[Brightshadows] Brightshadows Sorcery Academy - Administration Building

[Aesha]

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Brightshadows Sorcery Academy Administration Building

Almost everyone in Daltina knew why the Brightshadows Academy now stood outside the perimeter of Daltina’s city gates--it had only been a handful of patterns since the explosion that had destroyed the original building and half of the city along with it. The new, large compound that contained the magic academy had high stone was of a grey that thoughtfully matched the granite city counterparts, and looked almost as well fortified as Daltina itself.

The entrance to the academy was through two fancy wrought iron gates that were usually left propped open for students, teachers, and potential enrollers to come and go as they pleased. Once inside, visitors would be treated with a glimpse of the academy's newly restored gardens and lawns. To the left was a large patch of green lawn dotted with trees, which once big enough, would be perfect for students to doze and study under in hot summer days. To the right was a garden with arcanically enhanced flowers that managed to flourish all year around, in the centre of which stood a large fountain, now restored and in full working order. The fountain was made of marble, and depicted three student mages, one studying a book and the other two experimenting with arcana.

The main administrative building of the academy was at the end of the wide path that led between the two gardens behind the school gates. The building was made of marble, to match many of the houses and offices of Daltina itself, and though large, was by far not the biggest structure in the compound. The doors were made of heavy mahogany, and were intricately carved with a scene that represented a fictitious battle. The doors, unlike the compound gates, remained closed. The doors would only open once the school guardian, a gargoyle that was perched above the administration portal had been greeted. Once the gargoyle, whose hands formed the top of the archway the doors had been fitted into, had been greeted with a bow or other offering, the doors would swing noiselessly open and allow visitors inside.

The administration building foyer, where potential students enrolled, was surprisingly large, and the walls were lined with plush upholstered mahogany chairs for the comfort of people waiting to be served. At intervals, where the chairs stood not, the walls were decorated with heavy, richly made tapestries that had been embroidered with scenes of Daltina's long history. The administration building contained all the behind-the-scenes mechanics that kept the academy going, as well as teacher's studies, and the tower of the headmaster. More importantly, at least for some, it was the room in which potential students could apply to become part of the most prestigious sorcery school in the empire.

At the back of the foyer stood the front desk, the place to make general inquiries and also to enrol in the school itself. The desk was made of mahogany, matching the other furniture in the lobby, with a leather writing top affixed to it so that writing out the many application forms that were completed did not mar and scratch the wood. Behind the desk, seated on a chair identical to its many siblings scattered over the hall was an elven clerk. She dealt with the inquiries from students, and also with the enrolment of people seeking to learn at the academy too. Whenever a potential new student approached her, she would hand them a form to fill in first and foremost:

Name: Race: Age: Sphere: Reason to learn arcana: What goals would you like to achieve whilst attending Brightshadows:

More intricate details on the courses and fees of the academy were listed on a placard that was situated behind the elven woman's desk.

Brightshadows Sorcery Academy is the Empire's foremost sorcery teaching facility. Lessons in elementalism are also available. Fees are fixed at 1,300 crowns for the opportunity to learn either of these spheres up to master level. A dormitory room is included in this price, for use until graduation. Students will graduate once master level is achieved, though lower levels and refunds may be considered for those desiring to become a hedge-mage or have to discontinue their studies for other reasons. Classes are tailored to each students needs - students are expected to travel the realm after each level of arcana is achieved and return when they feel they are experienced enough to continue the path of learning. Lowered prices will be considered for any potential student who has already gained levels of proficiency in their chosen sphere. Any questions about Brightshadows's preferred method of tuition should be addressed to the clerk.

NPCs

Ser'iya Unomiel - The elven desk clerk in the administration building of Brightshadows. She has blue, almost indigo coloured eyes and rosy brown coloured hair that she usually keeps tied up into an intricate braid, that exposes her elven shaped ears. She is not a native of Daltina and has only lived in the city for a few patterns. She often seems a little fed up and bored in her work, but tries to still be friendly to any students and potential students, though is occasionally impatient, despite her elven nature. A rumour was once going around that she had been jilted by the younger son of a noble house, but that was a few eras ago and has since died down amongst faculty gossip.

