet you all at Anemone's?"

Taking her leave, Tarina went over to Joanna and murmured her new plans to the guards-woman.  Joanna looked a little annoyed, but nodded her ascent... and fell in behind Tarina.

However before she could make her way over to Anemone's, Tarina noticed that there was a carriage just sitting idle in front of the Academy.  The carriage steps were deployed, but the occupant didn't seem to be leaving.  Tarina began to head outside to see if she could be of some assistance.  Joanna walked quickly to catch up and hiss her objections to Tarina.

"Tarina... we should mind our own business."

Tarina chose to ignore the advice and greeted the driver instead.

"Hello there, are you have some difficulties?  I'm Tarina Raptori, one of the academy students."

She peered inside, trying to see who the occupant was.

The carriage's driver wore a short, black hat that he removed and tucked beneath his arm when the student announced herself. He bowed his head courteously, trying miserably to hide his frustration. His black shoes were especially well polished for a man in his position.

"Well-met, Madam Raptori. Why, y-yes, I suppose that I am.."

His voice trailed off as he turned to look towards the emerald green curtains of the carriage. As they peered inside, a shrill "eep" was heard, and the curtains were drawn tightly together. The driver released another pitiful sigh.

"The good miss is somewhat--oh, how to put this--modest," he began, choosing his words carefully through a forced smile, "The outside world is very different from our humble kingdom."

A single eye sneakily peered out from the bottom of the curtains, obscured by shadows. Its gaze darted up and down the new arrival, fearfully curious. The occupant noticed that the student's eyes were fairly similar to her own. The student's shoulder-length, marigold hair looked soft, and well taken care of. Is this what a princess looks like?, she wondered.

Tarina had seen her fair share of servants put in awkward positions, so she emphasized with the driver.  But it was the 'modest Miss' that needed the most assistance.  However Tarina was confident of helping her... because initially she hadn't wanted to attend the Academy either.

"Could I come inside the carriage, Miss?  If you have questions or concerns about the Academy, I could try to help."

Joanna grabbed Tarina by the arm and shook her head in vigorous disapproval.

"You cannot go inside.  What if she attacks you?"

"I will be fine, Joanna... if there is trouble I'll say 'the word'."

Tarina knocked lightly on the door...  and then entered.

Stepping aside to allow her passage, the carriage driver placed his hat back upon his head and eagerly watched the student make her request. As no answer from within the carriage came, the solemn carriage driver crossed his fingers within his pocket, realizing that it was going to be challenging to make it to the next inn by nightfall after all. The horses neighed carelessly, stomping softly on the stone road.

To the driver's good fortune, the carriage door unexpectedly opened without resistance, and Tarina Raptori managed to step inside. The seats were cushioned opulently with shades of violet and gold. The material was very fine--silken, even--and felt dangerously comfortable. The faint scent of perfume wafted through the air; notes of citrus, ambrette seeds, and juniper. It emanated from the young girl, seated across the carriage in the corner, adorned with a faded, mint-green dress with a silvery sheen. Her long, braided hair fell down to her knees, which were stained with dirt. No shoes adorned her small, feminine feet, which were also smudged by dirt. She wiggled her nose at the stranger, and sneezed, before speaking.

"H-Hello," came the soft, foreign voice of the unknown girl. "Your eyes look like my eyes.. Are you Anoixian too?~" It seemed that she wasn't yet familiar with common, social formalities. Her hands gripped the edge of her dress, squeezing all of her nervousness into the thin fabric.

Finding a place to sit opposite the young girl, Tarina put on a friendly demeanour as she took in the stranger's appearance.  The mix of opulence the (carriage and her dress) versus nature (her bare feet and long hair) was noted.

"No I'm from Dayspring, if you've heard of it.  There are many students from different kingdoms and territories... I've been trying to learn more about these other lands.  What is your name?  You probably heard my name before, but just in case you didn't... my name is Tarina.  Now then, what seems to be the bother?  I'd like to help... and introduce you to some other friends."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Fri 17 Mar 2017.

