Ninth House | Miscellaneous

[astxrism]

{ end of the previous school year in a far corridor / with Renlin }

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Hayes’ mission began way back before the end of the school year, before someone he considered friend* found him almost passed out in front of a blank wall in one of the school corridors, weird symbols written all over the floor.

It began one day, at the beginning of that second semester when his best friend Miles** started acting rather strange. Words coming out of his mouth that Hayes did not understand; now, it’s not that he didn’t understand him, it’s that it simply did not make sense. From Miles’ point of view it felt wrong being as powerful as he was, as if he did not deserve it, did not deserve what those powers would later mean to his life. For someone as brilliant and dedicated as Miles, this existential crisis - constant paranoia and a sense that he was in danger was a disturbing revelation. If someone knew Miles it was Hayes. His sharp intellect and dedication to his studies quickly set him apart from their peers, and Hayes always admired him for it. One could say he was Hayes’ role model, one of the reasons why Hayes became even more thirsty for knowledge and academic validation. Other than his sister, Lenore, who he wanted nothing but to protect and secure their future.

Hayes became determined to uncover the source of his weird behavior and he had every right to believe that the root problem was in Aurora; a girl who possibly knew everything about everyone and was putting on this positive persona he so deeply hated because it was obviously so fake. She simply had the privilege of being the headmaster’s daughter and if she wanted something her father would make sure she got it. At least that’s how Hayes understood things work around here but there was one thing that did not add up - the two of them were in a romantic relationship. A fact Hayes couldn’t bear, couldn’t understand. A guy so smart was definitely not smart about his love interest. However, Hayes’ attempt was not successful because nearing the end of the school year was when Miles disappeared.

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Hayes did everything he could to find Miles which ultimately led him to search his whole dorm room in the hope of finding something, anything and to his luck it worked. He was soon in possession of something one might call a diary but it looked far from it. It was filled with Latin words and things Hayes did not understand, an indication that his friend had begun a research of his own. Could that possibly be what led to his disappearance? Will the same thing happen to Hayes? Sometimes, he liked to think of himself as a risk taker and not the boy someone would often ignore and put in the category of a nerdy shy guy who probably plots something dark (as Amani does); and that day he was feeling risky.

What Hayes later discovered and what led him to serious, dedicated research was an event he does not dare to speak of for fear that it could’ve been real and not just a trick of his mind, or a fear that he was losing his mind. A traumatic event that will get him where he will later be - back in Ninth House, repeating a year.

In the depths of his research, Hayes became convinced that a secret chamber lay concealed within the hallowed walls of Ninth House and he wanted to find it. On the day Renlin stumbled upon him in that hallway, Hayes was kneeling before a wall in a forgotten hallway with a book and rare herbs in front of him. If he did the right thing, if the right spells left his mouth the door would appear in front of him, and in his mind Hayes could vividly visualize that happening so clearly because he was right. He had to be right.

Unfazed by the strange symbols that made no sense, he meticulously drew them on the floor and with that Hayes began the chants that spilled from his lips. It was as if the energy shifted, as if the corridor seemed to respond, absorbing the mystical vibrations. However, in a moment of determination he took the next step. The ritual demanded more than symbols and words; it demanded a sacrifice, a blood one. So with a ceremonial knife in hand, he carefully cut his palm. His blood dripped onto the symbols below and that’s when the strangest thing started happening; they twisted as if resisting his intentions. And that’s when it happened…

Nothing. Hayes was wrong. There was no secret chamber and all of this was for nothing. In the aftermath of the ceremony, Hayes found himself weakened and disoriented, his vision blurred and senses dulled by the forces he had sought to manipulate. It was at this moment that from the corner of his eye he saw a movement, and slowly moving his head towards it he saw him - he saw Renlin staring at him. ”Ren-This… this is not what it looks like- It’s,“ Hayes met Renlin’s gaze with a haunted expression, his actions weighing heavily on him. As he attempted to get up from the cold floor, his limbs felt weak. The symbols on the floor seemed to mock him, silent witnesses to his silly attempt. ”Hey, it’s… I thought there was something here, okay?“

---

* that friend being Renlin but we’ll get to it later, be patient dear reader
** If you remember, Miles is the top student that later went missing
@Madilnel - Ren

[Kristi]

༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ

In the woods somewhere

༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ

Here she stood, a deliberate deviation from the realm of textbooks, no regrets in her decision. The wind, a gentle caress, wove through the labyrinth of her long, thick, curly hair. The night air bore a crispness that embraced Thalia, offering solace within its stillness. The fragrance of blooming flowers lingered, contributing a delicate note to the nocturnal symphony.

She stared at Renlin, with all the world’s curiosity in her eyes and a hint of amusement in it too. Renlin always managed to amuse her, even when at times she would find herself annoyed or more like confused with his antics, she never once found him unamusing and that was a good thing. Being around Renlin was like taking a break from the world, it was relaxing in a very hyper way which Thalia liked. That was the reason she had agreed to come outside at this time, because it was Renlin and also because she was getting tired of studying and researching, she needed a break

“You just can’t stay away from me, huh?" Renlin had said, a smirk tugging the corners of his lips and amusement visible in his eyes.

