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 Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 8:53 am
Machi watched as the world that flew past him behind clear glass came to slow before it stopped completely. As the driver from the dark carriage exited, Machi felt his heart drop to his stomach. This was going to be his home for the next few months. The young man with dark chestnut hair layred almost wildly glared at the driver who opened his door and gestured for him to move. Beside Machi another voice spoke, in a tongue native to his island.
"My lord, let us go now."
Those deep blue eyes that were reminecent to the tropical oceans he'd grown up watching grew angry. When he spoke it was perhaps his last open gesture of contempt for being sent here, away from his home, away from everything he knew and loved. And even though Fuego had explained it many times and many months before he was to be brought here, Machi still did not accept it. He waited through Machi's vexed display of disapproval, emotions warring from anger to contempt before setting on a disgusted mix of both. Eyes flared and his fangs bared. It was that tribal blood of the Islands that raged through his veins. Fuego knew this. Knew this because his family served Machis' for many generations.
Many, many generations...It was almost amazing how well Machi's family survived and adapted. Like true warriors, their bloodline, lasted through the ages, virtually untouched by the world beyond the endless oceans.
But not this time.
Fuego ushered Machi out, looking to all the world like a feral beast on a leash. He squirmed as he seemed to dislike the new clothes prepared for him and this challenge. They were deep red, made from the finest silks produced on their island, the markings and designs pronouncing the young man as royalty. His hands were gloved, marked by the same white and black markings as was his main suit. And though he was advised to remove his bandanna, the boy refused.
Machi stood upon the ground in the new shoes crafted for him. He was testing those out too and looked to Fuego who nodded and stood behind his young master to the school before them. This was for Machi's own good, fortunately the young man was not to go this alone. He would accompany the boy as Machi could not speak a lick of this land's language.
Eventually it would change and then the true challenge would start.
Machi could only look on, thinking the same as his aid.
OOC: EDITED
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Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 11:48 am
It was a beautiful tune, though the peice was complicated and hard to learn. Only a true professional could ever master such playing, and such rythmn. Students came every year, some wishing to be half as good as the female who sat before the grand piano now. She was not of great beauty like her sister, but of immense talent. Her white gown was made of pure silk, with a laced black front and laced black sleeves. The hitw split off towards the bottom, revealing black silk and tie-up black heels. Lady Josephine did not close her music sheet as she stood up, for there was no music sheet to close and replace this time. It had been from pure memory, a peice to warm up the music teacher for the times ahead. With smooth and graceful steps, the lady made her way down to the dining hall. Because of the isolation this lady seemed to cloak herself in, the red-haired talent seated herself towards the end of the teacher's table, staring unbreakingly with violet eyes at the students as they walked in.
Unlike her sister, golden blonde hair and striking body added to the beauty. Lady Maybelline sat in front of a tall mirror, which would have usually been hidden in the wall, behind a special door. She ran a golden brush through her hair, letting the long locks fall one by one in front of emerald green eyes. Her beautiful baby blue dress was made of silky much like Josephine's, except that it was sleeveless, and fit her body well. Maybelline stood up, silver heels clicking on thefloor as she walked. Her steps were even and graceful, her hair whistling behind her slightly with each step. She closed the door to her classroom, leaving all the facts of the creatures within the world behind her. She smiled at the teachers before taking her place beside Lord Taite. She smiled at him before turning to her sister a few seats down. The other Lady's head was down, and she reading somthing, or writing something. Just then, Lady Maybelline's beautiful Dove Arabella, swooped down from above, and landed smoothly on the lady's bare shoulder, rubbing her snow white head against the female's cheek.
"Oh please do be careful my little Maxie." Maxwell couldn't help but roll his eyes at his mother's swooning. As the Queen's younger sister, his mother was much too formal and swooning. "Do not worry mother. I am much smart than you believe," replied Maxwell, his voice smooth and low with a light English-like accent. The boy had been removed of his comfortable clothes, and they had been replaced with a pair of black pants that hung loosely over his frame, and a white button-up shirt that was forced upon him despite the boy's protest. But his mother had not been able to get him to wear the nice shoes she'd bought, and Maxwell still wore his regular shoes. Waving silently to his sobbing mother, Maxwell stepped out of the white carriage and made his way inside, his leather bag hanging over his shoulder.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:19 pm
Lord Lawley wiped his brow as he backed his horse into the stall. "Good boy. I'll be back after the orientation," he said, sounding a little tired. Meeting the students was always fun, but he'd rather be out riding or teaching. He picked up the bucket of water on the floor and filled the horse's trough with it. The animal quickly began lapping it up with its long tongue. Still in his riding gear, he picked up his bag from the hook on the wall and slung it over his shoulder. He knew Lady Florizel wouldn't say anything about his appearance; she never did. Walking across the grounds to the castle, he recalled how much he loved the scenery of the school. He passed a few students on the way in, and nodded briefly to them, but with only little interest. In the dining hall, Lord Lawley pulled his chair out from the table and sat in it, slinging his bag off his shoulder and onto the chair he sat in. He was two seats from Lady Florizel and watched her as she glanced around the dining hall.
