Topic: History of RhyDin (Class)

Blood Sister

Date: 2015-11-29 01:01 EST
History of RhyDin: Week One The Districts of RhyDin City

"Good evening, class," Lydia said with a smile as she entered the small classroom of about fifteen students. Many didn't hear her over their pre-class conversations, but the few students that did began to get to their seats and sit down. Others noticed the few students shuffling to their seats, saw Lydia placing her notes on the instructor's desk off to the far corner in the front of the classroom, and returned to their own seats. Soon, a hush fell over the room as the students settled in, waiting for her to begin.

With her notes properly organized on her desk top, Lydia walked up to the blackboard and picked up a piece of chalk. She typically selected classrooms with the "archaic" method of writing. With other instructors using colorful markers on whiteboards or touch screen monitors that covered the entire wall, her white chalk on black slate seemed rather mundane. But those that went to her classes typically didn't go for the bells and whistles; they went to merely listen.

Turning to face the class, Lydia was dressed as simply as she taught. Her jet black hair was pulled back neatly in a tight bun that rested at the nape of her neck. A black two-button blazer covered most her soft lavender hued blouse. She wore a matching black pencil skirt, light gray tinted stockings, and shiny black patent leather heels. Her small solitaire sapphire necklace mirrored her deep blue eyes as she looked out over the class. Taking a deep breath, she began.

"I am Lydia Tolmay and this is "History of RhyDin." When this class first came across my desk, I was very excited to take it on. I love history, how it has shaped the present, and how to learn from it to prevent the same mistakes in the future. Rhydin has a deep history and, like all history, the "facts" change based on who is telling the story. If you ask a dozen people on the street to tell you the history of Rhydin, you will get a dozen different histories, each as true....and as fantasized, as the others. What I will be teaching over this six week course are just a few accounts of Rhydin's history, filled with their own truths....and misconceptions. Today we will begin with the districts of RhyDin City..."

Blood Sister

Date: 2015-12-01 02:14 EST
Lydia went up to the board and wrote, "Dragon's Gate", then continued, "The city of Rhydin is divided into several districts. The Dragon's Gate district in the north eastern area of Rhydin is home to the city's most famous structures. On the district's main strip is probably the city's greatest gathering area, The Red Dragon Inn. Many use its lodgings, while others frequent the establishment to have a drink with friends. Of course, where one typically finds drinking, there is usually an accompaniment of fighting or, in this case, dueling. In the basement of the Inn is the Arena, which hosts the official Duel of Swords dueling. Directly next door to the west of the Inn is the Outback, which holds the brawls of the Duel of Fists. To the immediate north of the Inn, is the portal leading to Twilight Isle, which is an enchanted place that hosts dueling for the Duel of Magic. More details about those and the rest of the features of Dragon's Gate district will be featured in our next class."

"North of the Dragon's Gate district is one of the newest areas of development, the New Haven district. At one time referred to as Lakeshore, this area borders on a large fresh water lake that was once part of the Rhydin River, but had split off into an isolated lake a long time ago. The lake serves as a popular recreational area while the residential zone boasts many the city's well-to-do citizens, who have built grander and more luxurious homes there." Under "Dragon's Gate", Lydia wrote "New Haven" followed by "Battlefield Park". "To the west of New Haven is Battlefield Park. It is a mostly undeveloped region, save for a few areas, that preserves the battlegrounds of wars long ago. I have heard of few who wander over the grounds sometimes stumbling upon ancient relics. It is separated from the New Haven, Dragon's Gate, and Old Market districts by a high wall."

Lydia added "Old Market" to her list of districts on the blackboard. "Directly south of the Battlefield Park, is the Old Market district. One of its main features is the Red Dragon Great Hall, which hosts many of Rhydin's largest parties and events. But even the Great Hall pales in comparison to the historic Marketplace square, located in the center of the district. This is, by far, the city's greatest area for trade. There is everything from large conglomerate businesses to the smallest mom-and-pop shops. During our third week's course, we will be exploring some of the older stores that have a longer established history here in Rhydin and how those stores have endured and shaped the current economy.

"The last district to the north of the Rhydin River is the Seaside district, which it is affectionately called Sea Haven. Despite the serene name, the area is primarily made up of steep, jagged cliffs. As a result, the district is better as a vacation spot for tourists with spectacular views overlooking the sea, though the area to the far northwest can be used a nice seaside beach." Lydia wrote "Seaside" below Old Market on the blackboard, then continued, "Offshore, to the south of the district, is Overlord Isle. Resting in the mouth of the Rhydin River, the small island provides a local residence for the reigning Overlord of the Duel of Swords. It features the main lighthouse for Rhydin, as well as a Memorial for Gondor, who was the first Overlord for the Duel of Swords..."

Blood Sister

Date: 2015-12-01 02:17 EST
"To the south of the Rhydin River, there are two more districts, largest of which is the Old Temple district. Roughly speaking, it may even be larger than the next two largest districts combined." Lydia paused to write "Old Temple" on the blackboard under her running lists of districts. "The district got its name from its many churches and temples of both ancient and modern beliefs. Some of the more well established of these are the Temple of Divine Light, Temple of the Gods, and the First Catholic Church. It has quite a few other major Rhydinian focal points as well. It is home to the RhyDin Public Library and RhyDin Museum, where you will be going on a few research trips over this course. Although technically outside of the district's walls, the RhyDin Graveyard is to the south, along the main southern thoroughfare in to and out from Rhydin. Due to the large gatehouse that allows travelers through the city walls from the south, the Old Temple district is also called Southgate. Even in the north, the district boasts one bridge into the Dragon's Gate district and two into the Old Market district, making the Old Temple district vital to the transportation of Rhydin."

Lydia added one final district to the list, "Dockside". "Separated by the Old Temple district with an extension of the large city wall, the Dockside district also sits south of the Rhydin River. With only one main land route in and out of the district to the far south, its main transports are through its sea ports. This is where it gets one of its many nicknames, The Wharfs. Many importing and exporting businesses have their warehouses located there. With the highly concentrated areas of storage as possible targets, Dockside also has a reputation of being a hot spot for the less reputable groups of the city, which is how it gets another nickname, Badside..." She trailed off for a moment, looking somber as she considered one of her sources.

She only knew little of what generally happens in Dockside, though it was more than she wanted to know, because of her sister. All too often her identical twin would do her "business deals" there, in the shadows of warehouses that would later report their storage missing or on piers where bodies would later be found washed up under. But just because there were a few misguided guests to the district, didn't mean the district itself was bad. She was beginning to worry she was focusing on the district's negative elements. Her look of concern faded as she said with a smile, "All districts are at risk for a few bad seeds here and there, but overall, Dockside has quite a bit to offer for its own distinct nautical and sailor culture. I will explain more about its subcultures, like the noteworthy WestEnd neighborhood, during our week four class."

"During our final two weeks, I will be showcasing some other areas important to Rhydin. Although Mount Yasuo is far to the north and the Stars End sector is far west of Rhydin City, both areas have an effect on Rhydin's history and culture."

Lydia walked from the chalkboard over to the front of her desk and sat down on a clear portion of oak wood. She rested her hands palm down on the desk. Although she spoke in the same tone, it seemed a little more casual, though it may have been simply attributed to her change in posture. "I know that is quite a lot to throw at you at one time. I basically covered all of Rhydin itself and beyond. But as I mentioned, I do plan to go into some detail regarding certain areas, not because there are "better" or "worse" areas, but because I think I might be able to share some little known facts about those parts of the city. Though I hope to cover much more information over the course, I will be happy to answer any initial questions anyone might have about anything right now.?

Looking out over the class, Lydia would try to select students in order that they raised their hand.

Fliss

Date: 2015-12-01 10:54 EST
Sitting close beside Lucas, Fliss was absolutely captivated by her first real lesson on the actual history of Rhy'Din itself. It was such a vast topic, with so many differing points of view on the hows and whys, that very few teachers were prepared to take it on, and why should they' Especially at Harkers, where the emphasis was on dueling and control of magical and innate abilities, which was far more important in the early years than expanding basic curriculum subjects to include the more complex topics up for discussion.

Her notebook was open in front of her - not a standard paper notebook; a little experimenting in her Fire Magic classes had provided her with a notebook of specially toughened paper, onto which she could scorch her notes with a fingertip and a very small flame. It was easier for her than scribbling it all down, since her handwriting suffered under pressure, which often led to notes that were utterly indecipherable and completely useless. She and Lucas had found that one out the hard way while comparing notes a few weeks before.

The various districts had always confused her. The Baronies were so fluid, and the Barons themselves unpredictable when it came to their short-lived rules, that it had always been difficult to pin down exactly which district was which for the pyromancer teen. She was familiar with Dragon's Gate - who wasn't' - despite having never actually visited The Red Dragon Inn or the duels. New Haven, she knew as well, but Battlefield Park was new to her, making an extra note to visit it and satisfy her curiosity about old battlegrounds. The Marketplace, too, was familiar, and though she'd never been there except for brief outings when she'd been at the orphanage, Seaside was at least a recognizable place to put a name to.

Her interest piqued as Lydia moved on to the last two districts, however - Old Temple, because that was where her father worked, and also the location of the museum, where at least two of the Grangers worked, as well; and Dockside, because that was where WestEnd was, and in it, the Shanachie Theater. Promised more information on that in later weeks, she bit down on the flurry of questions that rose and tried to work out what it was she actually wanted to know in the context of the lesson itself.

Her hand rose, along with several others, as the floor was opened up for questions, waiting patiently until she was called upon before offering up her question.

"If the Barons are responsible for each district, do we know who allowed what neighborhoods to grow and flourish in their districts?" she asked curiously. "Like ....who was responsible for giving permission for New Haven to be developed, or WestEnd" Or do the Barons just let big businesses, like the Shanachie, pop up wherever?"

Blood Sister

Date: 2015-12-03 00:31 EST
Lydia finished answering one of the student's questions, "...so, yes, it is true that Kairee, the proprietor of the Red Dragon Inn at the time, declared Gondar the first Overlord, but it is only a rumor that they were lovers. I have heard it from a few, but they are only second-hand claims. I have not seen or heard enough proven evidence to declare it to be true or false."

She looked to the next hand that was raised. Impressed with her fire abilities as she took notes during the lecture, Lydia hoped the girl would continue to build on her already remarkable technique.

"Yes, Miss Storm," Lydia said, calling on her. After listening to her questions, Lydia smiled, excited by the depth of the topic.

"I have always believed Rhydin was a place of more....flexibility than most. People generally have the freedom to create their own businesses and begin their own community projects here without an extreme authority to overrule or undermine them. But to answer your question more specifically, for the most part, the current Barons have allowed Rhydin to grow and develop without their direct input, which is how most Barons in the past have done things as well."

"I believe the general reason for this is because of the threat of a short term rule. It would be hard to enact a decree as Baron, then be removed from the position the next month and never being able to see the project through. There have been over one hundred Overlords in the Duel of Swords, over eighty Diamond Holders in the Duel of Fists, and over fifty Archmagi in the Duel of Magic in the passed twenty years. As you can imagine, Baronies can shift within a short period of time. Granted, in passed years, some have done more to defend their territories or to enact certain restrictions in their areas, but it seems as though most are content to keep the status quo. But I do not believe their general stance of not doing more for the community comes from a sense of apathy, but due to a sense of a time limit. They never quite know when they may be dethroned. It is unlike the Governor position, which generally lasts for about a year unless they run again and win."

"The Governor also acts in the same manner as the Barons. They could potentially have as much power as they wish to rule over the city, but for the most part, Governors are happy to maintain a certain balance in the community. Yes, some may hold more meetings, events, or community projects than others, but honestly, I have observed that the majority of Rhydin's community growth does not come from its leaders, but the community itself. It's what I believe makes Rhydin so great."

"So the responsibility of fostering the growth of the city, as you mentioned, does not fall to the Barons, but to all of us," Lydia concluded with a smile. She looked down for a minute, embarrassed at her accidental and impromptu version of "the children are our future? speech. Looking back up, she made a mental note. A history of dueling class may be a worthwhile topic to look into, as well. Given the amount of history involved with them alone, each one of the three dueling groups could easily have their own class devoted to them. That was a project for another night.

Lucas Foster

Date: 2015-12-06 16:34 EST
Lucas glanced over to find Fliss taking notes with ....Was that fire" He was distracted for just a moment while he watched her with curious interest before turning back to listen to Miss Tolmay continue her lecture, scribbling down notes the old fashioned way with pen and paper. He was new to Rhy'Din, having only been there are few short months, and though he knew some of this already, most of it was new to him, and he was eating it up like a man starving on a deserted island.

He listened as Miss Tolmay explained about the various districts of Rhy'Din, knowing a little about a few of them, but not really the history behind them. He lifted his head, setting his pen aside to rest, while she answered a few questions, one of them posed by Fliss.

Rhy'Din was a confusing place for anyone, much less a boy who had been raised the son of a politician. Politics here were certainly a lot different than back home in California.

Lucas waited until she had finished answering Fliss' question, before he raised his hand with a question of his own, the first of many.

"This has nothing to do with the barons, but what I don't understand is if technology is available in the Stars End Sector, why don't people make use of it more" The same thing goes for magic. Is it just because people don't trust what they don't understand?"

Blood Sister

Date: 2015-12-09 13:34 EST
Lydia's general friendly smile while answering questions faded as he asked his. It wasn't the question. It was a very good question. It was just also a sore spot to some Rhydin citizens.

"That is an excellent point, Mr. Foster. Yes, I do believe there is always some hesitation in societies when new..." She trailed off for a moment, not wanting to focus specifically on one or the other. "...capabilities are achieved by mankind. Some do fear things they don't understand. Others merely have a hard time adapting to change, no matter what that change may be."

She continued, with more of her natural smile, "Another factor to keep in mind specifically for Rhydin is that many of its residents come from different backgrounds. Due to the nexus's ability to bring persons from any time and any place to Rhydin, some of the people here may just have not had as much time as others to get accustomed to their new surroundings. Most like to stick with what they know, including technologies that are familiar to them, especially when they are new here."

"I may be as guilty of that as many others," she said with a full smile now. "I don't use many of the new technologies while I teach. I could be using projectors to show you maps and outlines of the districts while I lecture. I could have slideshows of the Red Dragon Inn and the stores of the Marketplace. I could be using a touch screen to write my notes up here. But it is just not who I am. I like the feel of chalk in my hands. I love to form the letters like an artist forms the lines of his painting. This is my painting," she said motioning to the blackboard behind her.

"But I do use some technology to my benefit," she added, turning back to face the class, hoping to prove not everyone fit into black and white molds. "I value my cellular phone in times of emergency. But, do I use the special features to tell me what the weather currently is" No, not when I can simply look out the window." She grinned, hoping to get a few scoffs.

"Magic can be viewed in the same way. I just have not had much of an interest in, or an innate ability for, magic. If I did, I would go and try to learn more to broaden that skill. I'm not afraid of magic itself. In fact, I value its usefulness. But, in the hands of someone I do not know or do not trust, I would then fear its use. The same would be said for technology. Power in the hands of the wrong person creates that fear."

"Granted," she concluded, "There are some people that simply fear the magic or technology itself. In those cases, I have found that education can help immensely, because people only really fear what they don't know.?

Fliss

Date: 2015-12-10 13:06 EST
"Like bullies," Fliss said without thinking. She glanced at Lucas. They'd both had their share of bullies trying to make them victims, purely because they'd been seen as different.

She frowned thoughtfully as she considered what they had been told. It made sense, in a way, and in another way, it made absolutely no sense at all. But then again, that was Rhy'Din for you. She'd lived here all her life, and at no point had she ever been told that day to day life here was supposed to conform to any kind of common sense at all. You either accepted the way it was, or drove yourself nuts trying to understand it all. That was just the way it was.

"So ....wouldn't that make the institution of the duels a kind of means to an end?" she asked curiously, the thought only just occurring to her. "I mean, they're a bit part of life here in Rhy'Din City, and there are all these places set aside for their use, but maybe they didn't start as a sport. Maybe they started as a way to stop the mindless violence that erupted because of people not understanding each other and being afraid of each other."

She tilted her head curiously toward Professor Tolmay. "Or is that completely off-topic?"

Blood Sister

Date: 2015-12-11 20:31 EST
Lydia smiled, trying not to laugh at the last question. She thought it was completely on topic, considering how the question connected a lot of their "question and answer" discussion. Taking a mental note of the girl's mention of bullies, Lydia decided to keep a bit more of eye on the new students in her class, watching out for any further signs just to make sure they weren't currently being harassed, on-campus or off.

"I see that as a very relevant point," she answered. "It can be argued that there are many purposes to the duels. In fact, an acquaintance of mine theorizes that some of the nicest people on Earth are the Canadians because they get out all of their aggression in their sometimes brutal sport of hockey. Though, based on that logic, Rugby football players must be even kinder."

"What, because they don't wear any sissy padding?" Fliss snorted with laughter, and abruptly covered her mouth, mortified that her piggy snort had made itself known in public.

Lydia smiled and nodded. She suspected she had quite a little firecracker in her class, in more ways than one. Seeing no other hands raised, she announced, "I will take any other questions after class. Allow me to explain our weekly assignments."

"After each week's lecture, I will give you the topic of your assignment and you will have five days to turn in a one page essay on your views of the topic. Seeing as how this course is on Rhydin's history, I only thought it would be appropriate to show you various areas of Rhydin, so each of the assignments will be a little field trip, so to speak." She thought the topic of the course required a bit more 'show" since she was providing the "tell". Always safety conscious, she added, "I strongly advise you to go in small groups or with someone else if you are able, even if they are not in the course."

"You may give your written or typed paper to my secretary, Rebecca, or you may submit the paper electronically to my campus email account. If you have any questions at any time, feel free to email me, call my office number, or stop by my office if you're on campus." She paused a moment, wondering if she should mention her late night hours, but thought better of it. She tried not to draw attention to her....unusual tendencies. The kids were smart, generally too smart for their own good, and she was afraid they would be able to connect the dots, if they hadn't already. Sometimes she heard the rumors of her....condition that went around the school. Though, she couldn't exactly consider them rumors if they were true.

"This week's assignment will be to better familiarize yourself with all of Rhydin. No, I won't be sending you on a trek across the city. You will be visiting the RhyDin Public Library. I have set things up with one of the librarians. All you have to do is go and explain that you are in my class and they will provide you with all of the materials that I would like you to look over. First, I would like you to review the Old Rhy"Din City map to see the beginning stages of our city. Then, take a look at the New Rhy"Din map which will show the city beginning to evolve into what we recognize today. Then, finally compare them all to the current map of RhyDin City. In your report, tell me about the changes, or the similarities that you find the most fascinating and explain why you believe it has changed or stayed the same over the years."

Fliss

Date: 2016-01-02 09:17 EST
Far above the city, soaring on the winds, two figures looking down on Rhy'Din City in all its glory ...

"What?"

"I said it looks different!"

"What did you say?"

"I said -"

"I can't hear you!"

"What?"