Thalia had responded to him, like she always did, saying, “So isn’t it you, who can’t stay away from me?” her voice was teasing, Renlin’s own was too but with a hint of something else at least with his next response. What was his next response you might be wondering? Well, it was You’re right, I can’t and that had sent subtle flutters through Thalia’s stomach—a sensation she attempted to downplay, after all he was Inessa’s brother and that is all he should be.

When Renlin had tried to hand her a helmet so she could ride on his motorcycle with him, Thalia had swiftly turned that down. No, there was no way she was going to ride on a motorcycle. Renlin had responded to her rejection with a raised brow, is there something else you’d rather ride?

Curse, curse, curse her dirty mind.

At that question, Thalia had thought some very differently from what he had probably intended for it to sound like. Her mind had went to memories that were not quite unpleasant… God what was she saying. She blinked turning around, he was right- there was no other surrounding mode of transportation, well of course except for their, “Legs. Renlin , we are humans, we have legs.” She told him as she leaned sightly close to him. “It’s not that far is it?” And even if it was, they could still probably manage- Renlin did look like an athlete and Thalia was used to walking long miles , especially when she was… out… exploring.

As she continued to reject the “invitation” to riding the motorcycle, she had asked Renlin where exactly theh were going to. His response had made her arc a brow, in addition to a small smile that tugged the corners of her lips. So you either have absolutely no idea where we are going or I am assuming its a secret?" And for some reason both excited her, she really need a break from everything.

༄ؘ ۪۪۫۫ ▹▫◃ ۪۪۫۫ ༄ؘ

@Madilnel

[idiot.exe]

Roughly 5 years ago ~ Beaumont’s estate

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

Eyes closed and violin in hand, Atlas let the melody sway him. It’s graceful tone echoed off the grand walls, reaching the painted ceilings, the carefully carved figures that adorned the numerous pillars. The sound of his father’s melancholy piano and his mother’s radiant voice complimented Atlas’ violin. They were so synchronized, it was nearly impossible to tell there were separate musicians playing. As a musical and wealthy family, the Alstones were often invited to perform at prestigious events. Yet Atlas never thought he’d be called to play in a palace so grand. As soon as he stepped on the land, he felt as if he’d entered an old storybook. From the railings to the golden accents, the statues and warm-tinted chandeliers, every little detail gave off an aura of glamour.

The Alstones in particular stood atop a platform, where a marble staircase descended on both sides. The longer they played, the more it felt like their music had gained a material form. A foggy mist began to swirl at their feet, flowing off the platform like a dreamlike waterfall. Their instruments began to emanate a soft glow, golden ribbons of light following the rhythm of their music. An illusiory landscape formed around them, twisting and changing along with the melody.

The people below kept their eyes locked on the show, as if enchanted. The elegant formalwear they flaunted was a clear sign of their wealth and prestige. And among them were the Beaumonts, the family friends which had invited the Alstones to perform.

It was highly important to Atlas to give it his best. Not because they were well respected connections, in fact that seemed only half true. But because he’d noticed something between his mother and Columbina Beaumont. A tension hidden beneath their polite smiles. It was as if their friendship hung by a string, threatening to fall apart any moment. He couldn’t fail nor disappoint them, especially at an event of high priority. His need for perfection took over, his eyes tightening briefly as he played. It turned from something enjoyable, to yet another competition against his own abilities. Atlas was lucky that his parents’ illusory images overshadowed his own shortcomings. If anybody paid more attention to his music, they would’ve noticed how he played just slightly off tune, his body stiff and expression strained.

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

As the first quarter of their show came to an end, Atlas breathed a sigh of relief. He slowly lowered the violin, his hands shaking from the effort he’d put in. The fading mist only intensified the dizzy aftereffect of his intense concentration.

Atlas gently leaned the intrument against a nearby pillar and approached his parents. He was met with both of their encouraging smiles, and he instantly felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. There was nothing more comforting than the bond he shared with his family. And what a bond it was — the two knew their son so well. Due to his perfectionistic tendencies, he’d been excused from performing the entire night. It wasn’t something that came suddenly, in fact, they’d anticipated the weight such an event would have on Atlas. So months in advance, he was left pleading with them, trying to prove that he could handle such a grand task. And to think he’d failed, after all those empty promises. He’d let his need for success take over, leaving him with nothing but exhaustion and frustration.

With a wave and a half-hearted smile, he retreated off to a break. He walked across the platform, lost in his thoughts. Even though he had plenty time to admire the interior ever since he’d arrived, Atlas still couldn’t get enough of the sight. It was mesmerizing, unlike anything he’d seen before in the city. He lightly held onto the railings as he walked by the edge, lost in the canvas of luxury displayed in hues of white, gold and blue.

But there was a simple flaw he overlooked. It wasn’t long before he reached the part where the platform and staircase connected. And before he could blink, he felt his foot lose balance. The world blurred around him, adrenaline rushed through his blood. In a quick attempt to save himself, he grasped the cold railing. And as he narrowly avoided an accident, he found himself in a very awkward position.

Suddenly, a pair of shoes appeared on the step in front. Atlas turned his head up, his wide eyes meeting the stranger. He took a brief moment to comprehend what had happened, feeling the adrenaline slowly fade.