Lady Taite looked up from her papers, spread haphazardly across the desk. Amazingly, she could find anything that she wanted to in this mess. She smiled to herself and put her quill pen back in its place before looking up at the clock. It was nearly time for the meeting in the dining hall. She lifted herself up from her chair and moved to the mirror. Pulling her fingers quickly through her hair, she decided that she looked well enough. Lady Taite was beautiful no matter what her appearance, and she had already combed her hair previously. She wasn't too bothered with how she appeared, because she was aware of her own beauty. Still, she always presented herself well. Her dress, for example. It was very nice; long and white with golden embroidery and matching long white gloves. Lady Taite slipped her feet into a pair of white slippers and made her way down the stairs. She had gotten used to the long trip over the few years she had been there, and she quickly got down to the dining room and took her place across from her cousin and next to Lady Florizel with a small smile.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 12:49 pm
Grace Bellamont wasn't your typical princess. Truthfully, she wasn't a princess at all - she was a low-ranking noble. But there was nothing wrong with that. All she had to do was look nice and have decent table manners. Easy enough to accomplish. But her mother was convinced that she need lessons on being a 'proper lady'. Grace personally believed her brother needed it more - he was a slob at the dinner table, and he couldn't speak with a civil tongue when it was required of him. Grace quite ungracefully stuck her head clean out of the carriage window, the speed ruffling her hair slightly, to get a peek at the Academy. It was truly wonderful, standing six stories high and made of pale gray stones. Sloping lawns stretched before it, and a bridge crossed a large pond that had no apparent purpose. "Grace, would you mind sitting down like a proper lady?" her mother asked, the exasperation evident even in her polite tone. The young noble scowled but sat down 'properly', arranging her rich scarlet skirts around her. Her mother hadn't approved of the dress at all of course. Proper ladies should wear light pastels - you would look lovely in lilac, Grace. She was glad to be rid of the woman when she headed into the dining room. Because of her natural aversion to older women telling her what to do, she sat far from the instructors. A boy with odd gray hair had already taken the seat farthest away. She boldly plopped herself down next to him and sat her elbows on the table. At the far end of the table headmistress Florizel raised her eyebrows unappreciatively.
Rylan Bromley was a little unenthusiastic about staying at the Academy. Of course it was important that he learned the skills necessary to being king - it was the only way to beat his brother Aaric to the throne - he didn't feel he needed to learn anything. He was polite, poised, and chivalrous. What more could you ask of an eighteen-year-old? He was willing to go through it however, and perhaps meet someone there. It was always better for a nobleman's appearance if he married before assuming the throne. Countries felt more at ease when the ruler had a queen at his side. As he noticed the stable, a sudden chill swept through him. Oh gods, they weren't going to teach them riding were they? Everyone already knew that. So that left only one possibility - jousting. As eloquent and charming as he was, he was never any good at anything athletic. That is, unless ballroom dance counted. As a prince he was more suited to court affairs than battle. As his mother said, he was the brains and Aaric was the brawn. Two parts of the same whole. Rylan stepped out of the carriage after Aaric. "Shall we head in?" he asked, not betraying the nervous clenching feeling in his stomach. Well, he may as well excell at what he was good at. He carefully dusted off his pale blue coat which hung around his shoulders - too hot to wear it, too cool to do without it. Some might find him vain, but Rylan was concerned about his apperance.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:36 pm
Cassiopeia Everson glanced blankly out the window, not at all surprised to see that they were almost there. Vaguely, she recalled being here once when she was a child, but of course, it hadn't been a school at the time, no nothing of the sort, though she didn't remember what it had been either. Sighing, she readjusted her skirts and glanced at her mother out of the corner of her eye. As always, the Lady sat up straight and with a small smile on her face, even though there was nothing to smile about. And just as the Lady did it, she expected her daughter to do it as well. So Cassi straightened her back and forced herself to smile slightly, though it was obvious that it was fake.