An hour later, with headsets borrowed from the GrangerGuild R & D department to make communication easier ...

"This isn't going to work, you know. I can't hold you and take pictures."

"I can't hold onto you and look at the maps without them flying away."

"We should land."

"Where?"

On the next clear day, a solution found. Two figures, strapped together by means of secure webbing, one holding a camera, one clutching a tablet into which the maps have been scanned ...

"This is really embarrassing."

"You're the one who didn't want to flame like your dad."

"Knowing me, I'd set fire to you. I feel like a baby strapped to you like this."

"Will you stop complaining and just figure out where we are?"

"Okay, okay ....I think that is the Museum, so ....above Old Temple" Where's the fire station?"

"There."

"How do you know?"

"Your dad's waving to us."

"Oh."

Three days later, two assignments handed in, bearing photographs of the city as it is, comparisons of the current layout set side by side with the old and new maps of Rhy'Din City. Two differing perspectives, offered by a pair who had spent far too long in the thin air above the city. If handwriting could giggle, this homework definitely would.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-01-05 22:11 EST
History of RhyDin: Week Two The Dragon's Gate District

"Good evening," Lydia greeted the class as she walked into the small classroom. Although the room held twenty seats, there were only about fifteen students in the class. Wanting to ensure that students always had the opportunity to change seats if need be, Lydia never liked to have a packed classroom. It was a good thing she also wanted to keep a few seats open in case one or two more students joined the class, because there was a new male student in the class this evening that was not there last week. Over her time teaching at the Academy, she became known for her flexibility in the rules and was happy to have new students, as long as they got caught up quickly on any missed work. But, with the same number of students as last week's class and the additional student, that meant one from last week's class was missing.

Lydia finished putting her notes and their graded papers on her teacher's desk at the front of the room. She scanned the room several times, looking for the one student. Her face grew concerned as she looked to the clock above the door in the room, which indicated it was time for the class to begin. Stalling while the students present began to wrap up their pre-class conversations, she went to the other side of the room and looked out the wall of windows. In the darkness of the evening, she could see down from their second floor classroom to a small courtyard below, but the student was nowhere in sight. She quickly made a mental note to remember to find the student's contact information after class so she could call to see if she was ok. Lydia returned to her desk, mentally kicking herself. She hated holding classes at night since it held more possible danger to the students....but for her, it was....necessary.

By then, most of the students were quietly waiting for her to begin. With a deep breath, she started her next lesson.

"The Red Dragon Inn is undeniably the heart of Rhydin City. It is even located at the city's heart, nestled inside the northeastern Dragon's Gate district." Lydia went up to the chalkboard and wrote "Dragon's Gate" with a thick white chalk line under it, then "Red Dragon Inn" under the Dragon's Gate header. As she finished, the missing female student walked in and tried to slip silently to her seat. Lydia turned to watch her and waited until she was seated.

"Is everything alright, Miss Woods?" Lydia asked the dark elf, though, from her appearance, she seemed more like a half blooded not-quite-so-dark elf.

"Yeah. Sorry, Ms. Tolmay, time just got away from me," the teenager replied, pulling out her small hand pressed paper notebook and a sharpened black writing instrument from her worn leather knapsack.

"That's alright. Let's just not make a habit of it,? Lydia said, visually relieved nothing happened to her student. She felt silly for worrying in the first place. She knew, maybe more than most, the dangers that were hidden in the night.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-01-05 22:13 EST
As not to waste more time, Lydia quickly returned to her lesson. "Some say the Red Dragon Inn gets its name from the red hue from the clay plaster covering its walls. Regardless of the reason for its name, it is undoubtedly a staple of Rhydin City. Many frequent the establishment each night, sitting around the focal point of the first floor, the heavy oak bar that takes up most of the back wall. The large stone fireplace located about mid-way towards the back on the right is built with stones taken directly from the Rhydin River that runs along the district's southern edge. On the second floor are the upstairs rooms for rent, as well as the balcony that overlooks the back of the common room, including the bar area. Just past the hearth are two doors, one of which leads to the lower level under the Inn."

Continuing to lecture, she wrote "Arena" under Red Dragon Inn on the chalkboard, "In the basement of the Inn is the Arena. Fittingly, as the Arena hosts the Duel of Swords, the door is marked with two crossed long swords set against an onyx shield. Taking the stairs down will leave you in the northwest corner of the Arena. There you will find a large display of trophies, banners, swords, and other souvenirs from prominent sword duelers and their houses. Much like with the design of the inn above, the Arena boasts its own bar and kitchen with tables and seats there as well. There are even some bleachers built into the east wall that give center stage to the dueling rings in the south end of the room."

Lydia paused to write, "Back Alley", then turned back to the class. "The other door in the rear of the Red Dragon Inn leads out to the ominous Back Alley. It is a darkly lit, narrow cobblestone pathway between the Red Dragon Inn and its surrounding buildings. Many inn patrons will go back into the alley to continue escalating fights, as to protect other guests from getting hurt in the scuffle. Although its shadowy setting may be ideal for combat, looks can be deceiving. Due to some of the neighboring buildings throwing out their garbage and trash, the gutters can become clogged, allowing the cobblestones to become slippery with oils and other built up liquids, resulting in poor footing."

Slouching in his desk, the new male student smiled knowingly. From his rough posture and demeanor, he looked as though he could have easily been a few back alley fights himself. Despite his constant interest in her lecture, he failed to take any notes. He just sat, closely watching and listening to the instructor.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-01-05 22:17 EST
"Directly to the west of the Inn is the Outback, which holds the brawls of the Duel of Fists." Lydia wrote"Outback" in white chalk on the blackboard. "From the outside, you will know it from its signature thick, oak double doors. From the inside, it is a two story open space with curved ceiling beams and lined by high windows. It is important to note that this is actually the third building to carry the honored Outback name. The original building was built years ago by Black Panther, the founder of the Duel of Fists. There are many rings for dueling there as well as practice mats in the corners. All can be seen from the full ringed balcony on the second floor. Also, in a similar style to the inn, there is a bar on the first floor, and several rooms on the second floor."

After adding, "Twilight Isle" on the black slate, she turned back to the class and continued, "To the immediate north of the Inn, is the portal leading to Twilight Isle, which is an enchanted place that hosts dueling for the Duel of Magic. Do not get this confused with Overlord Isle that sits off the south shore of the Dockside District. Twilight Isle exists in its own pocket dimension. Named accordingly, it is continually suspended in twilight. The isle is surrounded by mountains along each sides, except for the South, which holds a stunning lagoon with crystal blue water and luscious sands that holds the portal leading back to Rhydin. In the center of the isle are the ancient Great Rings of the Duels that are carved into the cooled volcanic stone."

"It goes without saying that Rhydin has a strong dueling culture, and that culture is undeniably rooted in Dragon's Gate, but there is another important feature in the area. Across the street from the block with all of our aforementioned areas of note," she said, pausing to wave an open palm towards her list on the board, "the Great Helm Tavern is one of the oldest buildings in the city." She turned and wrote "Great Helm Tavern" as her last talking point on the board. "It gets its name from the striking battle helm over the main entrance's two heavy wooden doors. Whether they war-torn or weather-torn, you can still find blemishes in the helm's metal."

"Much like the Red Dragon Inn, the tavern has a spacious two story interior, large bar, kitchen, tables and chairs for talking and dining, and a second floor balcony that overlooks much of the first floor. But it has its own unique features as well. From the upstairs balcony, you can reach the outside terrace, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city. To the right of the bar, there is a small room where the ceiling lowers to an intimate one-story level. There is a hearth carved into the left-hand wall which is shared with the kitchen. A long, rectangular table labeled "The Lord's Table" sits in the center of the room to accommodate large gatherings. Due to its focal point, the room has earned the name "The Lord's Nook"."

Lydia put down the piece of chalk on the thin ledge under the blackboard and wiped her hands together to dust the chalk off her hands. She then walked around to the front of her desk at the far side of the front of the room and leaned back against it. "There are quite a few other important aspects of the Dragon's Gate District," she began. Her home was there, as well. "But those are likely the more well known, and have some of the richer history behind them. If anyone has any questions about the duels or the areas of Dragon's Gate, please be encouraged to ask."

Fliss

Date: 2016-01-07 04:35 EST
Despite having a new baby at home, and the upheaval that had been Lucas' move all of five minutes away to be with his mother and brother, Fliss was surprisingly attentive to the lecture once again. She and Lucas had promised faithfully to fly back home the second class had finished, and not to even try and leave the Bristle Crios campus on foot while there was so much going on in the city. She'd noted the new face, lounging in his seat, but hadn't done much more than smile and nod on her way to her seat with Lucas, pulling her specially prepared notebook out in preparation while they waited and talked.

As Professor Tolmay elaborated on the different aspects of the Dragon's Gate District, Fliss' finger guided the flickering flame that scorched her notes into the toughened paper. She didn't have any particular interest in this particular topic, admittedly, having no interest or aptitude for the duels that were such a huge part of the city-wide culture, but it was good to know all these little bits and pieces that went together. Dragon's Gate seemed to be the most well-known of all the districts in Rhy'Din City, but she had a feeling there was an awful lot she didn't know about it, too.

As the professor opened the floor to questions, she raised her hand, patiently waiting until it was her turn to speak before offering up her query. "If the Twilight Isle is in a pocket dimension, does that mean it isn't a part of Dragon's Gate" And if it isn't, is that why the Keepers' Towers are there" Or did I completely misunderstand?"

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-01-07 17:52 EST
"That's an excellent point, Miss Storm. Yes, I think based on technicality, it would have to be said that Twilight Isle is outside of Rhydin entirely," Lydia began her answer. "As to why the Towers are located there, I would venture the guess that since the titles and ranks were earned there, that it would only make sense to have the earned prizes there as well."

Seeing the interest of the students, Lydia took the opportunity to delve into the magic of the Isle a bit more. "The Towers are as vital to the Isle's setting as the dueling rings themselves. Above the peak of the tallest mountain in the East is the Tower of Air. Aptly named, it is nearly invisible, appearing to be nothing more than a hazy shimmer in the shape of a tower with its double doors appearing as inconspicuous clouds. In the center of the beautiful lagoon to the South of the Isle is the Tower of Water. As you might imagine, the Tower is formed by flowing, rushing water, and its double doors are made from coral. A smoky volcano burns to the North of the Isle and on the center of the molten lava bed, you can find the Tower of Fire. It is made from solid, living flame with its large double doors made of thick, shining brass."

"Passed the fields and forests to the West of the Isle, lies the Tower of Earth. Unlike the other Towers, it is not as easily distinguishable a tower, as it is built into the great cliff face of the far western mountains. There is no visible doorway to this tower, either. A keyhole in the cliff one hundred feet from the ground is its only indication that something special resides there. As the Keeper approaches the doors, a stone stairwell emerges from the cliff leading to the entrance of the Tower, where the doors can then be opened."

"Although there are the four Towers, there is also one more area of note, the lair of the ArchMage known as the Citadel of the Stars. Floating in the sky directly above the center of Twilight Isle, it forms the apex of a perfect pyramid with the four Towers. It ties each of the Towers" elements together, combining earth, air, fire and water to create a dwelling worthy of the gods. The foundation is a large fragment of solid bedrock, and its walls and columns made from white marble. Its abundant, green vegetation is fed by flowing water which vanishes into thin air as it falls over the edges of the floating isle. Burning within the temple on the island is a brilliant white flame of pure magic. As a result, the Keeper of the Citadel of the Stars has reign over the Fifth Element - magic itself.?

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-01-13 23:41 EST
As she concluded her answer, Lydia glanced around the room. Felicity seemed satisfied with her answer and no other students raised their hands with follow up questions. She proceeded with the assignment.

Turning her torso slightly, she leaned back against the desk to pick up the graded assignments from last week. She stood up and began to walk around the room, handing them to their owners as she walked passed each student. "Last week's assignments were very well done." She always expected the first week's assignments to be a little rough, especially for students that had not previously had her as their instructor. It took a little time for her to get used to their differing writing styles, while they needed time to understand her expectations.

No matter how lacking the work might be, she was always sure to make at least one positive comment, like "what an insightful observation' or "excellent use of critical thinking skills". And, on the reverse, no matter how well the assignment was written, she would always provide at least one suggestion to help the student produce more comprehensive writing for the future, such as "I would have loved for you to develop this idea further" or "more examples would help to prove your point". This was usually what gave her a bad name among some students. For the highest echelon of honor students who strived to earn a perfect score, it was often a slap in the face to earn a one hundred percent "A" grade, yet still be confronted with a way to improve. But Lydia did not view the suggestion in the same manner. She personally always strived, not for perfection, but to continually improve her knowledge and experiences.

She soon came to Felicity and Lucas. Thoroughly impressed with their assignments, she passed them back to them with a smile and various notes. "Way to think outside the box!" "Wonderful three dimensional perspective." If they were watching her closely, they could have easily known even before looking at the papers that they earned an "A" grade. Her sister was right; Lydia had no poker face. As she handed out each "A" paper, she would smile proudly to the author. Felicity and Lucas both received the same sweet smile as she handed them their reports.

As she passed out last week's homework, she began to give this week's assignment. "This week, in order to fully absorb as much of the dueling culture as possible, you will be attending one of the duels." There were a few murmurs among some of the students. Some were eager to watch a fight for homework, while others did not see the value in watching a sporting event for a history assignment. Lydia explained, "Yes, I would like you to watch a duel, but I would like your focus to be on the culture that you observe during the duel. Sometimes the best way to see the past is to see the effects it has caused on the present."

She continued, "Depending on where you observe the duel, you may find certain trophies and honors of previous well known duelist on display. What are they like and who do they feature" Are those people still in the duels" Explore the duelists you are watching. How is their demeanor to their opponent and to their audience" Describe the audience. What are the demographics of the people present' Do they have any stories of their favorite past duelists" Do the majority of people take the duels seriously, or are they performing, or do they treat it as a sport' Include whatever you find interesting and explain how you think this outlook may have changed over the years as the duels have grown."

There were still a few grumbles. Lydia offered an alternate assignment, "For those that would prefer to forego the duels, I would like you to write your one page report on one of the duelists, outlining some of their achievements and history of titles and honors. The library has extensive information on the past Overlords and Barons in the Duel of Swords, as well as past Archmagi and Keepers in the Duel of Magic. In addition to the Duel of Fists Diamond holders, you can also find past winners of ShadoWeaver, FireStar, PathFinder, IceDancer, and MoonBeryl opals. If there are any further concerns, feel free to see me after class.?

Lucas Foster

Date: 2016-01-16 16:49 EST
Lucas exchanged glances with Fliss, smiling proudly, as Miss Tolmay handed back their graded assignments and offered a little constructive criticism, but the smile didn't last long.

He found himself worrying as soon as she handed out their next assignment, knowing their parents were unlikely to approve of their visiting the duels, deeming it too dangerous, especially with everything that was going on in the city right now.

Instead, they'd have to do a little old-fashioned research and write a paper, but maybe they could think outside the box again and come up with a different way of accomplishing the task.

Lucas had a thought, but decided to wait until class was dismissed before approaching her desk with it, Fliss in tow. "Miss Tolmay," he inquired, a little shyly. "Would it be okay if we interviewed one of the Barons?" he asked uncertainly. After all, Fliss' parents knew at least one of them personally.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-01-17 12:49 EST
As most of the class filtered out, Lydia went up and began to wipe the chalkboard with the thick black cloth covered eraser. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lucas and Felicity making their way to her desk. Quickly turning and going to meet them, she positioned herself behind her desk to hear their concern.

Her eyes lit up at his question.

Her objective in encouraging the students to attend a duel was merely to get them out of the stuffy library and into the world where they could learn firsthand. This was a perfect alternative. They would be interviewing a source directly, but it would keep them safe.

"If you are lucky enough to have that as an option, yes, definitely," she began with a nod. "Just be sure to cover roughly the same material. Do they treat the duels as a sport or a performance or something else completely' What is their greatest achievement' How has their outlook changed over the years as the duels have grown, for better and for worse" Those types of things would be perfect subject matter. Remember, the least flattering elements are just as much a part of the experience as the good elements. I want to hear as much of the entire experience in your interview as possible.?

This would be the second time that they would be able to construct a better assignment than what she had given out. She would have to reconsider her assignments from now on, leaving them open to some creative interpretations.

She wasn't the only one who took notice of their question. The new teen that kept to himself and spend most of the class studying the instructor turned his focus to the couple and their question. Slowly making his way to the door at the front of the room, he took long drawn out steps to overhear as much of the conversation as possible. He didn't look at the three, keeping his gaze planted firmly on the door, but he did little to cover up his sly pace. Once he felt content that he heard as much as he could without overtly stopping, he continued out the door and made his way outside and into the darkness of the courtyard below.

Fliss

Date: 2016-01-23 09:55 EST
Eavesdropper or not, Fliss and Lucas could be pretty sure that no one else in their class had direct access to the Baby Baroness. Even if that illusive new pupil tried to follow them, he would never have made it into the private rooms in the Cardinal Inn, and thus, he was just going to have to do his own work.

As for Fliss and Lucas ....one interview, two sets of notes, and two surprisingly different essays later, they were ready to hand in.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-11 23:05 EST
History of RhyDin: Week Three The Marketplace District

Lydia came through the classroom door with one minute left to spare on the clock above the doorway. Her usual perfectly pristine bun had a few loose strands of raven hair falling over the rough spherical mass, though it was the only thing off about her appearance as she maintained her typical business professional attire, wearing a heather grey blazer covering her navy blue button up blouse and a calf length dark gray skirt that extended passed her knee high faded black leather boots.

Most of the students were already in their seats, including the new male student who sat hunched over his desk in the back of the room. Placing her stack of graded papers down on the instructor's desk, Lydia seemed preoccupied, nervous, almost....agitated. She delicately laid an overprotective hand on top of the pile as if making sure nothing would happen to them before going to the blackboard and picking up a piece of white chalk. A couple of teenage male dwarves came in behind her, finishing their conversation about the Hellhounds" ball game last weekend as they took their seats.

As she finished the bold white line under her handwritten "Marketplace District" heading, the female dark elf tried to sneak in the door and walk passed the instructor, one minute after the clock hit the hour. Without turning around, Lydia instantaneously reached back with her free hand and grabbed the girl's wrist. The elf stopped in her tracks, drawing in a gasped breath from the sudden clutch. Lydia slowly turned to face her, the girl's confused and scared eyes meeting her piercing sapphire gaze.

"You will not be late again, Miss Woods," Lydia said severely.

It was not spoken harshly or with anger. Instead, it was completely devoid of emotion with no one word having emphasis over the others. But it was the detachment that was so uncharacteristic for the highly regarded instructor. Some of the students looked as if they witnessed her slap the girl right in front of them. The elf, herself, appeared to be in a sudden shock, her eyes almost glazed over as if trying to truly process what was said. Without waiting for a response, Lydia let go of the girl's arm and turned back to the black slate. The elf quickly and quietly slipped into the closest available seat.