And not a second after, he burst out laughing.

“Oh god—” he cut himself off, struggling to breathe. “What a grand introduction!” Though he wanted to help himself up from his hunched over position, his laughing was making it hard to move. He slowly inhaled, trying to steady himself. “You look familiar… Have we met?”

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

@cordyx ✧ Celestine Beaumont

[Jass]

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Summer Break Prior

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Dante’s eyes lit up with a mischievous glint as Renlin welcomed him. He responded with a charismatic smirk, embracing the anticipation of the adventures that awaited them. “Took me just as long as it needed, my friend. Can’t rush the thrill of the journey,” he replied, his tone echoing the carefree spirit that defined his approach to life.

As Renlin talked about making the summer one for the books and conjuring up mischief, Dante’s grin widened. “Books? More like a saga, my friend. Let’s make it one to remember,” he declared, fully immersing himself in the excitement of the upcoming summer. The prospect of chaos and unpredictable adventures resonated with Dante, and he was more than ready to dive into all.

Dante flashed a mischievous grin in response to Renlin’s offer. “Your dad, huh? Well, tell him it was Officer Stoneface. Though, I think my charm worked better than any intervention he could’ve pulled off,” Dante said with a wink. His confidence in handling the situation was evident, and he walked alongside Renlin with an easy swagger, ready for the adventures the island had in store.

As they made it on the boat, on their way to the island, Dante’s carefree attitude remained intact. He said, “Your family sure knows how to navigate these waters, on and off the boat,” Dante added with a playful smirk, acknowledging both Renlin’s expertise in boating and the playful notion of his dad handling potential legal hiccups.

As they got to the island, Dante’s eyes widened as Renlin unveiled the mystical beauty of Shadow Isle. The atmosphere seemed to change, and Dante couldn’t help but feel a magnetic pull to the enchanting surroundings. The mention of Renlin’s great-grandfather and the island’s magical aura captured Dante’s attention, and he absorbed Renlin’s words with a sense of awe. Dante had a thing for exploring unique places, and this island most certainly would do.

“Shadow Isle,” Dante repeated, the name resonating with a certain mystique. He let out a low whistle, impressed by the lush greenery and the promise of hidden secrets within the island’s folds. The mysterious rustle of leaves seemed to beckon him into a realm where the ordinary melted away, leaving only the extraordinary.

Dante’s carefree demeanor momentarily softened as he took in the scene, the allure of the extraordinary weaving its own kind of magic around him. “This place is something else, Renlin. Your great-grandfather knew what he was doing. Feels like stepping into a whole different world,” he remarked, his hazel eyes reflecting a blend of excitement and curiosity.

Already, Dante sensed that Shadow Isle held the potential for countless adventures, each one more enchanting than the last. The anticipation of the summer’s magical moments hung in the air, and Dante couldn’t wait to explore every hidden cove and unravel the mysteries that whispered through the leaves.

Dante chuckled at Renlin’s mention of Inessa’s less-than-enthusiastic reception. “Ah, Inessa,” he mused, feigning a wounded expression. “Guess I’ll have to try extra hard not to charm her with my irresistibly obnoxious laugh and my signature scent of adventure and rebellion.”

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Dante added, “Who knew I could be such a menace to the ‘serene vibes’ of Shadow Isle? Well, challenge accepted. Let’s see if I can make even Inessa crack a smile by the end of this summer.” Dante’s mind began concocting playful schemes, contemplating the perfect prank to pull on Inessa. His rebellious spirit relished the idea of shaking things up a bit. With a subtle nod to Renlin, Dante whispered, “Let’s give her a welcome she won’t forget - something that’ll have her laughing with us in the end. What do you say, Captain Renlin? Ready to add a dash of our special chaos to this serene haven?”

---

@Madilnel - Renlin

[Jass]

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Ten Years Old | Around the Skylark Cabbin

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As the two girls locked eyes, a spark of genuine warmth lit up Lyra’s face, radiating through her smile. The ethereal notes from her harp lingered in the air, creating a delicate melody that embraced the newfound excitement coming from the stranger’s arrival.

Esther, with her dark brown hair framing her face and matching dark brown eyes, introduced herself. Lyra’s smile widened, and her eyes mirrored the childlike innocence reflected in Esther’s toothy grin. "Thank you, Esther! It’s lovely to meet you too,” Lyra responded, her voice carrying a friendly melody.

Blushing at Esther’s compliment about the harp and her appearance, Lyra couldn’t contain a joyful giggle. “You’re pretty too! And I’m really glad you like the harp,” Lyra added, her words echoing with genuine warmth toward her newfound friend. Esther’s excitement and genuine demeanor swiftly erased any lingering traces of Lyra’s earlier apprehension.

As Esther explained the reason for her stroll and the family picnic, Lyra nodded in understanding. “A picnic sounds like fun! I’m here playing my harp. It’s my secret place. You can join me if you’d like!”