"You would do well to be on your best behavior while you're here, Miss Cassiopeia. You father and I will be receiving monthly letters from you teachers on your behavior and your grades. Is that understood?"
Cassi moved to nod, but stopped almost immediatly, remembering once again the manners that her mother demanded. "Yes, Lady Everson." Closing her eyes, Cassi once again looked out the window, her thoughts drifting to when she was a child and had been allowed much more freedom than she was now. At that age, it was expected that a child would be wild and not know manners, but the day that Cassi turned eight she had been forced to act with the uttmost polite and responsible behavior. Cassi's mother expected her to act as if she was at the Kings court at all times, even though she knew that in reality she would never be invited to such a wonderful thing.
As the carriage pulled up in front of the school gates, Cassi moved to open the door, but stopped when her mother sent her a cool glare. Stifling a glare of her own, Cassi sat back in her seat and waited for the footman to open the small door and help her down, before doing the same to her mother.
Lady Everson waited until she had adjusted her many skirts, before motioning for the young man to take Cassiopeia's luggage to the school and let their servants deal with it. "Remember what I said, Miss Cassiopeia."
"Yes, Lady Everson." The Lady bowed and waited for her daughter to do the same, before letting the footman help her back into the carriage. As the carriage drew away, Cassi felt herself relax slightly, before turning to face the school and slowly making her way inside.
Lord Canis peeked out the window of his 3rd floor room, or more rather, the room that he shared with Lady Josephine. As he watched, a black carriage pulled up in front of the gates and a young lady was helped out. A Lady who looked slightly like the young lady merely bowed to her daughter before climbing back in. Well now, that was interesting; it wasn't so much that families hugged or kissed when saying good-bye here, but there was atleast some small physical gesture, like a pat on the arm, the grasping of the hand. But this woman excuted a perfect bow and left her daughter standing by the gates. Smiling slightly, he stood from the window seat and walked slowly out of the room, his steps calm and confident as he made his way down to the dining hall. Already he could see a few students gathered, as well as the look that the Head Mistress was sending one of the female students.
Shaking his head at the Lady's prim ideas, Canis walked slowly to his seat beside Josephine, offering up a warm smile. "Have you seen any prospects yet that interest you?"
Lady Anita took one final look around her room, wondering if the students would find the lack of a personal touch stilfing or if they would even notice that there were no pictures in the room. Walking over the book shelves that lined the walls of the room, Anita ran her eyes over the titles of the ones that she passed, again wondering what her students would think, if they would appreciate the number of books that they had at their access, to use whenever they wanted so long as they were kept in good condition. Sighing, she pushed those thoughts away and walked slowly to her desk, grabbing the small ribbon and tying her hair back somewhat, half up , half down. As she turned to take a step away from the desk, she stepped on the hem of her gown and tripped, managing to catch herself at the last minute on the corner of a student desk.
Scowling, she glanced down at the offending peice of fabric and reminded herself to get her gowns raised slightly, otherwise she'd have a broken neck by the end of the week. No need to place the Head Mistress in such a horrible position. Then again, she knew that there were a number of classes that were left open because of no teacher. Wondering out of her room and slowly making her way down to the first floor, Anita stepped into the dining room and took her seat beside the Head Mistress, as much as she didn't like sitting there. It wasn't so much that she didn't like the lady as that Lady Florizel intimidated the hell out of her. Sighing, she offered a small bow of her head in greeting.
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Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2008 4:53 pm
Damien watched with his steel-grey eyes as a girl walked over and took a seat. His slight smirk was hidden behind his folded hands, but in a matter of seconds his expression had faded to stony once more. His cool, unwavering stare never left the girl, and somewhere in the back of his mind he rudely wondered what she was doing here when there was the whole room to choose from.
With his unnerving gaze still on the girl, his thoughts drifted to the authorities sitting on the other side of the room. A wicked smile spread slowly across his smile as he imagined what they saw in the very back corner; a sullen boy and girl, each slouching in their seat with their elbows upon the table. No doubt they looked like a right difficult pair, and this thought gave him a slight satisfaction. If he was going to be here against his will, at least he'd be able to cause some trouble.
The chattering of students was beginning to get to him and he slunk a little lower in his seat, still maintaining his stare. He wondered briefly how long it would take to get a reaction out of the girl, and began to contemplate what that reaction would be. She didn't look like the type to blush and look away...no, maybe a snappy verbal response, or a glare of her own. Damien smirked mentally, making sure to keep his face devoid of emotion.