Still facing the board as if putting herself in a "time out?, Lydia looked down a moment before beginning her lecture, trying to collect herself. She felt sick; her appalling display of conduct notwithstanding. Some of the students looked around to each other in horror and others in awe, certainly convinced of their instructor's supernatural abilities now. The still silent loner in the back was sitting up straight now, as the gripping scene was more than to capture his attention. He slowly slumped back down into his seat with a sly grin.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-11 23:06 EST
Lydia turned back to the class, offering an apologetic smile. "Forgive me," she pleaded softly, "There was recently an incident on campus. There was no threat to anyone, just a minor..." She paused, trying to pick her words wisely. She finally gave up trying and continued, "...issue in which I still need to resolve. I probably should have cancelled tonight's course in order to deal with the matter, but I did not want to put the class behind, especially when tonight is one of my favorite topics..." Her normal smile returned effortlessly as she began her transition into the night's material.

"There is no better way to gauge a community and its culture than through its commerce. From the foods eaten to the products purchased to the services used, so much can be revealed by a city's trade. Rhydin's trading is undeniably headquartered in the aptly named Marketplace District. As you can imagine, within the heart of the district is the Marketplace square. New shops spring up over night, but there are just as many well established businesses there as well, and their owners can be just as colorful."

"The owner of the Arcane Lore Shoppe is an older man with untamed white hair dressed in layer upon layer of old robes. He seems to be around since the beginning of our fair city, for most always remember him being there at the shop. Due to his incalculable age, even his name has been lost to himself over the years so most simply call him Old Man. Although absent minded, he can be just as sweet and willing to help you as long as you have the funds. He is said to have a lot of tricks up his sleeves, and his many robes, so if you don't see what you need on the shelves, you should definitely ask."

"Granny Winonna runs the RhyDin General Store, which is a large two-story building that covers two lots. Although there is a living area on the second floor above the store, Granny Winonna lives in a small room in the rear of the first floor since she is no longer able to make it up and down the stairs. Even though she has outlived her family, she surrounds herself with the children and young adults that most have dismissed. Always with the kindest heart, she will extend a line of credit to those in need and her words of wisdom and advice are always free.?

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-11 23:10 EST
Lydia continued her lecture. "Imp's Little Shop of Horrors is well known in its own right, for better or worse. From its rotting sign and filth covered windows, it is clear before you walk inside the wheezing door that this is not your typical mega mart. The air inside is dank and musty while the floor feels almost soft and spongy. There are many odds and ends on the decrepit shelves that seem almost ready to fall over. The overwhelming clutter certainly doesn't help matters, nor does Imp's two cousins, Guimpdo and Gimpno, who are always running around. Although they are not the wisest in RhyDin, they certainly are willing to help, but they usually spend most of their time bickering while they help."

"I could spend a great deal of time on the many shops in the square, but I'll only focus on one other, the RhyDin Bestiary. Not only can you hear the animal commotion long before you are in eye-sight of the building, but when the wind blows just right, you can also smell the characteristic scent of the building. Constructed brick and carved rock, the building has a large front window that displays the animals of the week. Once you enter, you soon realize that it is considerably larger on the inside, which is appropriate for the many varied animals that are kept there while they wait for a new home. Like with the other stores mentioned, the bestiary also has a well known keeper. I would estimate that Mara Longfoot is a good ten and a half feet tall, so you will certainly know her when you see her. The big hearted brunette is easily able to wrangle the fiercest wild boar or care for an ill calico kitten. She is always happy to share what she knows or adopt a pet that is in need of a good home."

Lydia shifted her posture slightly. "With all of the shops in the Marketplace district, there are several other important areas of note there, as well. Town Hall. The Courthouse. The Chamber of Commerce. The Great Hall. All of these places help to keep the city of RhyDin functioning from day to day." She added as a footnote, "Of course, I would be remiss in not including a staple of the community, Teas"n Tomes. I imagine most of you are more than acquainted with the bookstore that also serves as a tea and pastry shop. I've heard more than a few of you do your homework there on occasion." There were a few quiet giggles and elbow gouging among a few of the students.

Lydia made her way over to the front of her desk and lightly leaned against it. She said casually with a smile, "As you can tell, the Marketplace District has its fair share of important features. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions anyone might have regarding them.? Although her focus of the class was commerce, and the people driving the trade systems, she knew the district had much more to offer than that, so she would welcome any inquiries to delve into any area the students were interested.

Fliss

Date: 2016-02-12 08:46 EST
Fliss and Lucas had gotten into the habit of arriving early for their classes, so by the time the minute had had reached five to the hour, they were already aware that their tutor was running later than usual. Though for some tutors, this was to be expected, for Professor Tolmay, it was virtually unheard of, eliciting a few concerned looks toward the door by those already in their places.

Even when the professor did arrive, that sense of concern did not ease, at least in Fliss. Perhaps it was the few hairs out of place, or perhaps it was something else, but she found herself frowning as Lydia set the pile of graded papers down. Leaning toward Lucas, she murmured, "Something's up."

And then there was the unexpected display of said professor's preternatural abilities. Fliss actually jumped when Lydia's hand shot out to catch the dark elf passing behind her, startled by how quickly the woman had moved. But it was the detachment, the complete lack of emotion in the professor's voice that unnerved her the most. Though there was nothing in the words or the tone that could be specifically pinpointed, it felt as though a threat had been offered, right there in front of all of them, forcing her to reassess the usually reserved professor in a way she really didn't want to.

One hand groped for Lucas' under the table, holding on as she tensed. She'd seen and heard conversations that had started like that before, and they never went well. Thankfully, however, this one was a small incident, swept out of the way the moment Lydia's smile returned and her lecture began. Still, it was enough of a warning to mind themselves around their professor.

The by-now familiar crackle of fire to hardened paper underscored the lecture as Lydia spoke, making notes with section headings, and even a smiley face next to the General Store part. Fliss knew Granny Winonna from her own childhood; it was amazing how many runaways from the orphanages found their way to that store in quick-quick time. She'd always been returned, but she had never been begrudged any time spent with the old woman. She really would have to go back and visit, if only to tell Granny how good things were now.

There was one question she had to ask, however. Her hand shot up at the first opportunity. "Uh, Professor ....if the Marketplace is such an important part of the community, why isn't it better protected?" she asked curiously. "Seems like anyone who wants to make something go bang usually goes there. Didn't anyone figure the whole most financially viable part of town scored its own security?"

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-12 11:11 EST
Lydia pulled in her lips a moment, biting them back. It wasn't that long ago when it seemed like every other day the marketplace was being bombed or a building set ablaze. She stood silent in thought, but she wasn't considering Felicity's question. Instead, she wondered why the random violence had died down. Maybe even the "bad guys" were tired of the monotony. She remembered a conversation she overheard once of two unsavory members of society plotting an attack that never came to be.

"Want to bomb City Hall?"

"No, we did that last week..."

"Want to burn down an orphanage?"

"No....We did that Tuesday..."

Lydia answered Felicity, "I believe there may already be a great deal of security in place, but due to the number of people in and out of the district each day, it would make it nearly impossible to police everyone's actions there. Not only is it the focal point for business, but also for the governing facilities. In most cases, from war to terrorist attacks, opponents target the major political and economical hubs. Even if it would hinder their own livelihood, they consider it a major victory in tearing down the society. Some people simply like to destroy." She added with a pang of personal guilt, "In those cases, it becomes even harder to prevent their actions, no matter how great our defenses may be."

If this was a psychology class, they could explore the motivations for people's negative behaviors. Maybe they couldn't control their own lives, so they wanted to control something else, or someone else. Maybe they felt as though they didn't have enough and, instead of attempting to earn more, they would "even the odds" by destroying other people's businesses so others would have less. Maybe it was just a fun pastime for them, nothing more than a recreational puzzle to break into complicated technological security systems or overcoming magical defense wards. At the end of the day, the reasoning didn't really matter when people's homes, businesses, and even lives were destroyed.

Lucas Foster

Date: 2016-02-15 14:58 EST
Lucas had remained quiet throughout the lecture, taking notes of his own the old fashioned way with paper and pen. He, too, had witnessed not only the reprimand given to the other student, but the apparent preternatural ability their professor had displayed while doing so. Lucas had been in Rhy'Din long enough not to be too terribly shocked by it, but he made a mental note to never upset their professor, if he could help it.

He, too, wondered why security in the Marketplace wasn't better, though like their professor had said, it would be difficult to provide proper security and still have the Marketplace remain an open and unrestricted area of commerce. Still, if the same thing had happened back home, the powers that be would have stopped at nothing to find the guilty parties and bring them to justice.

He was starting to realize that things didn't work quite that way in Rhy'Din, and it was starting to make him rethink his own plans for the future. There had to be something he could do that would help people feel more safe here, besides designing and decorating surf boards. After all, what good was a pair of wings if he couldn't use them to help people somehow" He kept those thoughts to himself for now, though, as this was neither the time nor the place to discuss them.

"Ms. Tolmay," he ventured, raising a hand to ask a further question regarding the lecture at hand. "If the Marketplace keeps getting destroyed, why do people keep going there" And why do they call it Old Market' Just how old is it?" It also begged the question whether there was a New Market, as well as an old one.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-27 20:51 EST
"Those are good questions, Mr. Foster. To answer the first, I believe someone important once said something along the lines of..." Lydia trailed off long enough to make a teasing smile before adding a varied version of the quote, ?"If you build it, they will come"." A few students scoffed or rolled their eyes while the usually stoic instructor smiled proudly as if she just completed a prize winning stand up comedy routine.

Her smile faded as she answered seriously, "I believe that even after setbacks, people have a way of moving forward. If a shop is destroyed, it is often rebuilt, mostly on the support from its patrons or those willing to help after a disaster. In times when it is not rebuilt or if a business owner retires, soon enough, a new store will open in its place, usually started by someone eager to start a new venture. Either way, it proves that strength and determination of our community ensures that Rhydin will keep growing, no matter the hardships it may go through." It was then when the quiet, brooding new student in the back rolled his eyes.

She continued, "There is also some truth to the argument that even if the market's location was changed, that area would become the new target in its place. But I think a major factor as to why the market is so popular is because of its location. If you think of RhyDin and its districts as a "Y' shape, then it is clear to see on a map that the Old Market District would be the fork in the "Y", lending it as the central point that connects most districts to each other."

"As far as its age, according to what may be feeble minds, most agree that the marketplace has been there as long as Rhydin has existed. If you remember from the Old Rhy"Din City Map from the first week's assignment, you may recall that the marketplace was truly the center of that map, which is some indication not only of its age, but also its importance for the community."

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-27 20:58 EST
When Lucas seemed satisfied by her answer, she looked around the room for any further questions. Not seeing any, she picked up the graded papers from last week and began to walk around the room to hand them back to their owners. As she meandered around desks and backpacks haphazardly thrown beside them, she went on to explain, "For this week's assignment, I would like you to visit two of the shops in the marketplace. I would like at least one of them, if not both, to be one of the older shops, such as Arcane Lore, Dragon's Breath Forge, Imp's Little Shop Of Horrors, Professor Gewgaw's Emporium, RhyDin Bestiary, or the RhyDin General Store. I would like you to compare the two stores in your assignment. Look through the items for sale, find a few that interest you, and describe them. Tell me about the types of people who are shopping at each place. What types of things are they buying or looking over?"

As she reached Felicity and Lucas and handed them back their assignments, she included her appreciative, "A" smile with impressed comments about their interview with a Baron that just so happened to be a Baron for this district. "Then, look at the big picture," she added. "What do the people and their purchases tell you about the RhyDin community' Are there any products that seem to be sitting around unused" Could these have been in demand before" How it may have changed over the years as supply and demand has grown?" She hoped the openness of the assignment would fit the more creative students. All of the students could go to the same shop and have their own unique perspective, which is exactly what she was hoping for.

Lydia smiled and said good evening to each of the students as they filed out, waiting until the last student had left the class. She then pulled out the chair behind the desk and sat down. It was the first time she actually sat at the desk. She folded her arms on the top and laid her head down. She was cracking, and she knew it.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-27 21:01 EST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Lydia was visibly unnerved this week," the new student reported.

A woman that looked identical to the instructor nodded in response to him as she leaned back in Lydia's executive chair in the Headmistress's Office at the Academy. She instructed him to meet her in Lydia's office about a half hour after his History class, so Lydia would be knee deep in her next class. "Yes, I was counting on her to be upset since I broke in to take a look at her students" reports each week. You know how she is about security and the safety of her charges." Unlike her scholarly look-a-like, her long raven hair was down around her shoulders and her black attire was a far cry from the teacher's professional blouses and pencil skirts. "But, of course, I never would have known what tantalizing material I would find without your observations, Ethan."

"She lashed out at a student," he added, trying to explain the gravity of the situation. She only gave a half smile in response, proud of her affect on her twin. He continued, "I think she may have dominated her, Leta." He was familiar with the distinct way Lydia stared into the girl's eyes and the same glazed over look the girl had as Lydia gave her the order not to be late again.

"Hm," Leta said softly to herself, considering the impact. Lydia shared all the same powers as her twin, but she would never use them....voluntarily. The stress must have been too much and caused her to snap. "Maybe we should lay low for awhile, then. I do love easing her into a false sense of security. Besides, we have accumulated quite a bit of useful information to keep us busy for awhile." Although Ethan's part was minimal in the operation, she continued to use "we". It was something she had grown accustomed to working for The Company. The Company was bigger than one person, one power. It was everywhere, thanks to the coordination of those like Leta and the work of those like Ethan, though Leta had quite a few people working on this particular assignment, each with their own valuable parts to play. Ethan was merely there to watch the class, observing Lydia and the students for anything of importance. It just so happened that the assignment Lydia gave out the first week to observe areas of the city could be used for more than ordinary student research.

"Really?" Ethan asked.

"Oh yes," she said proudly, "The first week, two of the students did an excellent job on surveying the city. Since it was so current, it was better than Google Maps, and the tech they used gave us amazing quality shots - of people doing things they shouldn't. Do you know how many people I was able to blackmail" And I even saw where one of our rivals has been hiding their weapons cache. Honestly, I'd love to hire those kids, if they weren't from such a goody good family. You've been doing a good job keeping an eye on them in class, but outside the classroom would prove too dangerous. The girl's father is that fireball guy." The last statement had its own disadvantages, as both vampires were susceptible to fire.

Leta continued, "And last week, they turned in an impressive interview with the Baby Baron herself." She was impressed to learn that the child ruler had empathic gifts in addition to animal and elemental magic abilities. Though the two students in question displayed their own unique abilities as well. Ethan took special note of the way the female took notes.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-02-27 21:04 EST
Ethan asked, "Do you want me to keep a closer eye on them?"

"No," Leta responded, shaking her head in the negative. "Your only job is to watch the class and to tell me if anything should be looked into further."

"I can do more," he offered. Last week, he followed the two students to their meeting with the Baby Baron, not to spy on them, but to wait until they went in and call Leta to alert her that the child was occupied with the teens. She then made a call to one of her crews that needed to transport some goods through her district. As Lydia said in her lecture, Old Market was influential in its position in Rhydin as the literal center of everything transportation-wise.

Leta was proud that Ethan wanted to work his way up in The Company, but she would not let his aspirations risk her plotting. She looked at him with the same intensity as Lydia looked at her dark elf student. But, unlike the inexperienced Lydia, Leta did not need to touch Ethan as she ordered, "You will only observe the class and report to me any important findings." He nodded with the same glazed over look the dark elf gave Lydia. "Now go."

Without another word, Ethan left the Headmistress's Office, passing Lydia's secretary, Rebecca in the small waiting room before exiting out into the hallway. It was not hard for Leta to walk in and out of Lydia's office as she pleased. When she couldn't get away with simply acting like her sister, she would simply resort to dominating Rebecca until she believed her to be Lydia. She tried not to do it as much anymore, as the continuous domination over the years had seemed to fry the secretary's mind on occasion. Leta debated staying to greet her twin, just to aggrivate her, but she reconsidered, especially if what Ethan said was true about her sudden outburst. For once in her life Lydia would truely be pissed off with Leta if she stressed her out enough to cause her to do something as heinous as lashing out at a student. Even Leta was not excited to meet her usually composed sister's fury. She left soon after Ethan.

"Good night, Miss Tolmay," Rebecca said cheerfully to who she thought was Lydia as she passed, still hard at work typing on her computer. Leta thought it was an odd choice of words considering it was only about an hour before dawn, but didn't give it another though as she assumed Rebecca probably knew of her boss's sleeping habits.

"Good night, Rebecca," Leta said equally cheerfully, mocking Lydia's friendly tone. She might lay low for awhile, but she would undoubtedly be back. Lydia's students were proving to be better surveillance than hired help, and far cheaper.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fliss

Date: 2016-02-28 16:46 EST
For once, Lucas and Fliss were quick with getting their assignments in. They'd dragged Johnny along to the Market and explored a little, coming home with plenty to write about, though their work focused mostly on the Rhy'Din Bestiary and Imp's Little Shop of Horrors, together with an interesting discourse on the variety of baked goods for sale at Teas'n Tomes. Each essay handed in came with proof of their outing, too - namely one each of the pins available at Imp's.

If they were followed by anyone, it was unlikely that someone could pick up anything too interesting from their outing, except perhaps a hint toward one private thing The Human Torch liked and shared only with his wife.

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-02-29 14:15 EST
Calling Brend a fan of history - all history - might have been heavy handed, but he was absolutely horrible at getting assignments done for any kind of class on it. Ironically perhaps, he never found he had the time. The actual classes themselves however he never missed; there was something enthralling about lectures, especially if the speaker was knowledgeable, as Lydia was. The students, and their interaction with the instructor, were equally interesting; while he'd always spoken when called upon in class, he wasn't the type that would usually volunteer, and so admired those that did.

"But things were about to change!" Brend spoke, still in his more youthful incarnation of 'Colt Alexander', to apparently no one in particular. "Well, that's not true - you're here." he continued, "Ah, yeah its....annoying; my inside voice and outside voice are switched just at the moment." he continued to ramble to himself as he laid out clothes for the next days lecture. It was hard to gauge what to wear while in his current body.

"No, you're kind of misleading them. 'Current' body' I always have the same body, sometimes its just differently aged." he muttered. "And I'm not muttering."

Perhaps he hadn't muttered, but now he was certainly sulking. It was as though he could hear the voice of the narrator... "I CAN! You're me! Future me! But you can't exist here at the same time while I'm here, and..." the boy ranted and raved.

"Ok, just....get on with it. I, you, we....could have just stayed a student, enjoyed the class, but no....you, I, we....couldn't live the quiet life. You know how hard it is to get a girlfriend when you periodically turn into an 80 year old" From 15" That happens just once, and they take you to this special place....called prison."

Now to be fair, that had not, and would not, ever happen. But a good point none the less. Colt/Brend continued to mull over his predicament, finalizing his choices with a blue bomber jacket with a Pengallen patch (a guy's gotta work somewhere - only so much janitorial work available at the Academy with enrollment dropping everywhere) over the breast, a rather ostentatious if scruffy red ball cap, and a pair of reflective aviator shades. A more suspicious attire... "It's what I like. Just go away so I can become you before class. What is this, some homage to John Muise" That UNB English professor" What was it he used to say again? It was really a case of..."