Esther jogged up and settled beside Lyra in the welcoming shade, the breeze carrying the intoxicating scent of wildflowers. The comforting rustle of tree leaves combined with Esther’s friendly company, creating an undeniable sense of camaraderie. Lyra’s fingers danced on the harp strings, and the meadow, once Lyra’s solitary haven, now echoed with the harmonious blend of music and newfound friendship.

Lyra, still plucking the strings of her harp, grinned and asked with childlike curiosity, “Do you have a favourite spot in the meadow? I love my secret place, but maybe you have one too!” The meadow seemed to listen in anticipation, waiting for Esther’s tales about secret places to join the enchanting stories already woven into its magical fabric.

---

@Mouschi - Esther

[cordyx]

Roughly 5 years Ago - Beaumont’s Estate

━─━────༺༻────━─━

“And why do you think that is appropriate to wear? I said that pink dress ever so conveniently placed on that mannequin!”

The once serene hallways that could catch the most miniscule of noise, with each wall ornated with the finest of paintings, were soon pierced by her mother’s voice. And a voice that sang a harmonious rage, that was. Celestine had debated with herself about the event that is happening below her feet, an event that predetermined that string of luck that a good omen has begun to bless the family and the legacy that is engrained within all of them. Her brother Dennis recently graduated with high remarks, Lilibeth marking her 21st birthday with an attention-grabbing cover that took notice of her wondrous voice, her father’s brother’s announcement on a new child that they had hoped for a long while, and her father’s copious contributions on building settlements and community lots that strengthened ties and businesses. Such events that happened in a linear fashion are worthy of being boasted, and yet this luck worried Celestine, as she had brought nothing despite her standing as the star child of the Beaumont’s.

Naturally, all she wanted was to blend as soon as the music died out and the guests lost steam as they reek the vestibule with wine. What better way to blend than to take advantage of the estate’s title, “The Blue Palace”? It was a glamorous choice, simple and understated enough to distract the guest with the ornate decorations and glistening accents. To put it simply, she looks good in blue and would look horrid with such a statement piece that lingered in the corner of her room. “Mother, pink won’t look good on me. I… think there would be better options that could make me look nicer and-”

“And waste thousands on a dress your mother carefully picked for you? Nonsense! You will wear that dress and you will go downstairs looking your best. And fix your hair; you haven’t even brushed those curls properly! Sit on that chair and fix your face while your mother fixes your hair.” Celestine, without another word, sat unto the dresser as she reapplied the makeup that had creased on her face. After a few minutes, both came out of the room looking like matching sisters with matching dresses, albeit Celeste looking a little paler than she had anticipated. They were fashionably late, however, as the Alstones started their performance.

With both reunited with the whole family, Celestine saw the marble stairs formed into a scene of glistening nature that reflected on the decorated walls and golden filaments. Its enchanting scenery made it difficult to look away, distracting everyone from the surroundings that were once a spectacle of awe. But with her eyes entranced by the scenery, the sound next to her was a sound out of beat—a grinding of teeth. Naturally, her mother was not impressed. Words uttered underneath her smile: ‘Of course they’d pick that song to sing, showoff.’ and ‘Look at that kid, so meekly. I’m sure Marielle noticed her son’s faulty.’, all the more making it unharmonious to Celestine, barely enjoying half of the performance. Those comments soon ended with the illusions coming to a close, and a roaring applause followed suit alongside the view of her mother rolling eyes, looking at her.

━─━────༺༻────━─━

With the small intermission, the Beaumonts had a quick opportunity to greet the Alstones, each giving the proper greeting, but none more entertaining than the two ladies giving shallow compliments and awkward laughter. Celestine had noticed a missing member, wondering where he had left off. Her mother wondered the same, with both parties hinting at the children moving elsewhere. Her mother made sure she’d meet Atlas, especially since they were the same age and status, signaling where he’d been and signing her to smile. And just as she looked back, the families faded alongside the guests, eating and drinking.

Reaching the stairs, she was met with a plethora of passing exchanges: a meeting at the garden alongside coquettish language, ending a business affair with an agent among them, rebuking a plan on spiking a noble’s drink, and a heist on her mother’s favored jewels. All but familiar conversations that she had heard since the age of 7, fully tuning out the repetitive plans and giving courtesy by nodding with a slight smile on her painted face. As soon as she was about to reach the platform, however, she heard a slip unusual to hear on marbled steps and saw a head of hair as she looked down. Thereafter, the awkward man laughed and could barely stand up, leaving Celestine to help him raise him a little with a confused look on her face.

"You look familiar. Have we met? ”

“I’m afraid we have not talked that much, despite our family’s relations. But I understand your unfamiliarity.” Celestine had made sure to give him a hand, directing him in a much more stable space than the steps, looking atop of the vestibule as she let go and held unto the railing with such a delicate manner, “Now that we are in a… controlled space, allow me to introduce myself. I am Celestine Beaumont, youngest of the Beaumont siblings. I come here to say that… I adored your performance, such light and melodious arrangement your family has planned. And I am the first to say that I am impressed with the illusionary spectacle.”