Coralie had been watching the arriving students for a while now. She had seen many excited students and just as many unenthusiastic ones, though she didn't understand that mindset. To her, the idea of going off to a new school in a new place filled with new people seemed like a dream come true; somewhere to start over fresh, with nobody knowing what her past life had been like.
The latest arrivals were a girl, who had headed straight inside, a pair of boys - twins, she noticed now - and another girl, who seemed to have a rather dysfunctional relationship with her mother. Coralie watched with her deep blue eyes as the last girl walked in, leaving only the twins and herself outside.
Briefly, Coralie wondered if maybe she was invisible. None of the students had noticed her staring from her spot at the wall, it seemed. This led to a smile; it had always been a childhood wish to have the ability to be invisible at will. It had always seemed to her that it would be a useful talent.
Giggling slightly as she fell into a daydream, the girl failed to realize that it would be a good time to head inside the school, as the cool wind was starting to chill her a little and she was prone to colds. She shivered subconsciously, but the temperature was not enough to bring her back from her own world, the one she had been developing from the age of six.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 12:31 pm
At first glance the school seemed cold and intimidating to Machi, it was as large as his home back on the islands (perhaps larger), but it lacked the flora and fauna that covered it, protected it and concealed it from their enemies. This one was wide out in the open! Instinctively Machi moved carefully, deep blue eyes darting about as he assessed his new surroundings. But this manner seemed inappropriate for his personal servant, Fuego, placed a hand upon his shoulders. When the young prince turned to look, he found the old man giving a disapproving shake of his head. Of course Machi knew what this meant. As he was told many times before, this was not an unsafe place, many youths his age were sent here to be educated and brought up to become refined leaders.
Even now as they made their way across the bride, Machi saw many children also headed to the school, all of different appearances but they carried with them, a certain elegant air. And though he was of royal blood, he instantly felt as though he didn’t belong. Not just in this school, but this…world.
Machi felt a pang of home sickness and his gaze moved to the water beneath the bridge. The image of a feral prince dressed in clothes of a civilization he had fitted into so perfectly gazed back uncertain and sad. And yet, no matter how much he hated the decision to come here, Machi had after all agreed to it. The future of his kingdom, of his people, rested upon his shoulders. This was a fight not unlike anything his ancestors that came before had ever faced. But weather it was because his attitude, or the blood of the Islands tribe in him, Machi could not personally back down from this challenge. Looking back was no more an option than was turning around.
And to those ends, the young boy lifted his head a little higher and walked forward, trying to imitated the graceful and proud air that all the students walked with, perhaps not even aware they were doing it. He was not aware of this country’s manners and laws, but he’d learn. As for right now, he’d try to familiarize himself. He needed to learn the language and try to find a means to communicate to everyone. Fuego was here to assist as he’d studied languages and was a scholar back home. Machi hated relying on anyone, but if he was to succeed, then he’d use Fuego as much as he needed till he could stand on his own. He didn’t have a clue where to go, but instead followed the general crowd. He made certain that Fuego walked behind him as was customary back home. He could not be seen as a child being led in by a chaperone! As he expected, the school was lavished and befitting of royalty, the walls were white, polished. There was a serious lack of color, but at the same time, it promoted a certain calm and focus with in an individual. Machi didn’t have long to admire his surroundings, rather, he had to watch where everyone walked. Naturally he didn’t bother to speak already certain that they wouldn’t understand and vise versa.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 1:12 pm
Bella fidgeted in her seat. She sat on the far end of the table, mostly away from all of the other students. She was nervous because there was so much more people coming and it was a school for princes and princesses. There were going to be classes teaching etiquette and she was good at it, but she might make a mistake and be punished. When she was little, she would never be able to go outside much, rarely is more the word. She was kept inside her home and taught to learn many things without having fun. Although the outcome of her life at home did not turn out right, instead of the proper and prim young lady that her parents or just her step mother had expected, she was more shy, clumsy, but still beautiful. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father remarried a pitiful and cruel queen, to her that is. Now, this is a way the queen got rid of her, to send her to this school. She thought of it as a relief just not to be at home. She twiddled with her hair out of habit, letting it go in case if it is not proper. 'This is so unnerving...I hope the teachers are kind...and the other royalties here too...' She wished.
Bella looked around again. Most of the princes are handsome and the princesses are beautiful more so than herself. She looked back down. She was slightly shivering or trembled a bit. She tried to put a smile on her lips, but only managed to have a light nervous smile to show. 'No...this is not the time to mess up...I have to calm down...or father will be disappointed!'