[Aesha]

Dak Tremaine

Ser'iya had not recently been busy, as it seemed the summer time was not good for applications to the academy. Students numbers lately had been somewhat lacking; those who had dropped out or returned to their homes were not being replaced by newcomers. Therefore when Dak approached her desk and began filling out the form intended for new students, she was pleasantly surprised. If Dak had looked up at all when he had been filling out the form, he would have seen Seri'ya's eyes surreptitiously watching him from under her lashes, curious about what he wanted to learn. The secretary, it seemed, had no problem with reading upside down handwriting.

Therefore, when Dak handed the form back, Seri'ya took little time to read it before putting it in the appropriate pile. She then took some time to count the money that the new student had given her. She was fast and adept at the task; but it was a lot of money after all. She gave the man in front of her a brief smile before putting all the money in a little hessian bag and placing it somewhere secure that was out of range of the eyesight of the human.

The elven secretary nodded enthusiastically when Dak inquired about a job, particularly when he mentioned the library.

"Yes, there are usually plenty of jobs going around the campus, that we usually leave open for students to take. It so happens that one of the clerks at the library recently left his position and we have been unable to find a replacement."

She pushed a piece of scrap parchment towards herself, and picked up her quill, before scrabbling quickly on it in a scratchy manner. Waiting for the ink to dry, she then folded it in half and handed it to Dak.

"The head librarian will of course, want to see you first, to make sure you are suitable for the position. Once you get to the library hand this to the clerk on duty and he will direct you to her office."

She proceeded to then give Dak directions to the library itself, which didn't seem to hard to find, then gave him a brief smile and words of good luck before returning to her duties.

[Dak Tremaine]

Dak was moderately surprised at how rapidly the paperwork was filed away, he hadn't noticed the clerk's intent peering at his writing, his writing skills were rather out of practice, and took a little concentration to keep neat and eligible. The money too soon disappeared beneath the counter as she worked over the coin. The elf obviously relished in her job, or more at the opportunity to actually do something.

He blinked at the unexpectedly happy nodding when he mentioned his need for a job, he would have assumed an institution like this would be heaving with people seeking a job, especially considering the rather steep induction price. On the other hand, it was generally the most prestigious and wealthy of sorts that could afford to go into arcanic education, Dak had just had the good fortune to be working for a generous example of one of them. apparently he had come at a good time, and with good luck since there was a position open in the school library. He took the hastily written note and smiled back, bowing slightly. "Thank you very much, I shall head over there now." He slipped the note away and headed back out through the door to find the library, jumping slightly as the doors slid closed ominously behind him. That was going to take some getting used to.

[Vanderlou]

Timestamp: 1st Cycle of Cryxatum, Summer of Era II of the Celestine Mandate, Era XIV Post Fractum.

OOC: Thanks in advance for the input Thalia.

The young half-elf stood in front of the Brightshadow’s Administrative building. A pair of half-hooded eyes stared vacantly at the ancient wooden door. He had given himself a brightening to sort out his thoughts, but even then it seemed that a brightening hadn’t been nearly enough.

‘Nothing will change if you don’t do anything right? So why don’t you take a blind leap of faith, just this once. You’ll never know… Maybe you’ll learn to love magic – and even if you didn’t, I’d still be right here waiting for you. I’ll explain things to Ma, she’ll understand – I think.’

He could remember Coral’s words ringing through her head with crystal clear clarity. The seamstress’ words, as usual, made absolute sense and he had gotten through many problems thanks to her timely advice. This time it was strange though, being here in front of the fabled and feared Brightshadow’s Academy, even Coral’s contagious and almost reckless self-confidence didn’t do him any good.

“Take a blind leap of faith.” he repeated those words softly.

Vanderlou decided then and there to do so. He had been given advise and he would take it. Without a moment’s hesitation he took a step towards the door and gave it three soft knocks.

“Serale, is anyone there?” he called.

The boy stood there, wondering if he would be accepted into the institution. He knew nothing about Arcana and he was only there upon the recommendation of another student. Gripping his broom tightly (his mother’s keepsake) he waited for the door to open. A full minute passed and he broke into cold sweat, then another and finally he was starting to think that nobody was there.