"Oh, that's all right," Rosegold said in a belated reaction to Brionne speaking to her. She was very good at, say, focusing in on a single hunting quarry in the swamps. Trying to keep up with a lot of conversationalists simultaneously was a whole other matter. "Nice to see you again. And nice to meet you, Eylee."

Lia's stern words came as a surprise. Rosegold was half tempted to beat feet at this point, as she was clearly behind the curve, but then Lia herself did, and Tarina followed suit. So Rosegold opted to stick around for the moment. "Ah.... sure, I'd like to practice with all of you, I'm really not good at this kind of thing," she told the people that were still there.

The warmth of Tarina's words visibly softened the girl's attitude about the whole affair. Her hands relaxed, and remembrance of social mores swarmed over her consciousness.

"I'm sorry--I don't know of that place; n-nor of you yourself," she admitted, somewhat embarrassed by her ignorance. Although she had been given ample reading materials for her journey, there's wasn't a lot of time to read them (between the bouts of motion sickness, sleeping, and worrying)."My name is Daphne Eirene Floros; very pleased to meet you."

She decided against explaining her obstinacy; in hindsight, her concerns about making friends in a place far, far away from home seemed silly. After all, her first chance encounter with a student at Silver Crown Academy was.. pleasant. She felt welcomed, and was moved by Tarina's kindness.

"And yes--I'd really like that," Daphne spoke with a smile, happily anticipating meeting others like the girl before her. She began smoothing out the wrinkles that she had inadvertently put into her dress. "Do you want to be friends?~"

Outside, the carriage driver waited patiently with crossed fingers praying for good favor within the depths of his coat pocket.

Daphne's trepidation reminded Tarina of her own worries about attending SIlver Crown Academy...

"Actually I'd be surprised if someone 'had' heard of me.  But welcome to the Academy anyway, Daphne.  I do want to be friends... and I'm going tell you something that might put your mind at ease."

Tarina paused and opened the window just enough to put her hand outside and display an OK gesture.  She was keen to rejoin her other friends, just as much as the driver wanted to be gone.

"This place is a chance to live freer... for those who want to take it.  And if you want to meet and befriend people of equal station, that's on offer too.  I don't know your own living situation, but mine was one of solitude and restriction.  Look around find your happiness... because you're stuck here regardless.  Now then, how about we go meet some other friends?  We're practicing our dance skills for a little social ball... and if you get stage fright, maybe we can drum that out of you too."

Tarina smiled and gestured for Daphne to follow.  She was willing to shoulder a bag if necessary, although her new friend probably traveled light.

Tarina's mutual desire for friendship tingled her ears. "Good!" she cried with an excited voice, much higher in tone than her speaking voice. One friend made, and many more to go!

Startled by the fortuitous development, the happy carriage driver rushed to the door to open it for the two young ladies. The door swung open, emptying the darkness within as bright light flooded the cabin. When the Academy came into view, it somehow seemed less foreboding now, knowing now the kind people she would meet within.

"Silver Crown Academy, Miss Floros."

The pair scooted out of the carriage and down the wooden steps set before the door. It seemed that Tarina's intuition was correct; indeed, Daphne had traveled exceedingly light--only a small, leather shoulder bag! A tiny butterfly fluttered out from the cabin as well, catching Daphne's eyes as it flew away. "She was keeping me company, but its time for her to go now. Take care, Butterfly!~" She waved farewell to her former companion, watching the little creature climb towards the sky, and unknown adventures. With her bag slung over she shoulder, Daphne offered her newest friend a nod, ready to follow her inside.

The carriage driver gave a thankful wink to his savior before packing the carriage stairs up, climbing to the front of the vehicle, and commanding the horses to pull. The horses, having enjoyed the break, were ready to get back to work. The carriage traveled back down along the same, stone road, the clicking and clacking of horse hooves fading into the near distance.

Tarina felt a small pang of jealousy, since she was forbidden to keep pets... even temporary ones.  In fact any bird that went near her quarters back in Zenthia... would have been shot dead by the guards.  However the driver's thanks were a nice things to have.