'I'd hate to be you, if I were me'

"Right. You know I'd have less anxiety about this if we'd handed in even one of the assignments."

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-05 23:59 EST
History of RhyDin: Week Four Dockside District

A few days before the class, the history students heard an announcement that a guest instructor would be sitting in on their course. After the rumor of their instructor losing her cool with a student the week before, it was pretty obvious that the Board of Directors must have decided Headmistress Tolmay needed to be supervised for awhile. Lydia didn't seem to let it faze her as she walked in with a bright smile on her face a few minutes before the clock above the doorway struck the hour.

After placing their previous week's graded assignments on the teacher's desk, she turned to the class and announced with the same bright smile, "I am pleased to announce that we will be having some guest observers with us for the last half of our course. I hope you will grant Instructors Spiritor and D"Arcstorm and..." she paused, debating how to introduce the third observer, then finally deciding to go with, "Mr. Stormgaard the same respect you have given me." If there were two instructors sitting in, maybe the administration was more upset than was initially thought, but it was anyone's guess as to why a janitor was there.

As she had spoken, she looked around the class, taking a mental head count to see if everyone was there. Miss Woods arrived long before Lydia arrived. Even Ethan was back in his spot in the back of the classroom, but something seemed off. Colt Alexander was suspiciously missing from the class. She hesitated before beginning the lecture, fearful that maybe he dropped out due to her in digression last week.

Walking up to the slate blackboard, she picked up the dusty piece of white chalk on the thin ledge. She wrote, "Dockside", drew a thick white line under it, then turned to face the class. In typical form, Lydia was dressed in a soft pink pastel button up blouse with a white cameo gold necklace, a dark brown pencil skirt, and brown cone heels. Taking a deep breath, she smiled and began.

"The appropriately named Dockside District is located in lower West Rhydin, edging on the Rhydin River. Unlike Seaside to the north, Dockside's shore slopes gently into the sea, making it perfect ships to dock. As a result, many importing and exporting businesses have their warehouses and offices located there. Likewise, due to the neighboring sea, there is quite a large fish market and abundant seafood restaurants that dot the neighborhoods seeking to tempt hungry tourists since there are quite a few important cultural areas there as well. I will hit on just a few of the older ones later."

Her bright smile faded to a look of concern and her tone became more serious. "With as many wonderful qualities as Dockside has, it has its drawbacks as well. Just as imports can bring in great new products, it can also bring in weapons and other deplorable items to be sold on the Black Market, which arguably does most of its dealings in the district. Local bars, brothels, and gambling houses that once started out as popular destinations for sailors on shore leave have become well established there, some even modernizing to fit changing standards....of debauchery. This is undoubtedly how the district got its nickname, "Badside". Since it is located on the western side of lower Rhydin, it is also known as the "WestEnd". Like many of its residents, it has quite a few of its own aliases.? She paused, looking to the notes on the desk that she had prepared for the class. Despite her calm presentation, she was deeply nervous.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-03-06 21:29 EST
Ammy had slipped into the classroom among the other students entering 10 minutes before class was to start. She would've made a clean insertion and not been noticed had she stayed with a rough plan A to attend as a human student. Instead, she went with plan B and was still her good old Lupinossai form many knew in the academy. Except she was dressed down a bit, simple white jeans, a grey blouse and a grey leather satchel. Her crimson red hair, usually in a severe braid down to her waist when teaching was instead loose, brushed well and gently hanging like a waterfall.

She took a seat where possible in the middle of the classroom, easier to see and hear without Lydia feeling the Lupe instructor was about to pounce at any second. She was not aware of a mishap between instructor and student and should any gossip slip, she would make a note of it and keep it to herself. Hearing her name mentioned, she gave a slight nod of respect to Lydia and withdrew a note book and pen. She'd give her full attention to the class and the lecture being presented with the occasional flick and swish of her white furred tail.

Atticus DArcstorm

Date: 2016-03-07 14:48 EST
Atticus arrived promptly, not early; he had the precise amount of time he needed to make his way in without drawing undue attention. His clothes were black and high collared with a splash of electric blue running diagonally down from shoulder to waist. Being as punctual as he was, the seats were mostly full when he arrived and so he chose to position himself as near to Ammy as he could - not being familiar with most of the other students.

He bristled somewhat at being designated as an instructor; at best he was akin to a reclusive professor who'd never deigned to take on new students in any formal capacity. It might be argued that he acted as a mentor to some of the more advanced students of magical theory, but they often ended up leaving his tutelage with both student and would be instructor frustrated at the mutual inability to communicate.

Nevertheless, the classroom atmosphere always relaxed him - or almost always, depending on the instructor; something highly structured he found almost meditative, and his mind would silently plot out and organize the points presented in a lecture. The presence of other academics and even other students who were sincere in their pursuit of knowledge acted as a balm against the sores of his social incompetence. This wasn't the first class that he had chosen to audit since awakening from Lazarus Sleep, nor would it be the last, until he felt properly himself again.

After assessing the student body present for the lecture, Atticus splintered a portion of his mind through his Myriad, newly awakened alongside him, Archon, and sent part of his mind streaming into cyberspace, and across various SMS networks in the form of a text. He could text and communicate via electronic or arcane means, without use of a focus or verbal casting.

For a moment, the mentally unifying calm of the classroom wavered as he noticed a rather suspiciously dressed fellow - and then noticed who he was. Inwardly, he sighed. Brend.

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-03-07 15:16 EST
Brend slowly sat upright in the seat. He'd been half laying, curled up across two of the chairs but had to move when students had started filtering in. Thankfully, he'd kept a spare set of maintenance keys on him at all times and had let himself in in the early hours of the morning before the regular caretaker had even come around.

As he sat, he straightened the Pengallen logo, shiny, blue bomber jacket, ball cap and mirror like aviator sunglasses. Looking half derelict and half narcoleptic, he let the shades slide down the bridge of his nose enough to gather his bearings and flash a warm smile at anyone who took notice of him, including a particularly warm one for Lydia. Hey, its not like she could fault him for being late - and he'd heard that she took particular issue with students possessed of that shortcoming.

He had to admit that he found the class quite interesting, but he was disappointed that some things were never touched upon, simply because they weren't part of the 'academically recorded history' of RhyDin; he knew that urban legends as actual history was a stretch, but all urban legends - no wait, myths" OK, some type of untrue....thing....that people....spread....like....gossip" Ok, time to stop. Inner narrators gotten out of control. Terribly disconcerting when I'm thinking in my own head, as if I'm talking, and someone is actually listening - too much like religion....or delusion, depending on your perch. Better to just....say it.

"Dockside, hm?" he straightened slightly, his words barely audible to some - but more than loud enough for an attentive professor with good ears. "I was wondering when we were going to come around to this part; what about the urban legends this place, starting with the docks" How about all the land that's supposedly being bought up by some shadow Company, who secretly runs things behind the scenes here in the Nex- er, town" How about vampires secretly running the blood donation services, that actively seek to encourage destruction in the more urban centres like the market?"

His voice had been rising as he spoke, and he was displaying real passion - then again, he was also an actor, at least part time. Maybe it was a show. Then again, maybe it was attributable to the fact that he spent the other half of his time as a nutter butter. Coin toss's the truth.

"What?" glancing around the class, "No one's ever heard of 'mundane' extremists being responsible for the anti-magic field permeating Mt. Yasuo?"

Nothing"

"Alright, fine, at least give me dragons in the sewers?" He sighed, exasperated. "There's a conspiracy going on, and..."

You know that feeling you get, like someone's looking at you, staring a hole straight through you? Well, it might not have been happening, but it felt like it was, and he sat - not that he'd mention any names.

"Sorry, Ly- erm, Ms. Tolmay."

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-08 17:35 EST
Brend's sudden interruption was enough to make Lydia look up from her notes in surprise. He wondered when she was going to come around to this part" As he continued, her look changed to one of general annoyance. His little rant on unfounded conspiracies distracted her from other less audible conversations going on, though it wouldn't have mattered much. Her general policy was one that, as long as no one was disturbing anyone else from learning, then she did not mind what one did or didn't do in her classes. But Brend's questions were certainly becoming an unnecessary distraction.

By the time he finished speaking, it wasn't only her eyes boring into him. Ethan's heavy stare was focused on him as well.

"I doubt dragons in the sewers would be a sensational notion since there are enough dragons walking the streets," she said with a slight tone of aggravation. "And as far as Mount Yasuo goes" we will be covering that next week," she added, trying to finish his tangent. She purposefully ignored his comments about shadow Companies and vampires" for her own personal reasons.

Once he seemed like he would behave, she began again, "While there are many well established businesses, restaurants, and other areas of note in Dockside, I will only be hitting on a few of the" historical landmarks, if you will." She paused, and turned towards the blackboard. She wrote "The Gatehouse" under her Dockside heading. Turning back to face the class, she added "As Rhydin's official welcome center, The Gatehouse is a massive building of stone and brick. At the top, it reads "The Gatehouse" and "Port of Rhydin" below in large polished letters. Inside its doors, one can change currency, purchase maps of the city and its outer regions, and locate temporary or more permanent lodgings. As a result, the Gatehouse is often the first stop for most immigrants arriving in Rhydin from its shores. Considered the "Gateway to Rhydin", the structure is one of the most central and, arguably, the most important landmarks in Dockside."

A simple smile broke through as she spoke of her next topic. "I have always loved the tale behind the statue of The Lost Sailor. Cast in bronze, he stands atop a great boulder facing the sea beyond the docks. The statue is a human male posed facing into a strong wind, gripping a telescope in his raised right hand. His wool coat and trousers are forever frozen in motion." She turned, and wrote "The Lost Sailor" on the board as she continued, with a sweet smile, "At the sailor's feet sits an ethereal mermaid with long, wavy hair stopped in mid-flow around her shoulders. Her upturned gaze begs the sailor's attention, but, with his focus set to the sea, he does not see her." Turning back to face the students with a look of care and concern, she added, "Some say that she was trying to warn him of the impending dangers of the sea, while others claim that she lured him to his death. Despite the stories, to this day, many leave offerings, either for the Sailor or the mermaid, hoping to take a bit of good luck with them for their own journey over the raging seas beyond."

"The last of the landmarks has its own intrigue," she said as she turned and concluded her list with "The Divining Shoreline". Turning one last time to face the classroom, she continued, "The Divining Shoreline runs along the northern area of Dockside. This sandy stretch of beach where the ocean meets the river's mouth is said to have magical properties. After a gentle wave has retracted back into the sea, you may write your question in the sand, step back, and watch. As the next wave rolls in, washes over your question, and pushes back towards the sea, it will reveal an answer written in the sand. But there is a warning that comes along with the tale. Sometimes the answers are not simple yes or no responses as one might hope. Sometimes, instead, they answer in the forms of riddles, never revealing their true answer until the questioner sees their future unfolding. Other times, the questions are not seemed to be answered at all, though, again, they may reveal other important warnings. Each person's perspective is different. Many claim that the responses have no meanings whatsoever and are the simple games of fairies or sea sprites. I'll, of course, leave those decisions up to you," she said with a smile, placing her piece of chalk on the thin blackboard ledge.

"I know there are many other important areas of Dockside. These are just a small sample of the most historical places, places that many that have been in Rhydin all of their lives do not know about." Lydia said as she walked in front of the desk and lightly leaned against it. "I will be encouraging you to explore more of Dockside for this week's assignment. But if anyone has any initial questions about the district, I'll be happy to take those questions now." She quickly clarified, sensing another onslaught of anecdotes coming her way, "Founded questions, I mean. Save any rumored or speculative discussions for after class, please.? She didn't even look at Brend, hoping not to encourage him.

Fliss

Date: 2016-03-08 17:55 EST
Fliss might not even have noticed the new additions to the class, beyond the friendly nod in greeting, had the professor not made a point to introduce them. She audibly gulped at the idea of multiple professors in one room, whispering to Lucas that she had better be on her best behavior and try not to set anything on fire. Still, Professor Tolmay seemed back to normal, if a little nervous of the additional instructors sitting in.

Dockside was a topic Fliss had been looking forward to, flipping her notebook open eagerly as the lecture began. After all, Dockside was where the Shanachie Theater was, where Jon Granger worked, and where her mother sometimes had to go to put things right in his schedule. She'd never heard it called Badside before, though the WestEnd was a well known name for the area the theater was in, she thought. As to the bars and the brothels ....well, there was a reason why Liv didn't let her daughter travel alone to STARS and back.

It was second nature by now to scorch her notes onto the specially hardened paper with one flaming fingertip, her chin propped on her other hand as she listened closely. Well, or whispered to Luc, but she tried not to put him off his own note-taking. If they had to rely on her notes, things could go dramatically wrong for them when it came to homework.

The rambling speech made by the new member of the class made her note-taking stutter and stop as she turned her head, watching him with her mouth wide open. It was the most she'd ever heard anyone say in class who wasn't the professor, and most of it wasn't even on topic, either. But despite that, she found herself hiding a quiet snicker behind her hand as the silence after his outburst extended, leaning toward Lucas to murmur, "Wondered when we were gonna get a class clown."

When the opportunity came to ask questions, however, Fliss' hand was one of the first into the air, shooting straight up like Hermione Granger in those books.

"Professor ....I guess it's not really a history question, but ....how did Dockside develop" I mean, it's got the WestEnd in there, and there are loads of places with really good reputations in that area, but then it's called Badside, too, and there's all the whorehouses - sorry, brothels - and really rough bars," she said, realizing she was rambling a little. "I guess what I'm asking is ....how did a place with such a bad reputation manage to incorporate so many businesses with good reputations?"

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-03-08 19:47 EST
Ammy was doing her level best to fully pay attention to Lydia. She had never intended to be discussing matters with Professor D'Arcstorm during class. As it was, she was feeling apprehensive that she may be caught and given demerits by Lydia. This realization had her draw a small insight on something. Was it common for students to find themselves in situations where potential reprisals may suddenly arise in class" Granted her hands were not upon her cellphone tucked into her satchel. She may have have to have a word with Professor D'Arcstorm about upholding student standards. This little internal dialogue had her almost laughing in class at the fact she was wanting to take on a professor for nearly costing her some demerits. Interesting and worth reviewing later.

The comments by Brend had her ears twitching towards the back of the class. Ammy would have to agree with Lydia that most of the voiced myths were better left for a different class with a focal view on mythology and the mysticism's of a society. She went back to her notes and rubbed her chin. She hadn't heard of any of the these sites at Dockside and she'd been a resident off and on for eight years. What else had she missed being so busy' She jotted down that she wanted to visit all three landmarks that Lydia had mentioned: The Gatehouse, the Lost Sailor and The Divining Shoreline.

Ammy would raise her hand with a small tingle of excitement to ask a question and would speak when called upon. "Professor Tolmay, about the Divining Shoreline, do you think it would work for only mortals" Has anyone ever manage to become very successful in the Rhy'Din and give credit to asking the Divining Shoreline a question?"

She would put her hand down not having another question to ask.

Atticus DArcstorm

Date: 2016-03-10 13:12 EST
Atticus watched and listened....to everything.

Like Ammy, he was fascinated with the Divining Shoreline first and foremost; some part of it bore a strong resemblance to the Vitr that he was familiar with. He couldn't help but wonder to himself if the two were somehow connected; it made sense given the multiversal nature of the both the Nexus and the Sea with which he was acquainted. Had he a natural interest in history, he could envision himself organizing a class very similar to how Lydia organized hers.

Furthermore, he could understand why Lydia dismissed Brend's comments, as they didn't particularly fit with the tone of these lectures, despite the fact that they did have historical relevance. They were out of place within the context of a general, high detail overview of RhyDin, and were much more niche comments.

And everyone knew there were dragons in the sewers.

He silently listened to everyone's questions, forming his own around both the base subject matter and the additional information everyone else sought; in particular he listened to Ammy as she addressed a particular source of his interests, completely oblivious to her possible annoyance with his simultaneous cyber-mental conversation.

The only disruption of his focus was when Archon's scan, dancing just slightly ahead of Ammy's and having been instigated before he broached the subject to her, stopped on Ms. Woods.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-10 13:59 EST
Lydia saw Felicity's hand go up first. After calling on her, she couldn't help but smile, silencing a laugh, at Felicity's use of the word "whorehouse". Choosing to focus on her last question, Lydia answered, "I believe that people tend to see in things what they choose to see. That could apply to places, or other people. Some may walk through even the most elegant street in the WestEnd and only see a wadded up piece of trash in the gutter, ignoring the beauty around them. Others may walk through the darkest alley by the docks and only see a flourishing backyard garden hidden among dilapidated buildings." She added simply, "I like to think that there are a few people who did not let a bad reputation hold them back from the potential they saw in Dockside" and their work there has more than paid off. Due to the support of the community, Dockside has become as much as a place of good reputation."

When Felicity seemed happy with the answer, Lydia moved on to Ammy. After listening to her question, she answered, "I don't believe so, Ms. Spiritor. I've heard of many who claim to have received an answer that proved true or one that helped to inspire them to follow a successful route, no matter if they be mortal or supernatural. I must also admit that I've heard just as many stories where the recipient claimed their answer was just as untrue. But no, I do not think that the sands "work" for only mortals."

Lydia looked pensive for a moment, regretting admonishing Brend for speaking out of turn regarding groundless rumors of evil supernatural forces manipulating things when she went on to tell tales of nothing more scientific than fortune cookie prophecies written in sand.

She finished answering the rest of Ammy's questions. "I have not heard of any successful people in Rhydin who have given credit to the Divining Shoreline, though I find that many people do not always give credit where credit is due. I think that even if it were the case, people would not publicly attribute their success to the sands, instead hoping that people will assume that they achieved their status through their own hard work, which may be just as true." She added thoughtfully with a smile, "There is much to be said for making your own luck.?

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-03-10 16:49 EST
He decided not to press the issue right now, as it was an obvious disruption to the class; that hadn't been his plan, he'd legitimately figured that at some point she'd be covering the topics that he'd mentioned. How could you not when its the behind the scenes dealings that often move us forward - even if what happened behind those scenes aren't recognized for years to come.

He slouched down, and merely listened as the class went on, letting his mind drift a little bit; he'd already been to this class before, and wasn't it the definition of insanity to think that the repetition of actions could lead to a variable consequence" He hadn't really considered that before. Then again, madmen rarely recognize their own madness.

He was moving up socially, according to the standards of this place; he could have easily used the things he'd accumulated over the millennia to buy status, but....that's just dull. 'What would the people reading this think"' he'd often think to himself. He'd never be able to pass himself off as a high class ticket - not with the constant talking to himself, let alone the audience he often addressed in his head as though they were aware of every move he made.

"Hey guys," he raised his hand, not to ask a question but just to wave in general, his words spoken aloud in the class but addressed to an empty space on the wall, "That's where your point of view is stationed from, I'm guessing; this doesn't look like a multi camera angle outfit to me."

