Topic: A Visit

Briarius · Date: 2007-10-26 09:29 EST

The Headmaster approached the main gate of the Sanctuary. He spent some time divining wards and whatnot so he could dismiss his own personal wards, as appropriate, so as to not trigger any alarms. He spent this time also looking for the appropriate way to enter so that he did not invoke the fury of the priestesses or their goddess, of which he did not know which he should be afraid of more.

Issy · Date: 2007-10-31 16:56 EST

When the great hall's bell signaled the arrival of a visitor, Isuelt was finishing up a training session. Lately, she had been driving herself harder than ever; and she had the bruises and cuts to prove it. She had been running through sessions with nearly all of the Sisters, and they were giving her quite a run for her money.

A collection of cuts by Trix, Mirage and Reeni, a battalion of bruises from Phin, Akemi and Janet, and a set of bumps from Eddie and Laufeia.

Isuelt paused in keeping track of her injuries as she emerged, covered in post-activity sheen, to open the front double doors. Her dark eyes fell upon Briarius as she pushed a few damp locks of chocolate-colored hair back past her ears. She was only vaguely aware of who he was, after all, this warrior's path very rarely crossed the wizard's.

"Yes, sir. What can we do for you?" came her husky voice, fresh from recapturing its breath.

Briarius · Date: 2007-10-31 21:29 EST

Briarius smiled and bowed respectfully.

"I am Briarius Ravensheart, Headmaster of Ravensheart Academy. The Academy is currently going through the appropriate changes to be a good and proper public institution for all. I am looking for possible faculty to help teach at Ravensheart. I feel that perhaps some of the basics of martial training and a diverse ecclesiastical background at The Academy would be of great benefit to both our institutions. Is there someone here I can speak to of this?"

Issy · Date: 2007-11-01 16:42 EST

As Isuelt blinked, her skin glistened in the light given off my the many flickering torches of the slate-stoned entrance hall. She had heard of the Ravensheart Academy, mostly through Liena; and she had thought of it as more of a magical arts institution, rather than a practical arts arena. The two, sadly for Isuelt, were quite opposite. Perhaps it was because of her gypsy background, or perhaps it was due to her run-ins with creatures of ...unnatural persuasion...that she was something of an anti-magic believer. The Scathachian Priestess was fond of saying, "If I can't kill it with a blade, it is not for me."

After the tall Judge took a moment to catch her breath and remember herself, she stepped back from the double doors. "Of course, of course. Please...come in." It was only now that she figured she didn't look much like any kind of authority. For although Scathach, Goddess of War, smiled down on her daughters when they reeked of battle and shone with the moisture of physical endurance, Isuelt doubted that the common caller would appreciate such nuances.

As she led Briarius into the first of several smaller chambers off the main hall, she called out to see who would be available to stand in for her while she quickly washed and changed. "Trix? Eddie? Hey you guys! Janet, Phin?" It was not the most sophisticated of paging methods, as she was sure a wizard would have called his allies with more finesse. But, then again, a Scathachian's finesse was more with weaponry than with the art of polite conversation. She would be sure to bellow out for Laufeia, Akemi, Serena and Reeni as she made her way down the hall later. The curious thing about the Sanctuary was that although the Sisters kept odd hours, and were usually never home at the same time, there was always at least a few in attendance at any given hour.

A glance back to Briarius as she gestured to a lush sofa facing a modest hearth ablaze with warmth, "Here you go, I'll get cleaned up and in the meantime, someone will be here to answer your questions directly. Can we get you something to drink perhaps?"

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-01 20:00 EST

"If it is not too much trouble. I would care for some sort of fruit juice."

The Headmaster smiled and looked around in genuine appreciation.

"I thank you for your hospitality."

Issy · Date: 2007-11-07 17:25 EST

"Fruit juice," the Judge repeated, a bit at a loss. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen anything remotely resembling fruit juice in that kitchen of theirs (for lack of a better word). Unless the decomposing liquids of that sack of old apples in the larder counted? No matter, she figured she should have someone find something suitable while she cleaned up a bit.

"No problem. Please have a seat, I will be back shortly," then making a mental note to grab the first person she saw to hand off the task of being hospitable. It wasn't as if Isuelt was rude, it was just that being Ms. Gracious Living and being ringing wet with sweat didn't mix well.

She excused herself and knew that this was certainly going to be a quick clean up.

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-08 07:02 EST

The Headmaster nodded and sat down. He sat and waited patiently.