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 2:25 pm
Lady Josephine's pale but beautiful face lifted as she felt Canis's presence beside her. Her music book was open on her lap, a half-finished song on its page. She quickly closed and smiled, though it was small and obviously forced. "It is hard to tell which students have potential, and the talent to play music. And to judge them so quickly would be absurd and a bit too judgmental. But that's just me. It must be a bit easier to tell which students have the legs and the spirit to dance. Do you see anyone of interest?" Her voice was smooth, and unwavering, though it was obvious she didn't speak much.
Mawell could not believe his mother had forced him to come here. He never planned to rule a country, or own an estate, so why is he here at all. Spotting a table where one half was empty, except for a girl, Maxwel decided it would be the best choice. He made his way over, his strides long and naturally smooth. "You don't mind if I sit here," he asked Bella with a charming smile.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:09 pm
Smiling slightly, Canis nodded, glancing at her lap in curosity. He always liked to hear her music. Deciding to put that aside for later, he focused on what she said, though he didn't much agree. "That's not always true. Just by glancing at a person's mannerisms and listening to the way they talk it's easy to gain a small amount of information about their personality or their particular strengths." His voice was quiet, more out of respect for her than anything. Canis wondered why she forced herself to smile at him even though it was obvious that she wasn't in the mood to do so. "As for ones that interest me, not yet. But then again, they arn't all here."
Cassi stepped slowly into the castle, her movement slow and elegant, just as she was taught; she seriously doubted if anyone could tell just how badly she wanted to quicken (is that even a word? lol) her pace. Keeping her facial expressions carefully blank, Cassi did just that, speeding up ever so slightly. The walls were blank and boring, though it certainly left the mind room for imagination about what could possible go there. Continuing to stare at the walls and stairs as she passed, Cassi ceased to pay attention to her footing and she stepped on the hem of her dress, causing her to fall forward. A small yelp slipped from her throat as she fell; reaching her hands out, Cassi just barely managed to keep herself from falling fully to the ground, though now her knees were probably bruised. Sighing, she debated whether or not to just leave now or to stay and just get the torture over with.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:34 pm
The headmistress nodded politely at Lady Anita and offered her a smile. The noble lady always sometimes appeared uncomfortable around her. "How are you Lady Anita? Did you receive your class schedule?" she asked.
Grace cast the headmistress a slightly apologetic look, and slid her elbows off the table, though her hands still remained on the polished wood surface. It was a moment before she realized the young prince next to her was staring at her quite intensely. This bothered her a bit. She was used to people staring at her, but it was normally because of her 'outrageous' behavior or because she was clumsy. This stare was different from those and it made her uneasy. Well, she wasn't going to take it. She stared right back at him, sizing up the best reaction to the offending gaze. Making her decision she glanced to see if Lady Florizel was watching, but she seemed to be talking to someone. So she stuck her tongue out at the boy. "Have a painting made, it lasts longer," she said, crossing her arms.
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:58 pm
Anita jumped slightly when Lady Florizel addressed her, quite unsure of how to react. She hesitated for only a moment, before nodding her confirmation. "Yes, I have it. I am pleased with them." Tapping her fingers gently on her theigh, beneath the table so that the Lady could not see, she spoke again. "I'm excited for the classes to begin."
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Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:26 pm
Damien leaned back in his seat and smirked, crossing his arms over his chest as he did. His expression fell quickly, though, and he let out a long, dramatic sigh.
He had seen the look she had cast back at the headmistress. So she was one of them, the ones who cared what was proper or not. At least, in front of the authorities, she was. The boy looked at her pityingly for a few moments, thinking of all the fun they could have had.
"Lamentable," he murmured with an obvious air of woe. He gave a crooked smile and spoke again, clearer this time. "Sticking your tongue out? Now, now, is that proper behaviour for a princess?" he asked with a mockingly prim accent, his eyebrows raised.
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:43 pm
"I guess. But looks can be a bit decieving. A young lady who looks graceful could be so very clumsy," replied Josephine, brushing a lock of glossy, scarlet hair. She straightened her dress, rosy red lips pursed in some unknown emotion. Her slender hands gripped the music book loosely, long nails rubbing against the satin fabric of the cover.
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Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 4:52 pm
He nodded, conceding the point. Smiling slightly, Canis watched as she gripped the book loosely, wondering why she had even brought it. "Prehaps, but a girl that looks clumsy could be clumsy."
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