All the waving and would be soliloquy had caught the attention of the Headmistress, who was now giving him 'a look'.

"Why not shoot for broke?" he said aloud again, looking away from her to the previously mentioned wall spot of convenient observation.

"Ms. Tolmay. So, speaking of History and such..." he wasn't sure how to get into this, but then second guessed his second guessing, and leapt right into it, "I just wanted to apologize," he continued, slipping his cap off and rising to his feet, ignorant to the slight hypocrisy of what he was about to say, "for the earlier disruption of your class, and wanted to ask....if you'd consider attending the Premiere and After Party for RhyDin Nights with me" I mean, since I'm the kind of guy that can work retroactively to ensure your presence at those events in the proper chronological order?" he frowned and continued, worried to stop in case of what her answer might be perhaps, "I guess maybe I should have asked how you felt about student-teacher relationships first' I mean, I'm not on the official class roster, so....that really shouldn't be an issue, right?"

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-11 00:08 EST
Lydia had already been looking at Brend oddly, her head half cocked to one side trying to figure out exactly what he was doing as he waved and spoke to what seemed to be thin air. By the time he got up from his seat, she was squinting at him, confusedly, waiting for his question. As soon as he offered his invitation, her eyes shut tightly as if hoping to make the situation go away. But he just' kept' talking.

Overwhelmed with the embarrassment of being asked out in her own classroom, in the middle of a class, she fell back to sit on the desktop she had been half leaning against. Her eyes opened just in time for him to ask about her opinion of student-teacher relations, causing her hands, which had been laying in her lap, to both come up and cover her face. Those listening closely would hear a short, muffled laugh in between a feeble "oh....no". She held her hands there for what seemed like an eternity, and slowly brought them down, hoping all of this had been imagined and he would be in his seat like nothing happened. When she saw him still waiting for a response, she was horrified. Her typically lightly pale face was now an embarrassing shade of rose.

Though she could feel the weight of every eye in the room on her, which under normal circumstances would have been appreciated, she purposefully kept her eyes on him. At least that way she could pretend her students could not see her in this completely mortifying predicament.

"Mr" Stormgaard?" she tried to choke out as politely as she could, "I don't think it would be? professional for?" She paused, trying to figure out the best way to say what she meant. For someone who essentially spoke for a living, when it came to personal matters, she was at a loss for words. It was more than just an issue of maintaining a sense of professionalism in the workplace. It was that her workplace had become her life. She didn't like to have these personal moments in general, let alone on display in front of a full classroom of students and her peers" no matter how" flattered she may have been.

"I don't believe this is something we should even be discussing," she blurted out as she jumped up from the desk, unable to deal with the stress any longer. Addressing the whole room, she added quickly, hoping to dissuade Brend from continuing, "I will be happy to answer any questions about Dockside." It was said almost as a plea. "Any other questions can wait until after class," she said in her normal softer tone, wishing to allow the students the opportunity to come up later if they had any class related questions outside of this week's topic.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-03-11 20:57 EST
Watching the exchange between the Mr. Stormgaard and Lydia piqued Ammy's curiosity, if for just a moment. Teachers in Bristol Crios Academy had infatuated students" Perhaps the reason it never crossed Ammy's mind is she came across as scary for some students being close to what many think of as a werewolf. Maybe it was that' Perhaps her Lupinossai form was too intimidating" She set aside that insight and held up her hand once again. When called upon, she'd speak.

"Professor Tolmay, I do have one last question about Dockside. You mentioned the The Gatehouse as being Rhy'Din's official welcoming center. I apologize if what I am about to ask has been covered prior to my attendance, but is there a welcome center for immigrants not using the port for entering Rhy'Din" Like all of the stranded people by the Nexus. Would they all need to seek out the Gatehouse at Dockside to understand where they came from?" She lowered her hand and settled.

Her 'other' conversation was starting to run a tension headache down her neck.

Atticus DArcstorm

Date: 2016-03-11 22:09 EST
Only someone looking at him full, face on, would notice that his eyes had been changing color, from vibrant blue, becoming orbs of chrome, and finally to solid, glossy black.

He raised his hand, mimicking the rules of the classroom that Ammy so tenaciously clung to. It was not, however, a question he asked, but rather a comment.

"The home you recently purchased, are you not living close to Dockside yourself, now?" his voice quavered as he spoke, unusual for he who often seemed to be no more than machine wrapped in flesh. "No, that's right you live....closer to the Nexus proper....just....down from the Inn." He looked across towards Brend, allowing observation of the subtle change in his eyes to anyone along that route.

The hand he'd raised for attention slipped to his brow, which furrowed as if in pain; there was little in the gesture that would have garnered any attention in itself, certainly his preceding comment would have been more so inclined to do so. When his hand dropped, his eyes were normal again.

Lucas Foster

Date: 2016-03-12 10:14 EST
It was bad enough Lucas was shy and new to Rhy'Din. He knew Miss Tolmay encouraged participation, but he mostly kept his mouth shut in class, unless he had a question. He was a good student and took pride in his work. It wasn't his studies that were the problem so much as his social interactions - or lack thereof.

He'd never been very popular in school, not even back home in California, where his father was some big-wig state senator. It hadn't helped when Lucas had sprouted wings, terrified someone would find out. It would just give the bullies all the more reason for taunting and teasing him. He often wondered whether his father had sent him to Rhy'Din to protect his son from ridicule or to protect his own reputation.

Either way, here he was - the new kid in class - along with Fliss, who'd had similar experiences of her own, though she was so much more sociable than he was, so much more capable of speaking her mind.

And so, he sat quietly while Miss Tolmay lectured, and other students and teachers spoke up. Just a few more months, and he'd be finished with school, and then he'd have to decide what to do with the rest of his life. He was good at art, and he'd thought it was what he'd like to do for a living; but these last few months, he'd been thinking maybe he'd like to do something more meaningful with his life than paint pretty pictures. He just wasn't sure what that something was yet.

It was a daunting decision, and he'd often thought about approaching his teacher privately and asking what she thought he'd be good at, but so far, he'd said nothing - not even when someone interrupted class to ask her out on a date. At first, he'd thought it was a joke, but from Miss Tolmay's reaction, it seemed it was not. But then, new as he was to Rhy'Din, Lucas knew that things here were not always what they seemed.

Whatever the case, at least, History Class wasn't boring!

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-03-15 16:04 EST
He had frowned as he'd begun to compose the letters that sat before him, having looked just then around the room to gauge how his comments - or rather, his questions - had been taken. He felt bad because he'd obviously put her in a spot, and in the few moments he had between the ticks of the clock he'd had the insight to realize that perhaps he asked like that to make it all seem like something she - and he - could laugh it off if she said no.

In his taking the time to gauge the rooms reaction, he'd noticed the strange change in Atticus, which persisted only a moment and then vanished. The serious side of him - what little of it there was - wondered for a moment if perhaps he should be addressing the sudden change in Atticus, recognizing immediately one of the symptoms of possession; unfortunately the serious side of him was immediately set upon by the rest of him, which trussed it up in a burlap sack and threw it in the corner. And that was the end of that (for now at least).

He took one of the pages in front of him, folded it up carefully into a paper airplane, and threw it down towards the front of the class, cringing as it banked hard to the left and dived - almost to its doom he feared - before rising out from between the seats, cutting between the heads of two of the other students, buoying up further, then diving dramatically towards Lydia's desk, coasting to a rest directly on her notes.

Dear Lydi, I'm really sorry for what just happened, that's really not the way I'd envisioned it going down at all - then again I should have realized how shy you were right from the get go, knowing what I know of, um, you.

(And yes, he writes exactly like he speaks. It's a compulsion.)

The truth of it is, I've wanted to ask you out for a while, I just haven't been able to work up the nerve. I mean, you're the headmistress of the school, you're kind of high profile, not to mention intelligent and attractive; meanwhile I've been a janitor. I guess maybe I just needed the confidence boost. Regardless, I'm asking now, and would be honored if you would accompany to this Red Carpet event & after party. I'll even make this pledge; if you enjoy it, I'll try to make it last forever, but if you don't, it'll be over before you know it. Think about it. Please.

Yours, Brend

ps No pressure, but if you say no, you're going to create a whole paradox thing - really not sure how that'll play out yet.

pps Oh, and if you say no and this paradox thing happens, your evil sister will probably win. Just saying.

ppps I can't wait til we're done with this whole, Time Travellers Wife meets Memento thing.

pppps I was kidding about the evil sister thing, you know I'm alright with her, right"

While the rest of the class was preoccupied with his final act of defiance in class before he would absolutely obey the headmistress and remain largely silent and attentive, he took advantage of the distraction and balled up the remaining letter on his desk and fired it - hookshot style - over his head towards Lucas. Though it fell within a short arms reach of the boy, Brend had never even watched where he was throwing it, and had instead maintained a mask of innocence despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Hey kid. Whatever you're thinking about doing" Do it. Cool Hand Luke style, know what I mean' You're more likely to regret the things you don't do, than the things you do, get me?

Cheers, Brend

Yep. Nothing to see here. Picture of innocence.

Suddenly he swore out loud, albeit softly. He slapped a hand over his own mouth.

He'd just realized that he should have included IMDB links in the underlined portions of his letter to Lydia.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-15 23:10 EST
Lydia answered Ammy, "I like to think that our Town Hall would serve a similar purpose, though maybe not to the same extent."

Catching Atticus's eyes, she quickly called on him. It was obvious from her expression that his tone and comment unnerved her. "Yes" My home is in the Dragon's Gate District?" she said vaguely, though she was concerned from the way he said it that he knew exactly where she meant. She stared at him even after his eyes returned to normal, trying to figure out exactly what was wrong. It was long enough to distract her from the flying airplane until it landed on her desk.

"Ok!" she said harshly as she quickly crushed it flat with an open palm. "That is enough for today," she said sweeter, returning to her normal cheery teaching voice as best she could. "If there are any other questions, please?" She was about to offer to answer any questions after class, but she really just wanted to go. The longer things went on, the more she was losing control. ?"feel free to make an appointment to see me in my office."

"The assignment for this week," she said before anyone else could interrupt, "will be to go to the Dockside District and find one or two places that interest you, whether they are cultural hot spots, new dining experiences, or one of the historical places I mentioned. Write about the areas and the other people that are there. Include what you think the places mean to Rhydin and its people based on what you observe."

She placed the flattened paper airplane to the side to read it later and picked up the graded assignments. "I will hand back your assignments as you leave.?

Some students hesitantly looked to each other, not quite knowing what to do because of the change in routine. Eventually a few got up and began to head to the desk, where Lydia gave them back their report, then headed out the door. Other students soon followed suit.

Lucas Foster

Date: 2016-03-16 19:33 EST
To say Lucas was confused was a bit of an understatement. He was trying to understand everything Ms. Tolmay was teaching them, but the distractions in class were confusing, to say the least.

He'd thought about raising his hand to ask for clarification regarding Dockside, and just where Dockside became WestEnd. Was WestEnd part of Dockside, even though it wasn't anywhere near the docks" Why wasn't WestEnd its own district' Was it too small for that"

But before he'd had a chance to raise his hand, he found a crumpled up piece of paper tossed into his lap, which he shoved into a pocket to read later for fear his teacher might see him and ask for it, and then she was dismissing them and handing back their papers on the way out.

Lucas tipped his head close to Fliss as they rose from their seats to start toward the door behind the other students. "Is it me or is something weird going on around here?" he whispered.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-03-17 12:59 EST
So far the first class for her to attend as a student had been anything but a usual class from what she'd had imagined. That thought aside though, she was happy to get a small feel of anticipation in participating and asking questions. Ammy stood from the desk she sat at, stowed away her notebook and pen in her satchel then shot Professor D'Arcstorm and Mr. Stormgaard a long, studying glance. She too was wondering what was going on and had a small sliver of deep worry that perhaps the sins of last year were not over.

She would let her gaze drop, her calculating mind overworking again and she noted the three students as well that Professor D'Arcstorm mentioned in their shell game of a conversation. More to think on that she wasn't sure about. She'd leave the desk and stop by Lydia for a moment to drop a few words of encouragement for her.

"I enjoyed the class, Professor Tolmay. I am looking forward to my assignment with joy. You handle yourself a lot better than I would have if such were in my class. Then again, perhaps that is why I have pulled back from teaching lately and want a new view on who and why I teach. Thank you for teaching me today." She kept her voice low enough for Lydia to catch. She gave Lydia a deep bow of respect and would leave the classroom.

In the hall way, she pulled out her phone and sent Professor D'Arcstorm a message manually. With that done she was off to spend time in Dockside.

Fliss

Date: 2016-03-17 13:57 EST
Frowning a little at the way the class seemed to have so abruptly ended, Fliss glanced at Lucas in time to see him pocket a balled piece of paper. Curious, she made a note to ask him about it when they were out of the classroom, gathering together her belongings and rising with him as he murmured to her.

"No, something weird is definitely going on around here," she murmured back to him, casting a reproving glance back at Brend as they headed for the desk.

She enjoyed learning, and she knew she was lucky to have the privilege of doing so in such an ordered environment. That order seemed to have been threatened, and Fliss felt unsettled. How were they supposed to learn anything at all if another student was grandstanding and disrupting everything? She didn't want to fall behind, and she knew Lucas would be even less inclined to ask the questions he wanted to ask if he felt as though he was just setting himself up to be mocked.

Collecting her former homework without the usual smile from the professor was an odd experience, leaving her still frowning as she and Lucas headed out of the classroom. As they reached the outside, She took his hand. "C'mon, let's go somewhere private. I need to make something burn before I can calm down."

Atticus DArcstorm

Date: 2016-03-17 23:19 EST
Atticus waited until all but one other had left; Brend sat looking around at nothing in particular, his legs up on the chair in front of him. Atticus discounted him and approached Lydia.

"Headmistress, a very informative session, as I would expect from peer reviews of your work. I must confess I was confused to be referred to as an instructor; during our interview at the Registrar's Office in the Docks, I believe you called me an 'asset', who was to 'claim employment as a consultant.'" He noted her style of dress was certainly different between school and casual; she'd worn black leather to his interview.

"I must ask, would it be acceptable for me to place a Mage Eye in the room for the purpose of Scrying your other lectures? It would be the equivalent of Distance Education." He was curious to see what else was going on here, there were lots of potential amongst the students, but the one who's mind had been tampered with was certainly concerning to him. Ironically, any curious glances Lydia would be casting at him would be largely disregarded due to social ineptitude, specifically his own.

He would await her response with civil demeanor, and no matter what her opinion, he would accept it, and bid her good day. His asking, after all, was only a formality; he'd already cast a Mage Eye during the class, but had inverted the spell to make it invisible except to the detection of magic.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-18 22:26 EST
Lydia was grateful as the students came up to collect their reports, then leave.

"You're welcome, and thank you," Lydia said to Ammy in return for her compliment.

Then it was only her with the two male observers. She was about to thank Atticus for his compliment, but the sudden mention of previously meeting her at the docks hit her. She closed her eyes hard and left them closed a moment, trying to collect herself. The Registrar's Office was located on campus" nowhere near the Docks. She had employed him as an instructor, and certainly would never claim someone to be an "asset". He was certain he had met her before but she was certain of one thing " Her twin sister, Leta, could not keep her hands out of her school.

She opened her eyes wide at his question. She had suspected that Leta might have a spy in class, but Atticus had only just started in the course, so she ruled him out from her sister's mess. But he displayed his own telltale signs of something foul being afoot with his shifting eyes.

"I don't feel comfortable?" she began, hesitating on saying "with you?, but feeling better that at least someone else there if anything went bad, she continued innocently enough, "with something like that in my classroom." She considered defending herself by explaining that she had already had a security threat during the class, and how some of her papers had been gone through without her permission, but she thought better of it. She hoped a simple "no' would be enough.

"As is best, Headmistress," Atticus said before turning and exiting the classroom.

Finally, only one more lay in between her and her moving on to her office. She walked around to the front of her desk, much like she did for the question and answer segments. This time, she sat back on the desktop, letting her heels come off from the floor. "Ok," she said softly to herself, staring at Brend, trying to mentally prepare herself for him. She leaned back, crossed her legs, and rested her palms on the desktop behind her. Feeling the paper airplane she dismissed before, she picked it up, and began to read it.

Her eyebrows raised in his address to her. Only a select few she would allow to call her the nickname. Her focus shifted quickly as she lightly smiled at his apology. "Why can't he be more like this"" she mused to herself, engrossed in the brief note. She opened her mouth to answer, but paused in seeing the first postscript. She smiled brightly at the light paradox threat. Her eyes narrowed slightly, though she still wore a smile as she read about her "evil sister". Squinting, she read the movie references with a canted head of confusion. But by the time she got to the last postscript, she had the page only a few inches from her face. She put it down quickly, not being able to help herself from a soft laugh as she looked to Brend. He seemed constantly full of surprises.

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-03-21 11:29 EST
Brend sat with his legs up watching her read through the note. He smiled, and thought to himself, "Ah, there you are, L." His smile only grew when she looked up at him after she'd finished.

"So..." his eyes bordered guilt and mischief, "you're smiling. You don't appear to be ready to....beat me with a ruler, or make me write out lines for disrupting class, which, as I said, sorry..." Should he give her a chance to answer that" Probably not, better ramble on, "I know a great little seamstress down near the Docks, she could do something matching for us, if you....decide to accept my....request' It's called Elle's..." He'd rambled enough, though at least this ramble had one common direction to it.

Lydia looked at him with mild confusion as he spoke, though she still smiled. "I never heard of it, but I think that might sound nice?" "Wait," she thought as soon as the words came out. The class had been hectic enough, but now she was agreeing to this. She didn't know what she was saying.

"I don't know," she backtracked. "I don't really go out that often." Parties weren't really her thing, and big, glamourous ones where that much more intimidating for her.

"Hmm," he made the considering noise as he rose to his feet with a warm smile, "Guess you should have considered that before you accepted. So, what color scheme are you thinking?" He slipped from the chairs and strolled down the aisle towards her. "Plus, you look way too good to mope around grading papers all night every night. Not to mention how good it'll be for your PR; I mean, publicity for the school, not that there's a nefarious person wearing your face out there getting into all kinds of trouble. Cause. Yeah, that'd be crazy."

He nodded at her emphatically, his smile disarming. He was close enough to touch now.

She let out a light laughing scoff when he pointed out her acceptance. But her smile faded as he went on to acknowledge her twin. She looked down with a twinge of sadness. He had to have known of her sister to say something like that. Maybe her sister reached out to him like she obviously had to Atticus. Even worse, maybe he was only asking her to this because he though she was her sister. "I, um?" she trailed off a moment. "If there is, she is not me." She looked back up, figuring she should answer his question. Looking into his azure eyes, she answered simply, "I like blue.?

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-21 20:57 EST
He frowned a moment, "I know you're no one other than yourself, Lydi." That might seem audacious, but its hard to say what he really knew of her, now wasn't it' By her own admission, he could know something from her sister. Of course, he also called her....that nickname. So who's to say' He reached onto her desk and grabbed a couple of papers, whose name at the top was "Colt Alexander".