Before making any comments, she looked besides the decorations to garner some compliments and reflected a ghastly reflection that let out an unladylike sound out of her mouth. She knew it would happen—one with red locks looked dreadful in pink. It was fine moments before, as she looked warm, but that shock somehow took the color and also broke a barrier of formality expected of her. With a weak voice, she uttered, “Do I look bad? Be honest.” Realizing her faltered state, she pinched her cheeks to regain that warmth and weakly smiled, “Erm, how’s the party? Does it meet you expectation? I apologize for that comment, this… is not my style. I wouldn’t say I’m too fond of this night… I mean- no, I loved your family’s performance, it’s just… well… I am speaking too much, I apologize.”

━─━────༺༻────━─━

@idiot.exe - Atlas Theodore Alstone

[Jass]

---

End of Previous School Year

---

Dante met Dominic’s intense gaze with an air of casual confidence, enjoying the unspoken tension that hung between them. He allowed a lazy smile to spread across his face, as if the encounter was nothing more than a minor interruption to his day.

“Appreciate it,” Dante replied, the smile had shifted into a nonchalant grin. “Skill, talent, or a touch of something more,” Dante mused, his voice taking on a deeper, more mysterious tone. “It’s all in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?”

Dante inched closer, a slow and deliberate approach that felt more like a dance than a mere step. His gaze, now intense, locked onto Dominic’s eyes, and a subtle challenge simmered beneath his carefree exterior. The flour in Dominic’s hand, a potential weapon, lingered in the air as an unspoken threat, but Dante’s grin remained, seemingly unfazed by the tension.

“But I’ve got to say, your observation skills are pretty sharp. Not everyone catches the disappearing act. Most people just think I’m a really fast jumper,” Dante remarked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Seeing things others don’t, it’s a rare gift,” Dante continued, his words laced with a hint of amusement. “But you’re not the only one with sharp eyes around here.”

The atmosphere tightened as Dante leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering. “You’re right about one thing, though. It’s not an everyday thing to witness someone like me. And trust me, you’ve only scratched the surface.” Dante flashed another charismatic grin, then added in a more conspiratorial tone, “Just remember to keep it on the down-low. Magic, you know? Don’t want the secret getting out.”

---

@idiot.exe - Dominic

[Caticorn]

---

September 2017 - I Wasn’t Expecting You Here

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Starting school after the accident was hard. Doing it without his brother was even harder. His sister, Felicity, helped him when he needed it but it just wasn’t the same. He found himself going to Isaac’s grave more often now because of it and also because he was now independent enough that he could be there by himself. Sometimes he would bring things to leave at the grave, others he would he would sit and talk and sometimes he would just sit in silence.

He had asked Felicity to drive him, mostly because she was the most understanding of his anxieties surrounding cars, but when he got there, he limped his way to the grave alone. As much as they leaned on each other for support at times, it was moments like these that they knew to give each other space and let each other have private moments. He had a crutch that he leaned on periodically, even though he had insisted to his mother that he didn’t need it before leaving the house. She had insisted he bring it anyway because he might and naturally, she was right.

However, upon arriving at the grave, he discovered that he wasn’t alone. There was someone already there. He got close enough to see who it was a stopped in his tracks once he recognized them. Inessa. He debated whether or not he would go further. Since the accident, things between Tae and his cousins had been tense, to say the least. Renlin had made it abundantly clear that he wanted nothing to do with him but Inessa hadn’t been as harsh, which is what ultimately led to Tae approaching her, clearing his throat when he got close to alert her to his presence.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you’d be here.” He apologized, avoiding eye contact. He leaned on his crutch out of habit as a silent tension settled between them. Despite Inessa supposedly being his family, everything had become so messed up that he wasn’t sure what to say to her anymore.

---

@Madilnel - Inessa

[Mouschi]

The Record Shop | 15 Years Old

Esther began her day by lying peacefully in bed during the serene early morning, her mind pondering over the weird dream she had experienced the previous night. The pleasant aroma of a reed diffuser continues to permeate the air in her bedroom. With her eyes closed, she savors the delightful fragrance before slowly sitting up and stretching. The sunrise is mere minutes away, and Esther eagerly looks forward to her usual morning conversation with her father in the sun room over a cup of tea. Quickly, she wraps herself in her robe, pausing briefly to tidy her hair as she makes her way. Upon reaching the landing, Esther is greeted by Ruby, a maid, who presents her with a small cup of hojicha and a friendly smile.

“Princess!”, her father spoke out in a sleepy voice, yawning as he called her over. He is dressed in professional attire and holding a plate with a perfectly balanced cup of matcha in his hands. Esther smiles at him and sits in the sofa opposite, ”Morning, dad!”, she answers. Her gaze turns to the sunroom windows where she could enjoy the view of a sparkling golden hue over the horizon. With every sip of the tea, Esther questioned her plans for the day, as it was a holiday and schools were closed. Turning to her dad, she asks, ”Can I have Lucas drive me into town today?”. Her father looks at her with an approving nod, ”Yes, of course, just return before dinner". Esther beamed, finishing her tea and embracing her father before running back up to her room.