"Oh a word of warning... my bodyguard is grim and restrictive.  Try not to be put off, no matter what she says.  She'd rather see my solitude continue."

Joanna was quick to approach Tarina with a less than impressed expression on her face.  She nodded curtly to Daphne, but there was no warmth there.

"Can we be off to your practice now, Tarina?  No more detours."

"We can, but Daphne is coming with us."

Joanna said nothing more and the girls were escorted to Anemone's room (or at least its general whereabouts).  On the way Tarina pointed out parts of the Academy that Daphne would find useful... the stables, dorms, kitchen, and classrooms.  And Tarina also shared details of the 'Prophecy' and tried to gaug whether Daphne was excited or intimidated by the thought of being a potential Queen.  However when they arrived at last, Tarina made introductions on Daphne's behalf... but let her other friends introduce themselves in their own way.

"Hello girls, this is Daphne Eirene Floros of Anoixia.  She literally just arrived... and I think she'll be a fine friend to many of us."

Daphne saw the envy showing in her new companion's face, and she made a mental note of it. She quickly turned her attention to Tarina's unnamed bodyguard. She seemed to be a very serious woman, and somewhat annoyed by the "detour" of the last half hour. Feeling somewhat embarrassed by putting Tarina at odds with her guardswoman, Daphne sought to return the curt nod with a respectful bow.

"I appreciate the time you have spent on me."

As the three walked through the halls, Daphne's head whirled with all of the new places. She had no idea how she would possibly remember them all; her own home had been much, much smaller than these enormous premises. "Wow," she spoke aloud as she saw each new, wonderful place. The academy was like a palace to the young, baker's daughter.

The news of the so-called "Prophecy" was startling to the young Daphne. "But I don't even know how to be a Queen!" she protested, to no one in particular. It was amazing to think that she herself might occupy such an office. She would almost certainly daydream about the possibility for days to come.

Tarina provided a wonderful introduction, prompting a blushed bow from the honored newcomer. "H-Hello! I hope that we will be good, even great, friends!~" Her voice was like a pleasant rosemary tisane, cheerful and aromatic. She steadied her nervous hands over her knees. Her feet were covered with dust from the pathway outside, and her long, walnut brown hair fell to the floor in heavy braids.

Next to all these fine folk Brionne felt incredibly scruffy, especially more so when the young woman with long, long lustrous brown hair introduced herself.  There was something though that made her make an effort.
"Brionne, nice to meet you too. I wouldn't worry about the queen thing."

This was a lot of new people for Rosegold to keep up with, but she did her best. At least Brionne was from the same land as her, but she didn't have any frame of reference for this new girl. She seemed nice, at least. She tried to keep her tics still as she spoke, taking in the sight of her with her one good eye. "Hello. That would, ah... be nice," she said on the subject of becoming great friends. "My name is Rosegold Aleya."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:14, Fri 24 Mar 2017.

"We also have Aielie... who I've only just me in the last hour.  And finally Shira Edelfelt, one of my first Academy friends."

Tarina allowed a moment for handshakes, hugs, nods, and other greeting gestures.

"Many of us are from different kingdoms, but I say let's celebrate the diversity.  We came here for dance practice but I'm hoping that Anemone will also meet with us.  A practice ball cannot go ahead without boys and she might have some insider knowledge..."

Tarina then knocked on the door to Anemone's room.

Aielie smiled at Daphne. She was clearly nervous, maybe from the intense vibe given from the school. It was quite off-putting, with the harsh stone towers jutting out boldly, refusing to let you forget their existence. "Knowing how to be a Queen?" she said softly, but still as her jovial self "I'm afraid I don't know that, either. But it can't be that hard. It's not like you'd be running a kingdom or anything." She gave Daphne a playful wink before adding "It's nice to meet you, Princess Daphne. I'd absolutely love to be friends."

"Anemone? Haven't met her." Brionne shrugged as she had followed on the heels of the others. The new girl, Aielie, Rosegold and Tara.  THis was a part of the castle she was unfamiliar with, at least from this side.