"Sorry, just picking up some homework." It was two weeks worth of Colts marked hand ins; as far as covering the subject material, he'd been 100% - there was a slight underlying sarcasm to his work that made you not want to give it full value though, as if the person who'd done the work was, well, kind of a little jerk. He paused in retrieving the papers, his smile beaming, "Yeah, I think you'd look great in blue," he started ticking off a list in his head, except that he was speaking it - softly but audibly, aloud, "We'll do dress, heels, hm, panties?" He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lydia a bit more speculatively now.

Lydia jumped up from the desk defensively as he grabbed the homework. As if her sister rifling through them wasn't enough, now he was doing so right in front of her. She was about to stop him, but paused, trying to sort things out. By the time he got to the "panties" remark, she was half tempted to slap him. "I don't understand. Why are you taking Colt's assignments" Why was he not in class today?"

He never missed a beat in his deception, mostly because it wouldn't do anyone any good just at the moment for her to realize the complete truth. "I'm his guardian. I'm picking up his assignments. You can check with the registrars office, or with Rebecca," he gave a small smile, "I was, um, with him when he signed up personally for your class. His tone became less teasing and more gentle, "Too much work" ....Come on. Come spend the night away with me. Before you burn out." He waved the papers subtly, "Sorry, I should have asked. I just saw his name at the top."

"No, thank you. I enjoy what I do," she said tersely, quickly gathering up the rest of her notes from the desk. "And I have more work to do tonight' if you'll excuse me?? she said distantly as she attempted to go passed him. She would definitely be checking with Rebecca when she got back to her office. She suspected his story would prove true, but she wanted to verify it for her own peace of mind.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-21 20:59 EST
Of course his story would prove true. It was true. "I know you do. Enjoy what you do, that is." He stepped sideways, ever so subtly, at first making it look like he was trying to get out of her way, but got mixed up in which way to move. "Wait, please, just," he pinched the bridge of his nose, a second, then let his hand fall away to look her in the eyes, "It's easier for me to write serious things on paper than say them, please. Just, give me a chance. I know I act a little ridiculous sometimes - I feel like I can't help it; it's like I'm a character in some epic, tragedy, romance, sci fi fantasy, poorly written by some third rate hack - and if there's anyone reading, I pity them." He wasn't going to imply she worked too much again, that was for sure. Better to just divert her attention without letting her know it was happening.

But, he wasn't looking to be underhanded at the moment, more to legitimately apologize. "I'll tell you what," he hoped the small smile he wore was enough to let her know he was kidding by what he was about to set, "I've got my heart set on spending that night with you. So, either....you come with me. Or, I'm going to come help you grade papers." He was teasing, it was obvious in his tone - on the other hand, his presence while trying to grade someone's paper might make a person cry.

"Well, I don't think it was quite the epic, nor as bad as a tragedy, but you certainly made class" interesting," she said with a half smile, in an attempt to show she wasn't offended, but she did want to go to finish her work. "I thank you for the offer to grade papers tonight, but I think I can handle it. Instead, I would be honored to take you up on your offer for the After Party. Since you must already know Rebecca, I hope you'll leave her information regarding when and where." Her eyes were softer as she looked to him.

He didn't smile, he full on grinned. "Yep." He almost bounced on his toes as he stood there talking to her. He wasn't trying not to say too much, he didn't want to give away just quite how pleased he was. "Oh!" He almost forgot, since she didn't answer. "The clothing thing, you were good with that or....did you want to head down to Elle's with me?"

Mimicking her attitude towards grading, she answered with a smile, "I think I can handle that on my own, too, but thank you. Have a good night, Mr. Stormgaard.?

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-03-21 21:03 EST
"That's too bad, you'd really like it." he frowned, he was moving with her - not before. He'd start for the door when she was ready, kind of escorting her....also kind of unwilling to leave. "And it's Brend, if you don't mind. Or some version of that. No one's been called Mr. Stormgaard. Ever. Not even my father."

She looked at him strangely, but still smiled. "Ok" Brend," she said, taking note of how he moved with her. "And if we're discussing preferred names, if you like, you can call me Lydia," she added extra emphasis to her "A" ending. "You don't know me well enough for anything other than that?" She added softly, "yet."

"Oh?" he was asking in regards to her claim he didn't know her well enough yet, and maybe she wouldn't put it together that that's what he'd latched onto, but...."Sometime when I'm not focused on entertaining you, or making you laugh....we've really gotta talk history, bet I could tell you some surprising things - if I could make you believe them would be another matter." He'd likely sound like an outright liar, but she'd probably laugh and smile at his oddball stories - never realizing they didn't come -close- to the truth, that they were in fact -the- truth. He smiled warmly at her as they left, his hand ever so lightly hovering over the small of her back, barely ever touching. With that, they walked out the door.

A few moments after they left, the door opened again and Brend's head peeked around the door jam. "Um. Hey guys. For those of you who got here....late, or, maybe you're early for next class....or I dunno, maybe you're just, reading through - in which case, no loitering - just thought I'd clear up, she said yes to the whole date thing. I know what you faithful readers are thinking, either, "That was really up in the air!", or maybe, "Can you believe she's going out in public with that animal?" and another thing..."

Suddenly Brend was jostled from behind and tripped into the room proper, as some older guy with a mop and bucket elbowed him out of the way. He muttered something mostly unintelligible to Brend, who rubbed at the points of impact from the mans mop handle. "Alright, I guess show's over for now. See y"all again in the next installment." Brend ducked out of the room, leaving only the old janitor who looked up after Brend as he left, muttering as he pulled his cap down over his wild, snowy hair.

"Weirdo."

Fliss

Date: 2016-03-22 08:33 EST
It really was amazing the things you could do on your last day of freedom for a month, even if it was completely unwittingly. Having hit upon a marvelous cheat that actually had history at its heart for once, Fliss and Lucas had spent a very productive afternoon at the Shanachie Theater for this week's assignment, together with a brief visit to the Divining Shoreline to round things off. The events of that little trip certainly gave them both an interesting anecdote to end their essays on.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-03-22 15:16 EST
Ammy's assignment report was sent directly to Lydia's office, folded, precise and accompanied with home made ginger candy and some chocolate chip cookies. A small note was attached as well.

The note would simply read:

I thought perhaps some ginger and some home made cookies would help ease the tension I sensing from you. I don't know what is going on, but I do hope you'll find comfort soon. Attached is my history homework for week 4 and no I am not bribing you for good grades. Should you ever want to talk to me about.....some things that have happened I will happily accept your company any time of the night. I do need to ask about something misplaced that I have yet to find any trace of. Would you happen to know where my Chaemera Pistol went during the Kracken attack" I have spent a year atoning for any wrongs I have done against the Academy and that gun is the last atonement needed, for within it . . . the Kracken would look like a pet compared to what core can do.

Just a Student, Ammy Spiritor

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-03-25 22:28 EST
Before the next class, a letter from Lydia would be waiting for Ammy in her Academy mailbox.

Ms. Spiritor,

I regret to inform you that the Chaemera Pistol has gone missing. The last time I had seen the item was when I had given it to a campus security guard to use in order to defend Mage Hall during the Daemon Kraken incident over a year ago.

After receiving your letter, I inquired about its location to campus security. It was never turned in by the security officer to whom it was entrusted. I suspect the disappearance of the item may have to do with his sudden demise after the incident.

I offer my deepest apologies for the missing weapon. I would like to provide you with any available campus supplies or services that may help recreate the item to your satisfaction. Please let my secretary or myself know if there is anything that you may need in order to do so.

Humbly, Lydia Tolmay

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-07 13:55 EST
History of RhyDin: Week Five Mount Yasuo

At the end of the last class, the over protective Lydia attempted to look for the missing student, Colt Alexander. As soon as she looked at the contact information her secretary Rebecca had given her, she realized the streets and area codes did not exist in Rhydin. In a last ditch effort, Lydia pulled his student number, but it was not a student number" it was a staff member's, specifically, a janitor. Brendryck Stormgaard. Looking back, it shouldn't have been a surprise. Both had the same azure blue eyes and tousled blonde hair. Learning the alternate identity of her 'student", she felt foolish after their exchange last week. As if she didn't have enough working against her, she could add 'dating a co-worker" or worse, "a student", to the growing list of grievances against her.

On her way to class, she wondered how she managed to keep her job. Today, she told herself, I will maintain control.

Lydia walked through the classroom door a few minutes before the clock struck the hour. Determined of her priority for the evening, she kept her head up, higher than normal, with her raven hair held secure in a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Her usual professional attire was even more straight-laced, as she wore a simple white blouse buttoned up to the collar with a harsh black blazer over it. A smooth citrine stone hanging from a yellow gold chain gave little color against the white blouse. Her lower half was encased in black, from her black pumps, solid black nylons, and black circle skirt cut modestly passed her knees. The black of her ensemble gave a stark contrast to the pale cream skin on her face and hands as she smiled to the class and placed the graded papers on her desk.

As the clock struck the hour, she was up at the board writing Mount Yasuo with a solid line underneath. Turning to the class with her gentle smile, she began.

"Although this class is devoted to the history of Rhydin, I would be remiss to skip two areas that hold just as much culture and connection to our fair city. This week I will be discussing the stories of the history of Mount Yasuo."

"About a week's travel north of Rhydin City lies a mountain range famous for its natural vistas, high plateaus, and deep valleys. In addition to the beautiful flora from its wildflower dotted rocky ranges to its heaven reaching forest trees, animals are just as plentiful in this area of Rhydin. Everything from rabbits, squirrels, deer, wolves, mountain lions, bears, and various forms of hawks and eagles call this stunning land home. But it is the tales of its people that make the land great.?

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-07 14:00 EST
"Centuries ago," Lydia began, her smile fading from her lips as she grew more serious, "A man named Anura Khan desired to rule the world. With his vast army of barbarian warriors, fearsome war engines, and powerful wizards, he had conquered most of the northeastern continent. On his way to Rhydin City, he saw the beautiful lands of Mount Yasuo and chose it as his next conquest."

After adding the name, Kalfyi San under the Mount Yasuo heading on the board, she continued, "A man named Kalfyi San lived on Mount Yasuo, the highest and central-most peak of the mountain range. The philosopher, sage, poet, inventor, and wizard knew that Yasuo's small army was no match for Anura Khan's oncoming horde. He gathered eight of the greatest wizards he knew, each holding to one particular noble trait: courtesy, compassion, courage, honesty, honor, sincerity, and duty. Together, they built nine towers, one on each of the five peaks and the four plateaus between them, with Kalfyi San in the center on Mount Yasuo."

"Upon reaching the mountains, Anura Khan's mighty war engines simply shut down. Angered by this, he ordered his powerful wizards to destroy the barrier created by Kalfyi San and his allied wizards. During this magical battle, the nine wizards made the ultimate sacrifice. Instilling their power directly into the towers to generate a massive wave of mystic power, using all of their noble traits together, they destroyed Anura Khan, his wizards, and the rest of the invading army. Their towers still stand as the Circle of Nine and still protect the entire Yasuo range to this day, replenished every generation by a new wizard of the Circle sworn to protect Mount Yasuo and the Yasuan way of life."

Lydia paused to add Circle of Nine on the board. "Because of this history, the Barrier prevents other wizards from teleporting directly into the range. The closest a wizard may teleport is a half day's journey on foot. The energy emanating from the towers also causes machinery and other advanced technology to malfunction when close to the Barrier, and to completely shut down within its boundary. As a result, the Yasuan way of living is simple. They spend their days striving to perfect their skills of mind, body, and spirit. Most strive to become enlightened warriors that have mastered the ways of armed and unarmed combat, as well as the mystical chi."

Fliss

Date: 2016-04-07 18:29 EST
The even more strait-laced appearance of Professor Tolmay did not go unnoticed this week. In fact, it made Fliss feel a little ashamed of her own thrown-together appearance - she was still in uniform, but her blouse was unbuttoned at the neck, her cardigan was rolled up to her elbows, and she was very aware of the ladders in her tights. Not to mention the tiny blue dragon clinging to her shoulder, dribbling water down her arm whenever he felt the need to display some pleasure with whatever was happening.

Still, the change of pace with the topics was welcome. After being grounded, Fliss was anxious for something, anything, different to liven up her days, and this lesson seemed more of a story than a lesson at all. With one hand scorching notes onto her special notepad, she listened in fascination, her other hand idly flicking a flame onto the tip of her thumb to keep Lir amused during class-time. The little dragon was still experimenting with being able to put out a flame, enthralled by the way she could turn one on whenever he fancied it.

When the professor paused, she raised her less occupied hand to ask a question, rather than wait until after the lecture was done. "Did all that really happen, or is it like an allegory?" she asked curiously. "Just, you know, the Circle of Nine ....the towers, or wizards who made them, or whatever ....seems like a metaphor for the virtues, and Whose-it Khan is like the vices. So it's sort of like good overcoming evil, like every culture has a story of. Right?"

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-04-07 21:21 EST
Ammy was in class again, on time, still relaxed and informal. It seemed the Lupe professor was making a point to show she was not a professor for the time being, but just another student given how she wore simple white jeans, a black shirt with green ivy plants printed on it and had her baseball cap sitting on top of the desk. Crimson hair was pulled into, if anyone could believe it on Professor Spiritor, pigtails and she was intrigued in the appearance of Lydia today. Seems the last class had impacted the teacher a bit hard.

Beyond that observation she pulled out her notebook and began to take notes and was intrigued about the Circle of Nine she spoke of and what sounded like a very large, complex defense spell and anti-energy field array. A field trip there may be worth it if she could find the time. She was intrigued that the field and towers as well as the mysticism of Mt. Yasuo was due to a conquest going on in Rhy'Din some time ago. She smiled hearing the questions the student named Fliss had asked.

Ammy would refrain from asking any questions at this time as many that she had would not really fit in with the context of the class and better answered if she explored the place herself.

starbound

Date: 2016-04-07 21:58 EST
It did seem new students came out of the woodwork when it was near the end of classes. Why would the history of Rhydin be any different' Having enrolled in the school rather late Dove found herself playing catch up with he class by going through old notes and the like. Assignments were found, written down, then tucked away for a later time period. For now, she would focus on the class.

"Shush," the words were ordered to Flower. That skunk was sitting in the chair beside her the two of them somewhat near the back of the class. Often she found herself here since it was easier for her to be able to do her thing without others to nearby. Pen was on her paper having used one of the older enchanted pen and ink bottles that automatically wrote down the notes. She found sitting in a few of these classes, be it for fun or other, she often missed things and the word for work manuscript helped her study.

Chittering of the skunk could only be heard a few seats away by human ears but weren't most of these people non-human' If they looked over they could see her grasping the creature to hull onto her lap the legs coming uncrossed to give him more room to sit. Flower tucked his head along her thigh as he nuzzled her nails digging into the back of the creature's neck stroking it.

Like any child of great adventures the first thought in her head when it was spoken teleporting was barred was to try to break that. Corner of her mouth twitched as she leaned back setting the nails further into his fur while whispering to her pet. "Challenge accepted."

Lucas Foster

Date: 2016-04-09 20:04 EST
It didn't miss Lucas' attention that several strange things were going on in class today.

For one thing, there were a few students who were obviously missing, while a new one had arrived - one that seemed to have a skunk for a pet. Though Lucas had yet to smell anything strange coming from that area of the classroom, was it any wonder the other students were giving her a wide berth'

Then, there was Miss (he assumed it was Miss) Tolmay, who seemed even more serious and straight-laced than ever today. While that wasn't such a strange thing to him, he thought he liked her better when she was smiling. He wasn't sure what it was about her, but she just seemed less scary that way.

And then, there was Lir, Fliss' fledgling dragon friend who seemed to accompany her wherever she went these days. Not for the first or last time, it struck him how very different Rhy'Din was from Earth. Pets weren't allowed in class there - not even those of the usual variety - and though he knew Lir was mostly harmless, he couldn't help but wonder if the skunk was a familiar of some sort. He'd heard of such things, but he knew nothing of the new girl, and he was too shy to ask.

And that was to say nothing of the girl, woman, whatever she was with the body of a woman and the head of a ....was that a wolf" He didn't want to think on that too hard or too long.

He might have a large pair of feathered wings on his back, but that was the only thing that made him different really from an ordinary human - or so he believed.

His thoughts only strayed for a little while though, before he was taking notes. Mount Y-A-S-U-O, he wrote, scribbling furiously while their teacher lectured, and he found himself wondering what it would be like to be one of those well-trained warriors who worked so hard for perfection.

Lucas lifted his head from his notebook at last and waited until Fliss had spoken before tentatively raising a hand to ask a question of his own.

"But if you can't teleport, how do you get there?" he asked, assuming one then had to travel the old fashioned way. It seemed to him one could get there by flying, too, if they knew the way, and he wondered what it would be like to visit. Still, there had to be an easier way. "Can you get there by portal?" he asked curiously, wondering if their next assignment was going to involve another field trip.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-10 09:46 EST
Looking around at the class that was quickly becoming a literal zoo due to the addition of pets and familiars, Lydia's eyes soon closed for a moment as Fliss raised her hand. She would expect an interruption from Brend, but not her sweet, innocent Fliss. "Yes, Miss Storm," she answered with her eyes still closed, pretending to maintain control of her once structured lesson plan.

When Fliss asked her question, Lydia opened her eyes with a smile, answering kindly, "Well, it certainly could be a simple myth to explain the phenomena surrounding the mountain range and valleys, but there may be some truth to the stories. For example, it is true that the nine towers do stand, and they do have certain "guards" that many claim to be powerful, mystical keepers of the towers. It is also true that there are mysterious wards that protect the mountains and valleys, preventing many electronics and even some magicks to work within its boundaries. I guess, at the end of the day, one may have to go to Mount Yasuo to decide the differences between fact and fiction. Until I hear otherwise, I personally like to believe the tales. As you call them, stories of "good overcoming evil" can be soothing to the soul."

When Fliss seemed satisfied by the answer, Lydia went on to answer Lucas. "Well, Mr. Foster, there are always the good old fashioned ways of getting around without the use of magic and technology. Keep in mind, one may use any and all types of transportation, magical and technological included, up until the boundary of the Circle of Nine. So do not feel as though that week's journey on foot will indeed take the whole week. Now, once inside the barrier, it has been said that some technology and magic may work, but it is essentially "cut off" at that barrier. I would imagine if one "fixes" their machinery or 'recharges" their magic source, then it may work once again. Again, due to the distance and the obvious initial setbacks, many due not typically venture into Mount Yasuo, so not much is known as fact."

Realizing that the interruptions had only been caused due to the enthusiasm for the material, she added with a smile, "It has been discussed to offer a few week course exploring the varied aspects special to Mount Yasuo, from its flora and fauna to its historical landmarks to assessing the details of its technological and magical limitations. There has not been enough of an interest in the past to warrant a trip, but that is always up for discussion in the future??