Esther, having completed her shower and selected her attire, sent Lucas a text message containing the address of a record store nestled in a nearby town. This place had been recommended to her by a friend, and she was excited to sort through their collection of rock vinyl records. When she was prepared, a car arrived to collect her just outside the entrance gates. As soon as she settled into the vehicle, she initiated a conversation with Lucas, playfully teasing him about his infatuation with Ruby. The drive took around thirty minutes, giving her plenty of time to ruffle his feathers before reaching her destination. Upon her arrival, she stepped out of the car and made her way indoors. The store had a dark aesthetic and a variety of vinyls strewn about. Esther quickly found her way to the Linkin Park vinyl, gently picking one from the stack and examining the cover. She ignores the feeling that someone is looking at her, and continues sorting through the pile, her concern outmatched by her excitement.

@Caticorn

[Mouschi]

The Meadow | 10 Years Old

Immersing herself in the melodies of the harp, Esther felt comfortable and content, letting the breeze comb through her long hair. As she listened to Lyra’s angelic voice, she brought her knees up to her chest, caging them in her arms. The tranquil atmosphere made her feel like she was floating midair, in a dream of some sort. And finally, the picnic food had filled her with drowsiness and made her eyelids feel heavy.

Lyra turned towards Esther with a spark of curiosity gleaming in her eyes. She asked, ”Do you have a favourite spot in the meadow? I love my secret place, but maybe you have one too!”. Esther paused, her face soon falling into a mixed expression, ”Oh - I’m not from around here”, she answered shyly. Realizing that soon she would have to return home, she rubbed the back of her neck. The two may have just met, but Esther felt a strange connection to Lyra, and the thought of leaving had saddened her.

"But don’t worry! My family is here for the rest of the summer”, she remarked, hoping to lighten the despair. Her smile reappeared as she contemplated how the two can make the best out of the remaining time. Despite summer being her least favorite season, perhaps Lyra could help change her mind.

Growing up, Esther had gotten used to parting ways with her friends, yet the realization still stung her heart each time. She quickly shook her head, "Yeah, we’ll definitely come back, I can promise that”. As the only child of affluent parents, Esther practically had them wrapped around her little finger from birth, so her parents would gladly bring her back upon request. Turning towards Lyra once again, she asked in a warm tone, ”Have you ever been ice skating?”

@Jass

[idiot.exe]

Roughly 5 years ago ~ Beaumont’s estate

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

With the girl’s help, Atlas climbed up a step until he was back on the platform. He put his elbows on the railing and casually leaned back, as if nothing had happened. Noticing the confused look on her face, Atlas couldn’t stop his lips curving into a grin. “I’m fine, don’t worry. I just didn’t see the…” he looked back, gesturing to the staircase. “…Giant stairs that take up a third of the room,” he laughed.

She introduced herself as Celestine and her name immediately rang a bell. Especially combined with her last name, Beaumont. At that moment, Atlas realized he’d made a fool of himself in front of one of the hosts — exactly what his parents warned him against. She was one of their daughters, to be specific. Atlas had seen her at previous formal events, but they never got a chance to properly speak.

“Well, then it’s nice to finally meet you, Celestine,” he extended his hand forward, keeping a polite smile. His body language was relaxed, still leaning back. “I’m Atlas, but I’m assuming you already know that.”

Celestine’s compliments lingered in his mind. The way she spoke about their performance, commenting on all aspects in such a graceful manner. For a moment, his smile grew into a wide grin. Just hearing that he’d done something right was enough to make his worries wash away. Though his doubts took control as he played, her words assured him that his mistakes went unnoticed. Forcing his smile flat and his expression straight, he responded, “And thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ll make sure to send those compliments to my parents, they were the ones leading the show.”

The way she spoke was so formal and elegant, Atlas was almost struggling to keep up. Whenever he attended these kinds of events, he stood behind his parents in silence. And to his misfortune, he was met with a different case for once. A person around his age that he was forced to talk to.

He watched as Celestine glanced around the room, before seeing her face go pale. Atlas’ eyes went slightly wide in concern. He raised himself up from the railing, feeling his body stiffen. As she uttered her question with a weak voice, Atlas replied with a simple, “What?” His expression mellowed from shock to confusion, as he slowly began to understand what was happening. To ease her concern, he smiled sympathetically. “Are we seeing the same thing? You’re far from bad-looking. That dress looks stunning on you. From the start I’ve been thinking you look like a perfect fit for this estate.”

Yet the more they spoke, the more he could see Celestine had her own concerns. Upon further observation, her speech sounded a bit stiff from the start. Forced even. And after her formality broke, she sounded so different from her introduction. It no longer felt as if he was talking to some princess at a ball, but another teenager. A thought crossed his mind that maybe she wasn’t as prepared for this kind of life as he’d assumed.

“No, no, don’t apologize! There’s really no need, I…” he cleared his throat, buying time. He needed to be careful with his approsch, to lace his words with praise and the expected formality. But to be truthful, he didn’t exactly care about the event as much either. “…Oh, I rarely go to these kinds of events. It is a gorgeous setting, I can’t lie, and I can tell your family put a lot of work into making this work. But I also see your point of view, the two of us are still young and uninvolved in their business. It’s difficult to feel like we fit in, right?” She was open about her concerns, he thought. It wouldn’t be a big risk to follow along. “I wouldn’t say this is my style either. So really, you’re not alone in that,” he smiled.