A frown flitted through his face. Perhaps he hadn’t been heard well enough. Once more he knocked on the door, though this time he gave it six heavy knocks. He was sure that would have been heard by anyone on the other side of the door. After all the door couldn’t possibly be that thick or it wouldn’t open otherwise… he was already harboring doubts though.

Again he waited, and waited and he waited a little bit longer until he had been waiting for a long, long time. As patient as he was he simply couldn’t take it anymore. If he didn’t go in now he felt like he would loose the confidence to do so, so as ill advised as it was he started banging one hand against the door.

And then just when his hand was getting sore from repeatedly hitting solid wood his fine Elven senses picked up the presence of someone behind him.

[Thalia Timandre]

Vanderlou

Thalia sat on the green lawn, reading her arcana primer, when a loud banging noise interrupted her train of thought. At first, she ignored the noise, but when the banging came louder and louder that she could no longer focus on her studies, Thalia shot an angry glance at the ruffian at the door and rose. She walked towards him, carrying an armful of books, her long black hair flowing about her purple initiate robe.

“Excuse me,” said the noble maiden in a lilting voice, an irritated scowl apparent on her face. “Mayhap you have taken leave of your senses, sir? Besieging Brightshadows Sorcery Academy on your own? Perhaps the masters should be frightened, yes?”

[Vanderlou]

Thalia Timandre

The half-elf froze on the spot. This beautiful woman with the long black hair had a serious expression on her face was looking at him in such a way that he felt as if he had done something monumentally stupid. Who was she anyway? Perhaps a student?
Vanderlou had to wonder, she carried herself with the confidence of a master though she was far too young to be a professor of Brightshadows. He wanted to know who she was but was afraid to ask.

Thoroughly embarrassed, it took the half-elf a few moments to compose himself. Once he did, he quickly withdrew from the door and in the same breath he started bowing apologetically at the maiden. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make so much noise," a crease formed on his brow when he said this, he had intended to make enough noise to be heard and in a way he did get somebody's attention. It was just that he wasn't expecting to attract attention from outside the building. "It's just that nobody was answering the door and I thought that maybe nobody could just hear me so... you know, I thought..." the words died in his throat as he realized how pathetic his excuses sounded.

Would she think him to be stupid? No, he decided that she probably was thinking exactly that. He could only wonder what the woman would say to him after his miserable spiel.

[Thalia Timandre]

Vanderlou

Lackwit.

Thalia stared the man piercingly in the eyes, not saying a single word for a few seconds, but her cold scowl soon turned slowly into a mocking, derisive smile. “Ah. You see, good sir, this is no ordinary door. It has been ensorcelled by the masters of the Academy, and it will not open unless you do a magick ritual of sorts.”

“Oh, but I suppose I can teach you the ritual. You would not deny me the privilege of being your teacher even for a moment, yes?” Her smile widened, and she looked him full in the face, while a prank quickly formed on her mind. She devised the details quickly, as she had done so many times when she was a child. The student of elementalism did not even wait for his reply. “Then, you must do as I say, if it is truly your will to see the door open. First, what you have to do is to jump thrice, and then you will have to whirl at your feet counter-clockwise for exactly eight seconds. See to it that you do these correctly, or nothing will happen at all."

[Vanderlou]

Thalia Timandre

He eyed the woman, doubt flashing in his eyes. "Is that so..."

As much as what she said sounded like the truth, Vanderlou couldn't say he trusted the woman completely. The abrupt shift in tone of voice, the mischievous smile and the clearly condescending look she had given him earlier didn't quite sit well with him.

For a moment, he considered telling the woman off but decided against it. She appeared to be learned in the arts of Arcana and he didn't want to risk making her angry. He would decline - with as much reserve and subtlety as he could manage.

Which truly wasn't much.

"I'll do just that, however..." he extended his hand, the one that was holding the broom and held it out to her. "You must unto my broom for me. It would be difficult to do play out your orders I was holding unto this."

The half-elf smiled in spite of himself. In case she was messing with him he would get even with her one way or another. She seemed to be the kind of woman too proud to even consider holding a broom. If he guessed right she would either pass and open the door for him herself or she could quite possibly turn him into a frog, a sheep or something worse.