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-10 09:47 EST
"Though not right now," she said almost with a laugh. Before anyone else could chime in, Lydia quickly continued her lecture, "Once within the Barrier of the Circle of Nine, the smaller paths find their way to the main road. Within three days, the road leads to the town of Jenli, which may only be entered through the large south-facing double door gate." She continued speaking as she turned to write Jenli. The white chalk on black slate mirrored her own contrasting attire. "The walls of the city are not quite walls but are, instead, the rears of the tightly packed buildings outlining the town. Each building has its own look and character, giving the "wall" of the city a varied and unique appearance. Once one is through the massive gate, you face the heart of the city, the central square. More of a circle than a 'square", it is mostly occupied by a large, elevated stone stage that is often a gathering point for fighters, whether they aim to practice their skills, defend someone's honor, or teach a new fighting technique. Many gather to watch the fights, sometimes wagering on the outcome."

"There are a few vendor stalls set up around the square, but the main establishment of note to travelers and visitors to the town is the Ivory Lotus Pavilion." Lydia added, Ivory Lotus Pavilion to the board as she continued, "Named for the intricate carving that sits in the place of honor in front of the tea house, the double story octagonal building can be found in the northwest corner of the square. Beyond its welcoming doors, a guest walks down a hall that leads to the main room. Where the main floor is excellent for simple mingling, the second floor is dedicated to the art of serving tea and enjoying a remarkable meal in the company of friends."

"Daichi Eban Tsai, the tea house's owner, offers special blends with seasoned leaves that are local, and brought from afar. Freshly-made dainty treats are often served with the tea. The owner's wife often says that a true tea is lonely without a little something crunchy and sweet to accompany it," Lydia said with a familiar smile. "If a visitor is seeking shelter from the night, the staff are quick to offer welcoming alternatives, including those that come with a warm meal and soothing bath."

"Yes," she said more casually as she laid down the piece of chalk on the thin ledge at the bottom of the board. "Many people in Rhydin often call it the White Lotus Pavilion." She began walking over to the front of her desk at the side of the room. Leaning against it lightly with the backs of her legs, she added while looking out over the class, "But it is indeed called the Ivory Lotus Pavilion." From the change in tone, to her relaxed posture, it was clear the formal lecture was over.

She asked with a welcoming smile, "Does anyone have any other questions about Mount Yasuo??

Fliss

Date: 2016-04-11 17:18 EST
Realizing she'd interrupted the lesson in mid-flow, Fliss winced apologetically, subsiding as Lucas added his own voice to hers in curiosity. With the professor continuing into the rest of the lesson, she exchanged a slightly shame-faced smile with her boyfriend, unaware that Lir was leaning out through the curtain of blonde hair that fell down her back to study the skunk at the back of the class.

Her hand rose again as they were invited to ask questions once again. "How does that work, though?" she asked curiously. "The whole magic and technology thing not working inside the barrier. Because obviously they've got magic, or it wouldn't have been created in the first place, so does it only work on magic and technology from outside the Barrier?"

starbound

Date: 2016-04-11 19:08 EST
Inquires asked by her fellow students were the same ones that played to her own thoughts despite the fact she would not ask it. Well not in front of the class where there was witnesses that might not understand her longing for a bit of chaos (and link her to a recentt challenge she accepted). She took a pen from the bag then set it betwixt her lips while idly rolling up the sleeves of her knitted sweater. That action exposed the single fingerless glove she wore which was pushed out of the way to expose a new canvas. Ink met skin to scribe something along it. She flexed fingers to tighten her forearm and give a broader surface to work with.

At this time, it was painfully obvious to the young woman that a few were watching her. Feet were brought up in her chair placing the booted heels onto the seat. Knees were also brought towards her chest leaving a free arm to wrap about them and allowed the bottom of the material to fan out. This caued a curtain effect to hide Flower and physically pair him with her for a certain spell she was about to

Professor Tolmay went on with the subject causing the others attentions to venture back to her. It was within this moment she opened her flexing digits to scan the many rings she kept on her persona. One, in particular, was toyed with a brief moment then she looked back over the room to make sure others were distracted. Once she was assured of their distraction, she flipped the stone of the ring activating a stealth spell to wrap around her and Flower (the skunk).

The magic surged for a brief moment which might be felt as a rise of goosebumps on the back of neck. For people who often used the cantrips, wove spells, or the like they might feel her still there or even see her if their magic was stronger the basic spell she wove. The others, not inclined to the world of witches and wizards, would only see her bags and the recorder quill left behind. No Dove, no Flower, just their items.

In the serenity of invisibility Dove went on with her observation of the lesson.

A mental note was taken to visit the Ivory Lotus sometime after the lesson. The woman who ran the shop sounded lovely and a streak of hunger was already nagging at her. The smile from the professor caused her to give one in return despite the fact she was unsure if the woman could see her or not. There was no question from Dove which was rather usual for her. Despite the extra work, she did to standardize her own education she was still unsure of herself and often didn't speak up in the classroom.

Well that was mostly true. It applied to the ones involving history, or reading, or any of mundane topics due to her own struggle with those subjects caused her to go mute and worry about sounding ignorant. Ones on magic, artifacts, herbs, or other mystical classes were the opposing. Flower nuded her hand to which she scratched his neck again waiting to see if the other student's curosity had gotten the best of them.

Atticus DArcstorm

Date: 2016-04-13 00:24 EST
Atticus had been listening intently to the lecture on Yasuo. He hadn't said anything during the midway point because he was only supplementing his own private study of the area with this lecture, and felt it would be more insightful to listen to the queries of others.

One question in particular caught his attention, from the young woman, Fliss. It was very close in nature to his own study and expertise, and immediately piqued when he gauged what she was talking about before she had finished the sentence. As she'd spoken, he'd silently raised a hand, finger upraised and waited for the Headmistress acknowledgment. Her nod was subtle but she did acquiesce.

"If I may," he began, standing, "you've mentioned twice in the same line of questioning, 'magic and technology', as though the two are immediately lumped together; fascinating how the mind immediately creates that bridge, is it not". Specifically, the Barrier prevents magical transportation - teleportation - within its limits; it also prohibits technology, anything beyond simple machines such as wheels, and the like, from working within its barrier. I do not believe it has been extensively tested, whether a spell cast from one side of the barrier can effect the other; certainly a cell phone from one side does not work on the other, while a burrow pulling a cart does not have the wheels fall off as soon as it crosses the boundary. What could be interesting, would be the development of technology exclusively on the other side of the Barrier - would it work" Could it cross back to this side, and if it did, could it return again?

"To my mind, it seems much more likely that the spell which was cast was done so to specifically target technology - and that teleportation spells within its boundaries no longer work is caused by the same effect, but that it was unintentional. Certainly, there is correlation between magic and technology both being able to transport people and things almost instantaneously, via spells or aptly named 'transporters', or the like.

"The land within the Barrier is quite suffused with magic, though initially while doing my own research I assumed it must be as barren of magic as it was tech. This is not the case. I strongly suspect given the history we've just heard, along with the basic facts at hand, that during whatever confrontation happened, the magicians were overwhelmed in numbers - and the technology the aggressors were using was so vast in scope that it equalled the threat of the wizards spells; a wizard is potent in battle, but is easily matched by enough men with guns, or even crossbows.

"It seems as though the mages must have enacted some kind of massive enchantment, a mythal perhaps, or a geas over the land itself, that suspended the laws of physics so that science based effects were muted, except those laws which were subsequently enforced by other spells, or some continued effect of the original muting spell."

He was about to go on, to clarify, he wasn't sure he'd made complete sense to the young woman - or the class in general, for that matter.

Then someone vanished in the back of the class. Problematic, in the fact that the week previous he had established a Mage Eye which monitored this specific class, and was visually inverted so that - like the caster who had just vanished, it was also invisible. Though with no dramatic flare to draw attention to it. Atticus rounded where he stood, his eyes becoming blue chrome spheres as he glanced to where the woman and her entourage of Skunk had been sitting.

Prepare yourself, and keep in mind he has little to no social grace.

"This is not Mage Hall," he stated coolly, "that type of display will be distracting to the students, and more than that, given that we are in a science wing, has a marginally higher chance of drawing Paradox spirits - were myself and Lady Spiritor not here to raise the level of Consensus."

He turned away from her, back towards Lydia.

"The most succinct I could manage, Instructor." He nodded, and appeared as though he would say no more.

If he could have, he would have felt bad for drawing out the caster in the back row; in this case she was truly simply unfortunate to have drawn the lot of him sitting in, and having already set up sensory devices from the class before. Furthermore, he was capable of understanding - but not seeing - the irony of pointing out to a student they were distracting, when the week prior he had been distracting to the Lady Spiritor.

Fliss

Date: 2016-04-13 12:05 EST
Flushing a little at having her question answered not by Professor Tolmay, but by the rather more intimidating of the two observing professors, Fliss twisted in her seat to give him her full attention - an action which resulted in not only her eyes on Professor D'Arcstorm, but the whirling eyes of her tiny dragon companion as well.

"Oh, I get it," she nodded, understanding as he explained. "It's advanced technology that's targeted by the dampening field, not the basic technology. And it's outside magic - magic that has it's source outside the Barrier - that might be affected. Thank you for explaining."

Nodding politely, she turned back to face the front of the class, wincing as Professor D'Arcstorm then chose to pinpoint the disappearing new student openly in front of everyone. Not the way she might have chosen to have done it, if she'd been in any position of authority. You weren't going to get anything out of a student if they felt singled out.

starbound

Date: 2016-04-14 14:10 EST
The lack of the professor's social graces was not lost on her. Students were sitting right in their seats, trying to look as proper as possible, and generally trying not to draw his attention. Then there was her reaction. In the recess of her mind, the man's vocals and phrasing reminded her of one of her Mentors, Godfry. The first lesson she had with him was in their first meeting before she signed up to be his student. It ended up with her having a sprained wrist and the understanding for a proper mage name.

A luminous smile danced along her features and the butterflies in her stomach calmed as the warmth of those memories washed over her. The forefinger traced the stone, the one responsible for her hiding, then casually flipped it. Flecks of blue stood out in those normally grey eyes giving away the fact that something about the encounter relaxed her. No one would understand why their encounter provoked such a reaction and she believe no one would ask either.

Then there was Flower's reaction. His head popped up from her lap setting his front feet onto the desk as he eyed the man. Unlike her he was a rather grumpy guy and might have been debating sneaking into his in campus housing to steal all of his left socks. If you steal both the person is none the wiser to the lost but if you steal one they go on looking for the other sock not willing to admit defeet.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-16 15:02 EST
In his spot in the back of the class, Ethan had been one watching the new girl. Seeing her pen take notes on her behalf, he thought his superior might take an interest in her. But seeing the after-effects of her spell, or not seeing her as the case may be, he knew the Seer would definitely like to hear about this new talent.

Miss Woods, the now ever punctual dark elf seated towards the front of the class, didn't see anything until Mr. D"Arcstorm started making a fuss over what was apparently an empty seat.

Lydia, who instantly regretted allowing Atticus the floor, couldn't help but close her eyes during his rant. When he was finished, she opened her eyes and diplomatically provided an appreciative nod and smile for his" contribution to the discussion.

Comfortably returning to her normal structure, she began to give the week's assignment, passing back the graded papers from last week's class. "Your assignment for this week will be to research the culture of Mount Yasuo. You may certainly go to Mount Yasuo and write about a few of their historical landmarks, but for those of you understandably preferring to stay closer to home, a simple field trip to the Museum of Anthropology and Cultural Heritage in the RhyDin Museum Complex will suffice." As she came to Fliss and Lucas, they received their bright and cheery "A" smiles with their matching "A" papers. Ammy received the same proud smile and grade on her assignment.

"Go to one of the museum staff and tell them that Professor Tolmay sent you. They will show you to several ancient texts I've selected featuring prominent Mount Yasuo history through storytelling. The tale of Oishi Reijiro tells about one of their famous heroes, while the stories of the Singing Lake, Anakusi's Tears, and the Slumbering Dragon explain the sources behind some of their natural landmarks."

She gave a kind nod as she passed the seemingly empty seat. Meandering along the path between desks, she continued to the class, "I would like for you to read each of the stories and select your favorite. Explain in your paper why the story has special significance to you, and how the story includes any of the elements from the Circle of Nine towers: courtesy, compassion, courage, honesty, honor, sincerity, and duty. I also would like you to describe which element means the most to you, and why."

She returned the last paper and ended her journey back at the front of the classroom. "If there are no further questions, you are dismissed.?

Fliss

Date: 2016-04-17 19:16 EST
With the story of Mount Yasuo firing their enthusiasm, Fliss and Lucas found a workaround to complete their assignment without getting Fliss in trouble for breaking the rules surrounding her being grounded. It helped to have a professor of Anthropology living less than five minutes away, after all.

starbound

Date: 2016-04-21 16:05 EST
Having some trouble in her personal life it took her a few extra days to complete the assignment. Once she felt well enough, despite the way she looked, she found her way to the museum to start her story gathering.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-04-21 20:19 EST
Ammy was studiously listening to all the commotion going on as the class had hit a full storm of question, answer and distraction phase during the lecture. Lydia, she was amused to see, was doing well keeping her composure. The professor and Head Mistress of Bristol Crios Academy was a fine example of learning how to take notes from prior performance issues. Something the Lupe professor chastised herself to do more often with herself in the future.

However, she couldn't idly stay quiet as much had been said that had piqued, then dragged her overstimulated mind out of the calm state she'd put it in. She prioritized how she'd respond to things as she heard them, though she knew Lucas had given her a slight look of puzzlement. The look was not taken wrong. Being in the coven and the academy for a few years now, she was used to the looks and wouldn't be surprised to be classed as a werewolf. That filed and she'd speak up some to address both Fliss and Professor D'Arcstorm.

"Pardon me, professor D'Arcstorm, but why is it wrong to equate magic and technology together" Let me quote a famous writer from the Prime Universal Earth, Arthur C. Clark who quoted that 'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.' I wont get into a full blown magical debate with a renowned magi like yourself here as you stated, this isn't Mage Hall, Professor D'Arcstorm, but Magic and Technology both use the same fundamental principle. Energy. In any state or form, both fields use energy. I would said quite likely that the 9 towers are quite possibly a very ancient design on a directional EMP barrier meaning that you could teleport out of Mt. Yasuo, but it would be a one way trip.

This said, with an EMP field, any actively powered technology or active magic crossing it would fail and fizzle. The cart as you imply, uses simple physics. No energy except for kinetic and potential is imparted, thus there is are no polarities to reverse to cause circuitry to fry or Spells to reverse and collapse. Though I think by now maybe I've lost people. Perhaps you and I should do a paper together for Professor Tolmay and take a trip to Mt. Yasuo. Do you like flying?" Ammy grinned to D'Arcstorm.

As to the vanishing student using the invisibility spell, Ammy just smiled. It seemed the child was just perhaps skittish, or feeling out of sorts thrust into things abruptly. She would still decline to ask any questions as her current little monologue suggested her mind was working in a different direction, then again, when was the Lupe thinking in a single, solitary trajectory?

Atticus DArcstorm

Date: 2016-04-22 21:27 EST
It would be nice to say that in another professors class he hesitated to answer, or even acknowledged that it may be out of place.

But he did neither of those things. The question had been addressed directly to him, and so he immediately answered it.

"I am certain I implied there was a correlation; my phrasing was intentional as I feel that to the uninitiated they're better viewed as separate topics," obviously with his phrasing there he was implying not everyone in the class was on an equal level when it came to magical study and terminology. "While science and sorcery both do use energy, that is hardly enough to call them the same thing, though they certainly fit into some catch all category. A pencil and a table both use wood, they are not the same; you and I both consume materials for sustenance - or at least did at one point, yet we are not the same; these examples, as you can tell could go on ad infinitum.

"In practice, we both know - I believe - how convoluted the relationship between the two actually is, but academically science - and thereby technology derived from it - is based on knowledge; the arcane, or more colloquially magic, is based on more unknown principles, at least to some degree. It is in my opinion after studying with a variety of practitioners, that these unknown principles almost always revolve around the subject which you previously mentioned to bind magic and technology together - specifically, energy.

"If you wished to be technical there is certainly opportunity here to argue my statements, as I am being terse; to do so, however, is perpetuating exactly the confusion I sought to avoid. Furthermore, there is no evidence, nor any record of anyone not being able to teleport out of Yasuo, due to the Barrier effect. As was implied in the lecture, I believe, magic certainly does exist within the Barrier.

"While Mr. Clark did say that they were indistinguishable, he did not say that they were the same."

Atticus turned from Ammy with that, completely passive an seemingly benignly unaware of the verbal diarrhea he'd just spewed.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-04-23 15:49 EST
Ammy was about to say something, perhaps defensive, perhaps argumentative or debatable in direct stimulation to what Professor D'Arcstorm had spewed out. Instead her parted lips closed and the classroom may have heard the audible click of canine teeth clamping shut. It would seem she had found something that her and the professor were at extreme odds with. She let any further prompts at a joint paper between them at Mt. Yasuo die in silence.

She would lapse back into observation mode during the rest of the class time, a small smile given to Lydia when her paper was returned and then a sort of frigid, stern mask slipped onto her furred features that only her senior class saw once, back when Mage Hall was being terrorized by tentacles. When they'd be given leave to go, she'd be up out of her chair and briskly removing herself from the classroom before she did something stupid as she did not need further attention to her own issues as a professor. That and she'd need to talk to her business partner Amar and her friend Marilla about a hang-glider and a free one way ride to Mt. Yasuo.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-27 11:07 EST
History of RhyDin: Week Six, Final Class Star's End Spaceport

Although Lydia arrived a bit earlier than her usual, Ms. Woods, the dark elf, was promptly waiting in her seat towards the front of the class, as had been her usual since being called out for her tardiness during the third week. A few other students were chatting amongst themselves as Lydia placed the graded papers on the instructor's desk at the front of the room. But, uncharacteristically, she took the extra fifteen minutes to sit at the desk, watching with a bright, proud smile as her students came in for their last class. Ethan filed in behind a few others, making his way to the back.

Once the clock struck the hour, Lydia got up and took a few steps to the blackboard, picking up a piece of chalk. Turning to face the class, waiting for the conversations to die down, her proud smile remained. Adding to the brightness, she wore a pale lemon chiffon blouse accented with a green apple colored beaded necklace. An accordion skirt that modestly went passed her knees matched her burnt umber heels. It was clearly a softer look than her previous week's black and white ensemble.

Clearing her throat, she began. "Over the passed few classes, we've discussed some of the focal points of RhyDin, and have begun to take a look outward. For this last class, we'll be going quite a bit outside of RhyDin. In fact, what we all commonly refer to as "RhyDin" is actually RhyDin City. It is the largest city on the largest continent of this world, each also called RhyDin. " No, I do not know the creative genius that named them." There were a few scoffs and hushed snickers.