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

@cordyx ✧ Celestine Beaumont

[cordyx]

Roughly 5 years Ago - Beaumont’s Estate

━─━────༺༻────━─━

With his hand extending, she made sure to follow every order she had been given from her mother, albeit a bit differently as her mother always state that she must always initiate her extending hand than the opposite as she is a part of the hosts. With a slight bow for courtesy, and a relaxed state Atlas is now in, she took a breath of relief and chuckled with her hand hiding her lips, “I shan’t forget about an Alstone, especially with such a privilege to see a glittering performance. I am excited to hear the future sets you all have been planning for I am sure you all planned the arrangements with such care and compassion.” With her compliments, and a smile in his face, she felt a sense of hope that she can be proud in transacting a sense of proper courtesy and elegance her mother had done within those talks she had with other guests, with a thanks from Atlas she replied, “I thank you for that, but you little yourself too much, I assure you… a symphony is not truly complete without the whole set. That is what gives its complexity and beauty, what is a singer without the compliments without a violin, or a flute without strings? I assure you, your contribution is a layer added to the spectacular performance.”

The sheet of elegance faltered however, as she looked through the mirror and saw her face lacking in color and would bother her for the rest of the night. She had not brought her purse for touch-ups, as her mother advised to not reapply her make-up publicly as it is impolite nor did she bring her fan due to them hurrying up. With nothing to cover, she cowered. She heard, or maybe just herself, a sense of silence, that she had failed the courtesies she was brought up. Thinking about it, she could’ve joked about her appearance or be shocked by her beauty. But what done is done, and she looked at Atlas with a stern yet faltering look on her face, “Have you heard of a phrase, redheaded people can’t wear pink, not even in the imagination? I look droll, just look in the mirror. I apologize for this but… this is not what I wished to wear. I had a different one in mind… I assure you this look is meant to be noticed, as per command by… standards.”

Further digging herself in a hole deeper than she had imagined, she took a breather from her messup. Looking below the sea of people, she aimed to look at her mother if she had seen her mistakes. Had Columbina been around, she would take control of the situation and cover it up as childish whims, with an aftermath on scolding her until she feels satisfaction. As Celestine was lost in thought, looking at her mother down the ballroom, it seems that Atlas was also in thought as he answered her question, snapping Celestine back to reality, “I… guess. You are fortunate that you have not been in such events. As glamorous as it and its gilded fortress put you to awe, it is hard managing through this as young as I was frequently attending to events like this. It is practice, you see, practice to navigate yourself under all the pomp they mask. It may feel like you are irrelevant, but they will use you, and you will have to accept that. Even under as 5, you will hear atrocities you are not meant to hear. You will tune it out, unless information is useful to you.” As to give light to her comments, she regained that smile as she looked down the stairs, “And going here, I have heard something mother would find so useful, but the night is still young and it is better if they are caught within the scene.”

Soon enough, the intermission had come to a close and another set of performances has begun to take place. The brightly lit candles would soon dim as a reminder for the guests, and bells rang from the outside to remind the people who went out the room to go back and enjoy the performance. It is only a matter of preparation and the guest moving out of the space to give movement for the performances. But before the conductors would wave their sticks, she looked at Atlas and gave a subtle nod as she lightly grazed the train in her gown, “The room is quite stuffy and I feel lightheaded, might we go someplace else where there is more air to breathe?”

━─━────༺༻────━─━

@idiot.exe - Atlas Theodore Alstone

[Jass]

---

Ten Years Old | Around the Skylark Cabbin

---

Lyra’s eyes widened with understanding, sensing the tinge of sadness in Esther’s admission. Though they had only just met, a sense of empathetic warmth radiated from Lyra. “That’s okay,” she responded reassuringly, a gentle smile forming on her lips. “We can still make the most of the time you’re here.”

As Esther mentioned her family’s stay for the rest of the summer and possibly returning, Lyra’s eyes lit up with renewed enthusiasm. “That’s fantastic! We’ll make the most of this summer and any next ones” she exclaimed, her optimism shining through. “I’d love to show you around and share some of my favorite places”

Turning her attention to Lyra’s question about ice skating, Esther’s warm tone invited Lyra into a different realm of conversation, shifting from the emotional to the lighthearted. Lyra, with a thoughtful expression, responded, “I’ve never been ice skating, but it sounds enchanting. Have you? Tell me all about it!” She then thought for a second before adding, “There’s a beautiful pond not far from here. It freezes over in winter. We’ll have to go when the time comes!” Her smile, initially bright, transformed into a pout as she realized that moment might never come. She felt a bit sad herself now, she wouldn’t be able to share all these memories with her newly found friend.

---

@Mouschi - Esther

[idiot.exe]

Towards the end of the previous year

[⋅𖥔⋅]═════⋅𖥔⋅═══ [ ♛ ] ═══⋅𖥔⋅═════[⋅𖥔⋅]

The man’s casual demeanor did nothing to ease the tension in the air. There was something about his grin that said he couldn’t be trusted. It was as if Dominic’s intrusion didn’t even faze him. He was likely prepared to deal with it in the snap of a finger. Dominic wanted to look away, maybe even run. And yet, underneath his fear lied undying curiosity. If his suspicions were correct, then it would mean he wasn’t as alone with his magic as he’d assumed.