Delphinea · Date: 2007-11-09 14:53 EST

Chapter 3
Neighboring Curiosities

The sun was brightly singing the praises of Helios that day, Delphinea had been out for a brisk jaunt on the grounds. Having finally entered the sanctity of the Scathachian Stronghold once more, she sighed deeply. Delphinea was most pious on days like today; giving thanks for beautiful weather, her body's ability and a roof over her head.

She let her muscular legs and bare feet carry her down the hallway where she ran into Isuelt, who muttered something about a guest and fruit juice. It was not long until the Valkyrie-like warrior entered one of the front rooms with a goblet of apricot nectar.

Her blue hues spied a man sitting patiently upon a sofa, and looking a bit scrawny. Although, to Phin, most people looked scrawny. "Good afternoon, I am called Delphinea." She paused after setting down the refreshment. Her form took up its usual stance, arms over her chest, strong legs standing shoulder-width apart, and an unwavering glance downward. It was not that Phin chose to be imposing, most times it was that she couldn't help it.

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-10 06:17 EST

The Headmaster stood as she entered the room, as politeness dictated.

"Thank you Lady Delphinea. I am Headmaster Briarius Ravensheart of Ravensheart Academy."

He smiled and looked upon the woman now in the room with him. It wasn't that he was scrawny, but he felt it at the moment.

"I am here to discuss possible arrangements between my Academy and The Scathachian Sanctuary."

Delphinea · Date: 2007-11-12 15:41 EST

Always her polite self, even when it came to men, Delphinea nodded and extended her hand to Briarius.

"How do you do, Headmaster. An arrangement with the Scathachian Sanctuary? I'm sure that could be arranged. I am not Illea, but I am curious. You see, I am newer here. What is the Ravensheart Academy? Is it a training ground?" Her blue eyes grew wider, there was nothing that Phin loved better than academics. Well, except maybe athletics.

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-12 15:48 EST

The Headmaster shook her hand firmly and held back any display as his got crushed.

"Ravensheart Academy is a public learning institution. It was given accreditation by The Governor Herself. It is a facility for all in RhyDin to gain knowledge."

Issy · Date: 2007-11-14 16:17 EST

"What is?" Isuelt reemerged from the hallway, her hair not washed, but simply pulled back off of her face. Thankfully, though, a change of clothes were had, albeit a change of color would be out of the question. Clean, black cotton pants were pulled closed at the drawstring waist; a simple black tank kept her arms in full view while providing more of the modesty that her damp t-shirt had not.

"You guys talking about Kitty?" she thought she had heard the Governor being discussed as she had rounded the corner.

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-14 16:29 EST

"I am. Governor Helston was kind enough to give my Academy a Governmental Accreditation. Though I have this Accreditation, we all know that the Government in RhyDin is...whimsical. It is with that reason that I am going to the people of RhyDin for their support. I am starting with well known and established institutions, such as The Scathachian Sanctuary."

Issy · Date: 2007-11-14 16:47 EST

Surprised really didn't cover it. But there it was.

"You're asking for a donation?" She figured she either mis-heard or misunderstood what this man had said. It was not that the Scathachians could be classified as miserly, or even cheap. It was simply the fact that they rarely dealt in terms of money. Bardering was more their style; goods for deeds, deeds for services rendered, that sort of thing.

She had been approached only one other time for money. Baker, Reap and company had asked her for a donation so that they could fund an expedition to the Isle of Lesbos. To which she replied by slamming one of them through a table. Isuelt figured, however, that Headmaster Briarius was not of this same vein of thought.

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-14 19:18 EST

The Headmaster looked shocked for a brief moment and then chuckled dismissively.

"No, no...I am afraid I misspoke. The support that I speak of is acknowledgment and encouragement. I want to make my Academy able to cater to the fundamental educational needs of RhyDin and still offer advanced education. For that, I will need to know what the people want to learn and skilled faculty to teach it."

Issy · Date: 2007-11-16 17:34 EST

"Fundamental educational needs," the tall Judge repeated. "Please forgive me, Headmaster Briarius, but I incorrectly thought that your Ravensheart Institution instructed students in the ways of magic." Her brows only slightly quivered.

It was no secret that Isuelt, even though only a gypsy by marriage, held fast to her superstitious roots. She had never trusted in magic. Isuelt believed in what she could see, touch and physically kill. Next to her faith in Scathach, magic was nearly a foreign concept. Long had she considered magic users to be cowards; afraid to go into battle with nothing but the brains in their heads and the brawn on their bodies.