A flash of inspiration hit him, bringing up a finger he began speaking in a cautious voice. "Don't think this is any ordinary broom ma'am. It is a witch's broom," his face was a mirror of calm seriousness as he said this. "I dare not put it down on the ground, the last time I did, boils formed up all over my skin."

After saying that he stared at her, eyes searching her face for any look of surprise or hint of hesitation. Would she trust him? If she did he would have no choice but to do as she said, if she declined it would be clear that she was lying.

[Thalia Timandre]

Vanderlou

Thalia’s mischievous smile disappeared abruptly, a slender eyebrow raised in incredulity when the half-elf began talking about the ‘witch’s broom’. “Impossible. A witch’s broom you say?” Her voice sounded dubious, her look not the simpering blush of a typical noble maiden, but a straightforward glance the combination of doubt and curiosity.

She leaned forward a little and titled her head to get a better view of his face. He did not look that bad, Thalia had to give him at least that, but still he looked like an uneducated simpleton commonly found in Cheapside. Perhaps he was some poor, lowly peasant from the midlands trying to get some janitorial work at the academy. His lame manner of clothing and his unsightly broom were also an eyesore to the spoiled and stylish aristocrat. In any case, Thalia inferred that he was not the sort of guy who will have a magical item about his person. He was probably trying to trick her too.

Her gaze lingered at the horrendous-looking broom for a while. “Surely you jest, sir. Magical artifacts are uncommon, and I cannot convince myself to believe that someone the like of you has any access to an enchanted item or somesuch. Why do you have it around, anyway? Planning to join some hideous broom convention perhaps?”

She straightened her back, and raised her chin haughtily. “And if it was indeed the genuine article, do you think to convince a sweet, young lady to hold that horrible thing for you - with her arms laden by books, no less - when she knew that it could form hideous boils all over her skin if she dropped it by mishap? Now that's just rude," said Thalia in a mocking, lilting voice. "You do not make many friends, do you?”

[Vanderlou]

Thalia Timandre

Contrary to what Thalia believed, Vanderou was actually telling her the truth. The broom was indeed a witch's, his mother's in fact. But as for it being magical, he didn't actually know.

"This broom," he held the cleaning implement close to his chest, "is a memento of my mother's." Even now, he couldn't help but speak in almost reverent tones when he spoke of the woman who he barely even knew. That being said, it was probably all to clear why he was looking at her with a hint hostility now. This girl, (no doubt a noble judging from the way she carried herself) had insulted the memory of his mother. True she probably hadn't meant it but he still wanted her to apologize regardless. "I would like you to take back what you said about my broom being hideous and all miss."

He paused, thinking over what he said. No doubt the woman would refuse, she obviously had too much pride. Perhaps if he gave her an incentive...

"If you do, I will carry your books for you-" he offered her a charming smile without meaning to. "-indefinitely."

[Thalia Timandre]

Vanderlou

Thalia regarded the young man with a raised eyebrow when he demanded that she take her words back. His expression, she could tell, showed that he was somewhat offended by them, but the young lady was in no mood to apologise or be friendly. He had interrupted her studies, and that could only mean that he would have to put up with her bad temper.

She returned a sardonic smile when he offered to carry her books. “I express my earnest gratitude for your humble offer of needless service,” said Thalia dryly. Then her wry smile suddenly turned again into an arrogant scowl. “But your broom IS hideous, and you realise that no amount of wailing and drama will sway me to think otherwise.”

Thalia made sure that she was hurting the broom’s feelings. She leaned forward, regarding the half-elf closely with icy eyes. “You see, ‘tis not my problem if you cannot open the door. I do not even see why I am squandering my time with the likes of you. You can wait here for years, sup on nought, die and rot for all I care,” she said with grating tones.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have matters of far greater import to attend to,” said the young student. She raised her chin, and with a queenly hauteur, walked towards the direction of the library.

[Vanderlou]

Thalia Timandre

Vanderlou stared at his broom for a moment, and while he hated to admit it the noble did have a point. The broom did look somewhat mangled, at the surface was marred in some places - the result of decades of abuse. The mage-girl was leaning towards him now, her green eyes narrowing in displeasure and when she had told him she was going to leave panic raced through his mind.