She simply wrote "RhyDin" on the black slate, then continued, "The world of RhyDin is a large, M-class planet, orbiting a G-3 class star. Now, that is a fancy scientific way of saying that our world's atmospheres are composed of nitrogen and oxygen, that we have an abundance of liquid water necessary for carbon-based life like us to exist, and that we have a bright, beautiful, yellow sun. But our sun is not the only thing in the sky....As many of you may have already seen at night, our world is encircled by two moons." Pausing, she added "Arabrab and Trebor". "Arabrab is the larger of the two and slowly glides around RhyDin in a circular orbit. Trebor, the smaller and more distant moon, quickly flies along an elliptical orbit. Also circling around the world in a permanent orbit is the Gateway Station." Under the names of the two moons, she added, "Gateway Station", followed by "Star's End Spaceport? under that.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-27 11:08 EST
Turning back to face the class, she continued, "Star's End Spaceport is RhyDin's direct line to Gateway Station. Passed the mountains to the west of RhyDin City, Star's End is very much a central hub that handles most of the planet's off-world commerce and tourism. In its early stages, the appeal of the spaceport was how easily ships could come straight down from orbit without the need for landing clearances or licenses. What started out as a way to bring more people and products to RhyDin, soon became a haven for many "unofficial" businesses and practices as well. Over the years, the small spaceport has grown into a bustling mini city of its own with businesses, warehouses, and housing. The most prominent business is undoubtedly, the Star's End Bar and Grill.

She paused to write "Star's End Bar and Grill" on the blackboard. Learning from her previous weeks" mistakes, she added quickly, before there could be any interruptions, "The unimposing one story bar is made of metal and permacrete. Neon signs on the walls cast a harsh glow on the rough metal surfaces and through the cloud of exhaust and cigarette smoke that seems to cling in the bar. Everything seems to be covered in the same grime that fills the air. It is rumored the last one who tried to clean the establishment was shot dead with their first swipe of cleanser. Whether or not it lends some truth to the story, there is in fact a small spot in the upper left of one of the windows that allows the only hint of clear natural light in the bar."

"Much like the renowned Red Dragon Inn, the bar has a, well, bar. It features exotic liquors and spirits from a countless other worlds. Thanks to an agreement with the Red Dragon Inn, the staff and their "cash' machines are able to accept and make change for and convert to off-world and local currencies. At the end of the bar is a hallway marked "Staff Only." There is the kitchen where several small aliens churn out whatever sort of food is requested. In the off hours, a salvaged auto-vending machine takes up a section of one wall. It is able to pop out sandwiches, soup, or even some exotic delicacies. When it is working, there is also a food replicator. Also back in the employee only section are the back office, storage room, and loading dock with a large waste disposal chute. It is suspiciously large enough to fit a body, but the staff claim that the scratch marks on the sides are most likely just from broken glassware.?

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-04-27 11:09 EST
"The Bar also has a Game Room, filled with a wide variety of games and gambling tables, as well as an alternate exit in case any of those gambling debts become due. To the side of the Game Room is a series of transporter pads that can reach Gateway Station, or the orbiting ships above. When you come out from the transport pads, there are several privacy booths in the back corner from the Stage. The close proximity of the transporters and the privacy booths tend to lend well to the rumors of the area's shady business deals."

"The small stage lies along the west wall. An old, beat up piano sits at the back for those who care to give it a try. Worn and beat up itself, the stage has seen its share of would-be entertainers over the years. Of course it comes with its own history. It is said that the stage was first put in to cover a gaping hole in the bar's wall from an incident where "no one saw nuthin". Next to the stage, is a large holodisplay. It often shows galactic news coverage, the latest Armorball game, or raucous musical shows. But, as far as music entertainment goes, most people prefer the old jukebox. Gained thanks to a trader's losing hand in BlackPoker long ago, it was left behind, and still plays as loud as ever."

Happy to get through a class uninhibited, Lydia smiled to herself and put down the piece of chalk along the thin blackboard ledge. Clapping her hands softly to remove the chalk dust, she turned and walked to the front of the desk. Lending back slightly, letting the backs of her legs rest against the front of the desk, she said with a smile, "I would be happy to answer any questions about Star's End and, really, anything else about RhyDin that may be of interest that I did not cover in this very basic course." She prepared herself for the outslaught with an encouraging smile. Compared to how much she felt she had grown over the class herself, she felt confident she could handle it.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-05-05 11:14 EST
Ammy filed in last into class, peculiarly odd for the Lupe professor who was usually early to each of the remaining lectures she had attended. Some of the students may have noticed the professor was wearing more comfortable clothing in the air of less hugging and more loose jeans and a hoodie. The subtle waft of healing salves drifted from her fur and some parts of her white fur where seen were neatly shaved cleaned, the hints of pink scars starting to vanish. Some of her red crimson and gold strands too were short among that cascade waterfall and the professor held a certain air of someone who'd trekked through most of Rhy'Din's backyard wilderness.

She'd dip her head in apology to Lydia for arriving so close to the starting time and slid an envelope with her assignment, late, onto the teachers desk for later review. She'd take her seat with ginger grace and settled down to take notes looking quite tired. Her satchel was mysteriously missing though her notebook and pen present if not in very battered condition.

Ammy had no questions come to her mind currently as she settled her mind to the here and now of class. She'd let another speak to see if that knocked something loose in her mind.

Tempus Fugit

Date: 2016-05-16 22:48 EST
"A long time ago, in a Galaxy far, far, away," he muttered, a slow grin spreading across his face, "in space, the final frontier..." Brend gave his head a shake, but the pseudo smirk was there to stay; since the beginning of class - and he'd been there since the beginning - he'd been sitting, playing with what appeared to be an hourglass. He'd tilt it this way and that, letting the sand slosh from one side of a chamber to another, stymied by the bottle neck to rush further.

Might as well make it official, whether it was question or commentary. He raised his hand.

"So, kind of a multi part question. Firstly, any idea where I can get statistics on aerial dragon v. sub orbital assault vehicle numbers" Because I'm sure that's happened at least once," and further spoke under his breath, "or should have. That would be awesome. To watch, at least.

"Secondly, these two moons; do they have any bearing on those....moon....festivals, or whatever they were, that used to be held" Weren't there three of those a year" And I know why you've covered this last bit, for the sake of completeness - great class by the way - but does it seem a little bit incongruous, or is it just me?" His grin became rather wry, one side of his mouth twisting a little further upwards. "I mean, you know, dragons and starships, kinda incongruous, if you get my point?"

He glanced around the rest of the glass, looking for support. He realized that his earlier comments had been met with mixed reviews before, and those reviews were generally silence. He kept playing the hourglass for a moment, and stopped abruptly, apprehensive. To the careful observer, the sand within the glass was not sand at all; rather, two colored liquids, red and black, which seemed to resist mingling as the object was tilted this way and that. It softly dropped to his desk, on its side, the grains within continuing to writhe for a moment of their own accord.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-05-18 21:04 EST
Lydia acknowledged Brend's raised hand with a nod. "At least he didn't interrupt," she thought, gratefully. Her smile quickly faded before a word came out of his mouth, concerned that he might try to throw the class into disarray or into some random topic. Though she could tell full well that his first question was more in jest than for the sake of learning, she still gave an informative answer based on what little she had to go on. "Regarding the dragons" you may be able to find those statistics through the Rhydin Air & Space Guard." Trying to show she had loosened up, she gave a half smile and offered playfully, "And I bet you a coffee that that has never "happened at least once"."

"In regard to the moon events," she began, answering his second question, "Yes, Bristle Crios held three moon events each year for three years. Snow Moon in February, Rose Moon in June, and Blood Moon in October. To my knowledge, the importance had little to do with Rhydin's moons, and instead had to do with the Irish, Celtic, and Pagan based cultural heritage of the founders of Bristle Crios."

She wasn't quite sure how to answer his last question. "It may be out of place for dragons and starships to be occupying the same air, but there are many things out of place in Rhydin. A drow may be talking to a minotaur in a bar. A half demon may be doing a business deal with a faerie. And even the beings themselves are their own curiosities and conundrums. A man might identify himself as a brooding, guitar playing, half dragon, half country boy, ladies" man. A woman might describe herself as an empathic, half werewolf, half vampire, seamstress assassin. And as far as vampires go?"

She continued with a hint of cynicism verging on bitterness, "I thought it was silly when I saw a movie about a vampire that glittered in the sunlight, but apparently the sun doesn't do anything to all of these new vampires in Rhydin?" She quickly stopped, realizing her sudden, and maybe a little too revealing, rant. "I guess my point is," she tried to recover, "Rhydin is filled with oddities and even we ourselves may be contradictions at times."

Seeing the lull in questions, Lydia stood and picked up the graded assignments. "For your last assignment, I would like you to write about your favorite spot in Rhydin and why it means so much to you." She began making her way through the aisles between the desks, handing back papers to their rightful owners. "Ideally, it would be nice if you could write your paper there or at least do your note-taking there, immersed in its surroundings, so that you would be able to write about it more accurately. Sights, sounds, scents, and, even more importantly, your feelings there. Is it your way of getting away from the world, or is it a way to surround yourself with more people" Why is that particular place a comfort to you?"

Since they sat conveniently next to each other, Lydia smiled as she handed back Fliss's paper of insights into the The Lion of Jenli and Lucas's outlook on The Slumbering Dragon. Dove received a similar smile as her assignment was returned to her. As Ammy had brought in her last assignment at the beginning of the class and Lydia hadn't had time to look at it, let alone grade it, she politely nodded to Ammy as she walked by her seat.

"You will have one week to complete this last assignment. Grades will be sent to your preferred method of communication." Although she loved the traditional method of writing on a chalkboard, Lydia still understood and valued improvements on technology. There was even a laptop in her office, though it was usually closed and left on a bookshelf. But grades would be emailed, electronically posted, called out, mailed out, and even texted out via her secretary. "And for those who rather learn your grade or discuss it in person, you are certainly all welcome to make an appointment at my office," she added as she returned back to the front of the class. "If there are no further questions, class may be dismissed."

Fliss

Date: 2016-05-21 12:18 EST
Just a couple of days later, a thick envelope was posted into Professor Tolmay's pigeonhole, containing both Lucas and Fliss' assignments. It had been a very personal sort of assignment, and the teens had chosen very different places to write about, but it was fairly obvious that they had been involved in each other's rewrites.

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2016-05-27 15:03 EST
Ammy seemed to smirk hearing Brend's question about Dragons versus Sub Orbital Vehicles. She didn't speak but she already knew the stats on Wyvern's versus Old Bi-Planes and Hang Gliders.

The comment made by Lydia about sparkling vampires and the sun not affecting them had the professor looking down at her furred hands. It had taken her nearly a year to learn how to mute and turn off her radiant glow as a sun goddess so she wouldn't harm some people on campus. She could still remember the vampires that attacked her in the back alley that started the whole ordeal and she watched them vaporized with her touch. Ammy swallowed a bit apprehensive and wary that maybe taking this class was not wise or safe. She did remain calm though.

The topic of how people identified themselves did tease out a small comment from her muzzle when 'Werewolf' was mentioned. "Just because it has fur, talks and walks on two legs doesn't make it a were-anything..." she mumbled under mild amusement and in a spirit of agreement of Lydia's point.

She did give Lydia a nod of understanding when the reports were handed back minus hers. She was just happy to have returned from said trip in one piece. She noted the final assignment and once they were allowed to live she'd limp her way out to do her homework.

Within the weeks time, Lydia would receive an envelope with Final History Report and a note attached that she was more than happy to receive a personal visit to Ammy's Office to discuss anything about the reports or her assignments in class.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-06-06 06:26 EST
Ethan wandered down the first floor of the Administration Building's hallway and knocked lightly on the open door to the reception area in front of Headmistress Tolmay's office. In the little room, Rebecca was diligently at work, typing in grades at her desk. Foster, L.: 'A'. Francis, C.: 'B'. She looked up to the doorway and noticed the teen as she continued typing. Lee, L.: 'C'. MacBride, D.: 'A'. "Oh, yes," she said with a friendly smile, "Miss Tolmay is expecting you." Sharp, N.: 'B'. Storm, F.: 'A'. She tilted her head towards the Headmistress's closed door.

Taking a deep breath before knocking on the door, he hoped it was his Miss Tolmay and not the true Headmistress.

"Come in," a sweet voice called out behind the door in reply to his knock. He felt a pit in his stomach. Leta told him to meet her here at this time. If something went wrong and it was her sister instead, he would have to come up with some excuse to be there. Maybe he could say he wanted to ask his grade in person, he thought as he opened the door and began to walk inside.

His concerns were alleviated as he saw Leta with her dark jet hair down, falling over her tight black sleeveless turtleneck. Her leather pants legs were crossed on top of Lydia's mahogany desk as she lounged back in her executive chair, clicking one of her heeled black leather boots impatiently on the desk top.

"You made it right on time." Leta said with a slight sarcastic tone as he closed the door behind him. Crossing her fair skinned arms over the harsh matte black shirt, she added, "I guess my sister had a good influence on you."

"Well, your look-a-like is a pretty good teacher," he said, trying to be equally stinging. "I learned quite a bit." He chose not to add 'despite not wanting to".

"Yes, it looked like the students were enjoying themselves in class," she said while casually lowering one leg and then the other, until her boots rested on the floor under the desk.

Ethan looked at her for a moment and then said in surprise, "You were there?" He laughed as she smiled back at him in response. "Oh! Wow. You impersonated her" How cool! You were in the fifth class, right' I knew the black and white was too harsh for Professor Tolmay," Ethan said excitedly, proud in figuring out her little secret. Leta stared at him blankly, causing him to wonder if, because the look was too obvious a change from her sister's attire, it wasn't Leta after all. She probably wouldn't have been so careless in her mimicry.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-06-06 06:29 EST
Leta's blank expression slowly changed to a slight grin as she leaned forward and said teasingly, "What makes you think I was only there for one class?"

"Ooh," he said softly to himself, mirroring her own wicked smile. "Well, now that the class is over, what?s my next mission?"

Pulling the chair up closer, she then laid her elbows on Lydia's desk and rested her chin on her interlaced fingers. "One of my storage areas became" compromised. I need to move what I can to a safer location." Of course, there was much more to the story, but it wasn't necessary for him to know. Ammy might have liked to know. Her "missing" gun was among the many items Leta had been saving away there. "Here are the directions," she said while unlacing her hands and using one to carefully slide a paper that was resting face down on the desk in front of her towards him.

Ethan nodded as he picked up the paper. He folded it a few times and slid it into his tattered jeans pocket. He had made the mistake once before of attempting to read one of her notes in her presence. She scolded him for wasting her time because, as she had pointed out at the time, if she wanted him to take the time to read it in front of her, she would have just taken the time to tell him herself. Though she looked just like her twin, her method of giving instructions differed greatly. As he turned and walked out, he could tell he was going to miss getting homework assignments from the other Miss Tolmay.

Leta leaned back in the officer chair, debating whether to wait around until Lydia showed up. How she would relish the chance to shove it in her face how she taught her identical twin's class right under her nose. It was easy enough to do. She had done it countless times before, though she doubted Lydia had even known. All it took was a simple call to one of the parents with an upcoming parent-teacher conference and ask them to move up their appointment. Then all Leta had left to do was to compel faithful secretary Rebecca into calling Lydia to inform her that the parent needed to adjust their meeting time, but not to worry, as she had already found an instructor to substitute the class or classes she would have to miss. It took a little more manipulation at first, but as the years went on, Lydia's trust in Rebecca made things so much easier.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-06-06 06:31 EST
The opportunity to taunt her twin lost its appeal as Leta remembered that she wasn't the only one spying on the class. While she was there, she could sense a hidden magical presence watching everything, though she couldn't tell if it was for good or" otherwise. Either way, it would be much more fun to see if she could pervert the spying magic in the classroom for her own use. If not, there were more than enough opportunities for her to exploit the class alumni.

The once fiery Lupinossai seemed weakened, trying to find a way to replace her lost confidence in teaching and learning. Her latest paper was quite enlightening as it gave a detailed account of most of the major milestones in her life. More importantly, it listed her closest friends and family member's names and even mentioned many of her most sacred places. "The empty soul gem that once housed her spirit is now sitting on a pedestal in her Soul Garden in the Southern Glen," Leta reminded herself with a smile. Maybe it still had a small essence of her left behind inside it that could be used to control her. Even if not, an empty soul gem was not a thing to waste. She could certainly find a good use for it, or an innocent soul to trap in it.

The cute couple in class had their own advantages as well. The fire starter had an insatiable curiousness that had already gotten the best of her a few times. Imagine how easily someone could take advantage of that curiosity, especially if that someone was a trusted instructor, or at least someone who looked like her esteemed teacher. It added fuel to the fire when Leta read in her latest assignment that her most beloved place in Rhydin was her home, with her family. The girl would certainly want to do everything to protect them. "Who was the one who was having a meltdown about not being able to find the little water dragon?" Leta thought, "Oh, that's right. Alex.? Alexei Illarion Storm. Leta had done her research. But the teen pyromanic had quite a few other siblings to target, too.

The girl's guardian angel boyfriend might make an interesting ally. Looking differently came with its own insecurities. Finding him on just the right sullen moment might reveal the teen eager to make a deal with the devil to make his abnormalities go away. Leta could find him on such an occasion at his favorite spot from his assignment, the beach. If not, he seemed to be looking for a life's purpose now that he would be graduating high school. He could easily be swayed into a new line of business, and be in too deep before he realized how far he had gone. She would love to get him involved with The Company which she worked. And, even better than all of that, love can be the greatest strength, or weakness. She got some enjoyment wondering how far he would go if his fiery girlfriend was in trouble.

Blood Sister

Date: 2016-06-06 06:34 EST
The emotionless artificer was a different story. Leta was unable to read him as well as the others. What an irony, a lifeless creator. It was hard to take advantage of someone with no discernable motivations to exploit. He could make unstoppable weapons for an army if he so chose, but putting in the work to manipulate him was far greater than she wanted to give. She had no use for armies anyway. If you have to go to war, you've already lost. She enjoyed messing with people on a more personal level.

And then there was the little bird that flew into class and made quite a name for herself with her dramatic show of talent, or didn't make a show as the disappearing case may be. Silly girl left her name right on her alter outside the museum during their Yasuo assignment. The contact Leta had in the museum told her about the girl's oddities when she met with him and exchanged business cards. He was nice enough to send the card to Leta, along with photos of her alter. The magical record keeper was definitely experienced in her craft, experienced enough that she just might be of use to Leta, or The Company, one day.

Last, and certainly least in Leta's eyes, was the unruly janitor. She was sure she could sway the seemingly uncontrollable master of time to do much of her bidding, as long as she was able to take advantage of his interest in her sister. But she had dealt with him in the past, and it never seemed to turn out in her favor. If memory served, it usually resulted in him getting too close to Lydia, and Leta having to wipe her poor vulnerable sister's mind to make her forget about him. Leta didn't want to do it, at least this time. Her and her identical twin had built quite a little life for themselves here in Rhydin. It would be a shame to have to start over somewhere else.

"No," Leta thought to herself. "Better not disturb Lydia now. I think I've done enough damage to her for now."

Leta slipped away while Rebecca was preoccupied with her typing, allowing Lydia to regain control of her perceived sanctuary.