While she was quite careful to usually keep her opinions on this topic to herself, she was unsure as to how she would feel about advertising for an institution that trained people to be cowards. Still, she remained perfectly amiable with Briarius as she stood calmly before him. Her face was a placid mixture of curiosity and benevolence.

Back in Metro, there were many a hearty card shark who were still hurting from losses to the poker-faced Isuelt de Romiano.

Briarius · Date: 2007-11-16 22:00 EST

"My Academy's original purpose was the instruction on magicks. After some time back in RhyDin, I realized that the city didn't need another magick school, it needed a school where everyone could learn. I converted my institution to meet those needs, and now I am reaching out to the people of RhyDin."

The Headmaster calmly smiled.

Briarius · Date: 2007-12-06 13:05 EST

The Headmaster stood waiting. His smile never leaving his lips.

"So...I was hoping...that The Sisterhood could help me..."

Issy · Date: 2007-12-09 21:14 EST

Having listened to Headmaster Briarius, the Scathachian before him still was at a loss as to how the female warriors could aid the Ravensloft school.

"I see. And, just what is it that you require of us, Headmaster?" she tilted her head, only a touch. The firelight from the hearth caught an isolated bit of red hidden deep within the confines of her dark hair. "After all, we have not the reputation as magic users. We, when you come down to it, are little more than simple soldiers."

True enough, but what soldiers they were.

Briarius · Date: 2007-12-09 21:41 EST

The Headmaster smiled.

"Again, we are no longer just a school for magick. Soldiers will be needed by RhyDin and who else better to teach them than professionals?"

Issy · Date: 2007-12-11 16:20 EST

Isuelt had never been sought out as a diplomat of any kind, nor were her services lusted after by mediators. Still, one thing she had always been, whether that was due to her training or her upbringing, was fair.

The long-legged Scathachian moved closer to the fire now, and lowered herself into a chair. She took a deep breath and favored Briarius by looking him in the eye, "Now I understand. Forgive me. And furthermore, I pray you forgive me for what I am about to say." Isuelt paused to properly gather her thoughts before continuing, "As I am sure you are aware, we are formally known as Priestesses of Scathach. We are, in essence, a religious order, trained by the teachings of Scathach, herself. We serve the Goddess of War in her temples, and in her festivals. And in rectifying the wrongs done unto humanity by humanity. If I may be so bold as to recite part of our creed, 'We are a nation of women and a nation of warriors. Forever are we dedicated to our Sisters, to our Goddess, and to the peace that is Humankind's right. Granted life by Scathach, the Goddess of righteous warfare, and by the souls of valiant women past, we have been gifted with the divine calling to speak for the humble of our world and to shield the meek from the vile cruelty of the wicked.'

"Of course, if this means that some of the Scathachians gathered here wish to work through your school, to enable Rhydinians in the art of warfare, they may do so without question from the High Circle, and least of all me. You see, Headmaster, to be trained by a Scathachian, one must become a Scathachian. And the proper place to do that is home, on the Island of Shadow. I...I am sorry.

"But as I said, should any of the Scathachians wish to work for you, in training for your school, they absolutely may. I will let them know, if you wish." The flames from the hearth flickered over the smooth skin of her face, lending to only a slight trace of shadow play.

Only once during her reply did Isuelt look away from Briarius. She knew he was right, she knew the citizens of this city needed to protect themselves, but she also knew that it was her duty as a Priestess to convey the practices and beliefs of her order.

Briarius · Date: 2007-12-11 20:51 EST

"I...understand."

The Headmaster sighed almost imperceptibly. He understood the concept of the Order, but it was still frustrating that there were so many 'closed' organizations in RhyDin who couldn't (and in some cases wouldn't) look to the greater good of RhyDin.

"If your Order's laws allow it, I would be happy to also have a class or seminar in the basics of your faith. I feel that would benefit both of our institutions. If that also is not possible, then I apologize for wasting your time."

The Headmaster was calm. He couldn't blame them, but he still felt sick and wasn't certain if it was the anti-magick wards all around him or his frustration. He moved to the exit of the room and bowed politely to Issy and then to Phin.

"If there is nothing else, I will allow you to resume your activities. Again, I apologize for the drain on your time."

He was sincere. He had nothing but respect for the Scathachian Order, but he needed to be out of there so he could come up with some way of convincing RhyDin.