The room where Anemone was staying was, as usual, locked. But when a knock came to the door, there was, for once, a response. The voice on the other side sounded vaguely like the headmistress' apprentice. But it was deeper, coarser. Perhaps she had a cold? But, that wouldn't explain her extended abscesses, "Who is there?"

As she asked the question, shuffling could be heard from inside of the room. Heavy footsteps. A heavy blanket being discarded on the floor. A sniffling noise. Yeah. She was probably sick. But, eventually, the knob twisted slightly, "I'm sorry. Miss Fae? Is that you? I'm sorry, but you know I can't cone out until you make a new dose of my medicine or send me hone. Everyone will see me like this if you don't..."

"Anemone... it is Tarina, is everything ok?"

Not wanting to catch anything (if the Apprentice's 'cold' was contagious), she backed away to give Anemone some space.  It seemed rude to intrude upon an unwell person... but she had dragged everyone here, so an outcome of some sort was desirable.  Tarina put some cheer in her voice.

"We just wanted to talk for a little bit, ask a question or two...  Do you need something?  I'm sure we could find you some soup or hot water."

"Tarina?" There was a certain nervousness to her voice. The strange thing was, though, it grew slightly higher pitched as she spoke, "Sure... I can answer a few questions. But, I swear, I'm not thirsty. Or hungry. I just ate a few hours ago. I just need my medicine. Without it, I can't leave this room. But Linda - erm, Madame Fae is out of one of the ingredients that the potion requires. There's a shipment of it supposed to come later tonight, but it will still take three days for the potion to brew... And, ah! I'm sorry, I shouldn't be troubling you like this."

The sound of a lock clicking could be heard. Anemone was going to open the door, "You can come in if you want, but you have to promise that you won't tell a living soul about this... Alright?"

Aside from a few quick waves and nods to the newly met girls, Shira seemed to be dozing off again that lazy morning. The normally overenthusiasticly talkative girl yawned and rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off her. "Maybe Silverpaw knows an alternative to whatever ails you? We can ask once we know what confines thee to your lonely quarters. If of course the vow of silence can be bent around our merry round table." They still needed to see if Anemone was alright, and Lia too. It seemed like there were mysteries yet before any napping or dancing could take place.

Shira pushed against the solid door slowly.

Rosegold accompanied the others of her little group down the halls to Anemone's door, although she wasn't totally sure of their objective. She wasn't the best at social matters though, so she was glad to have a lead to follow.

She wasn't a big fan of binding vows, though, even if she was curious about what was going on behind the door. So for the moment she just kept quiet and waited to see what would happen from here.

There was a squeak as the door opened, revealing the inside of the room. Anemone's chamber was a pristine place. The bed was neatly made. The papers on the desk, save for three which she had been writing on when they knocked, were stacked neatly or bound with ribbon. There was a tea set on a table in the center of the room, though the cup which was full had been moved to the desk itself. There was one large window overlooking the campus that they rarely were allowed out on, then the woods.

One wouldn't have seen Anemone at first. She was hiding in the corner, which she had rushed to as soon as the door was open. But there was something strange. It didn't look like Anemone was there at all. The person there had stark white hair, cropped around their face in a short, wavy cut. Their body was the striking thing, though. The Princess of Miston had been muscular before. However, her form looked male in the pants that she was wearing. The girl was curled up with a single quilt, shaking, red eyes fixed on the group.

If this man-woman was Anemone, then Tarina could see how such a thing would need to be kept secret.  She suspected it was a curse or hereditary infliction... and that she knew about, being a 'cursed' Dayspring native.

"I promise not to speak of this to anyone... outside those who already know.  We wanted to ask about the upcoming practice ball, in particular where the boys are going to come from.  I'm... worried about outside influence, Anemone.  So what are you allowed to tell us?"

Tarina sat herself down on a cushion or a clean part of the floor.  It was unlikely the room had enough chairs for them all, so it was a charitable method of letting someone else have a seat.