Without even thinking he chased after the girl and tripped in the process - but not without grabbing a fist full of the end of her skirt. "Wait, wait, wait, wait!" he stammered, he looked at her eyes pleading. "Don't go! I really need to open that door, I have an appointment with a master there! It's true!" he clumsily pulled out the small envelope with the unmistakable and clearly authentic wax seal of Brightshadows, half-thrusting towards her as proof. "Please, if you help me I will repay you somehow!"

He bowed his head down, eyes closed, his two pointy ears twitching in anticipation of her response. "Please." he said this last word with a hint of desperation.

[Thalia Timandre]

Vanderlou

Thalia’s eyes widened when he grabbed a fistful of her skirts, his weight almost making her stumble over. The result, of course, was a furious patrician brat. Startled, she cast a quick, angry glance at the half-elf. “How dare you! Unhand my skirts, you vulgar knave!”

The young woman began hitting his shoulders and head rapidly with her books, each of them leather-bound, voluminous and heavy. “Unhand me or pray you do not see my wrath awaken!” she exclaimed as if she did not consider these attacks an act of rage. She kept on striking him with her books until finally she stopped, panting, her eyes lingering on the envelope with the Academy wax seal in his hand. An escape suddenly formed in her mind.

With her remaining ounce of strength, she struck his head and quickly grabbed the letter from his hand with her free hand. She held it high over the other direction that he might not be able to reach it without having to free her skirts first. “Mayhap our luck turns! You will let go of me, or behold this letter torn asunder,” she said, her eyes narrowing and something about her look suggested she was serious.

[Vanderlou]

Thalia Timandre

When the young woman started hitting him with her thick leather-bound tomes, he didn't bother stopping her. Better she vent off her anger now so he could talk to her after she calmed down. The half-elf simply endured the noblewoman's tantrum, amused at the part where she threatened him to unhand her on pain of her wrath.

If this isn't angry then I don't know what is, he thought, pretending to squint every now and then.

When mage-girl suddenly slowed down the intensity of her bashing it was all to eas to see that she was clearly out of breath. Not surprisingly though, it turned out to be only a ruse for him to let his guard down. As quickly as she had stopped hitting him, the mage-girl sprung forward and snatched the letter envelope from his hands, threatening him that she'd tear it up if he didn't let go of her skirt.

He relinquished his grip on her skirt, eyes still trained on the document she was holding in her hand. "I didn't mean to do what I did." the half-elf said in all seriousness. "But I was completely serious when I told you I needed your help and that I'd pay you back for it." Vanderlou finished, his voice dropping an octave lower.

He extended an open hand ever so slowly, while his other hand gripped his broom much tighter than was necessary. "Will you help me?"

[Thalia Timandre]

Vanderlou

“Good boy,” she said, slightly relieved that the half-elf released her skirts. Thalia slowly backed away from him, her eyes not failing to notice the tightening of his grip on the hideous broom. She still made sure to keep the letter out of his reach, her hand raised high towards the direction opposite of him. She was truly amused by his persistence and his seeming desperation to open the door, and she could not help but wonder what business he had with the Academy that he was too desperate to get in. He did say he had an appointment with a master, and the letter emblazoned with an authentic wax seal seemed to confirm that. What need could a refined institution such as the Brightshadows Sorcery Academy possibly have for simpletons like this man, anyway, save perhaps for some menial labour?

She could not begin to think that he was actually going to sign up as a student at the Academy. He did not seem to have the mental prowess required for learning the Art. By the gods, he did seem like a half-witted scatterbrain; tripping clumsily and tugging at her skirts like a little child, banging at the door like a madman, and having that …peculiar fascination with ugly brooms. It was utterly absurd to think this man capable of learning magic at all.

Thalia suddenly saw a likely reason for his desperation, and her expression somewhat softened. She remembered the frantic look on his face when she was leaving, and the hint of despair in his voice when he was begging for her help. Perhaps he had a brother or a sister studying in here, and this man was sent a letter to present himself at the school, so that the masters could personally tell him what fate had befallen his sibling during his course of training? Poss