But the stranger was being so cryptic, Dominic couldn’t tell if he was hinting at something or simply playing with him. “You have a point, our views vary. That’s what you want, isn’t it?” he asked, keeping his tone and expression as neutral as possible. “I mean, it’s impressive only if we’re clueless. Who knows what you might be hiding behind your flawless act? After all, a magician should never reveal his secrets.”

As the man inched closer, Dominic felt his heart skip a beat. He stood frozen, his eyes cautiously following every move. When he commented on Dominic’s observation, he replied, “I’ve heard.” He was becoming more sure of his assumptions the longer they spoke. “I’m especially not one that’s easily fooled. There isn’t much people could hide from me,” he added, looking directly into his eyes. It wasn’t only that, but calling it a disappearing act too. There had to be more to it. And as the man pointed out that Dominic wasn’t the only observant one, it left him wondering about the implications of his words. Who else did he mean? Had he noticed something about Dominic that he wasn’t meant to see?

He slowly nodded, letting out a shaky exhale. Dominic was playing a dangerous game. He couldn’t match the carefree attitude the other man possessed. It almost felt like he was being toyed with.

When he leaned in, Dominic decided to follow along and take a step closer. His expression was cold, as if unmoved, but underneath it lied his growing fear. Or rather, excitement. “Only the surface?” he asked, raising a brow. His heart was pounding to the point it would jump out of his chest. “I think I’m begining to understand why you need to hide this magic of yours.” The cryptic nature of their conversation made him slowly grow impatient. He wished he could just ask directly and get answers, instead of dancing around the truth buried in riddles. “You want to be mysterious? I’ll play along. You know, I’m pretty familiar with these tricks myself, call it a family secret.” He took a step back. “Interpret that as you wish.”

[⋅𖥔⋅]═════⋅𖥔⋅═══ [ ♤ ] ═══⋅𖥔⋅═════[⋅𖥔⋅]

@Jass ⋅𖥔⋅ Dante Blackwell

[idiot.exe]

Roughly 5 years ago ~ Beaumont’s estate

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

Atlas could no longer hold back a grin hearing her compliments. He chuckled, bowing playfully with a dramatic flair. “Thank you, thank you. You flatter me. I’ll have you know we have much more in store. There’s not much I can tell you now, you’ll have to see for yourself,” he winked, leaning back. “But I can promise you, it won’t disappoint.”

He knew how hard his parents had prepared for the performances, he had faith in their skill. Especially considering he wouldn’t be there to hinder them from reaching their full potential. He wasn’t even nearly that prepared, nor skilled… As he caught himself with those thoughts, he knew he had to shake them off. Atlas didn’t want to dwell on negativity, it would only distract him from improvement. So hearing Celestine’s encouraging words, he nodded. “You’re right, I shouldn’t underestimate myself. Thank you for reminding me,” he replied, keeping his friendly smile. “But I can’t lie that my parents have many more years of experience and talent, of course they’ll surpass me. Don’t get me wrong, though, it’s not a bad thing. It just makes a fun challenge to compare myself to the masters.”

On the topic of their performance, his eyes wandered across the platform, scanning the crowd. As he spotted his family, he extended his hand to point towards them. “Their next set, I’ll be watching with you. Pretty cool, right? I get to have a closer look at people’s reactions while the show is happening,” he said, turning to Celestine.

When it came to her doubts about her appearance, Atlas’s words seemed to have done nothing. Maybe it was the wrong approach, he thought. But she seemed convinced that she looked bad. “Redheads… can’t wear pink?” he repeated slowly, making sure he’s understanding correctly. “No, I haven’t heard of it. If I’m being honest, it sounds pretty ridiculous,” ha laughed half-heartedly, unsure how to respond. He looked in the mirror, then back at Celestine with the same confused look. “I think maybe, just maybe, the fact that you didn’t choose your outfit is what makes it unpleasant for you. Because I really don’t see anything wrong.” Though it made him wonder what those standards were supposed to be. “What did you mean to wear, if I may ask?”

As she spoke about her experience with formal events and the like, Atlas’s doubts about fitting in only grew. It all sounded so foreign. So much deceit hidden beneath the glamour and elegance. “I… I’m sorry to hear you’ve gone through that. I can’t imagine what stress you must’ve been through. You have to adapt from such a young age because everyone around you could be a threat? It sounds like a nightmare,” he spoke in a softened voice, his smile faded but not fully gone. “I suddenly don’t see the beauty in a place like this anymore. It seems suffocating, and to know this all your life? You have my sympathy for sure.” And when she mentioned hearing a scheme her mother should know, Atlas tilted his head in curiosity. “Should… Should I be concerned? Is there about to be a heist of some sort?” he laughed, trying to turn the tone a bit more light. “I might sound crazy, but I feel like I need to see that take place…”

As Atlas talked to Celestine about various topics, he found himself losing track of time. Before he knew it, the lights dimmed and bells began to rang out. The change in atmosphere snapped him back to the present situation, signaling the end of the intermission. His eyes followed the crowds of guests making their way to the performance, the anticipation growing of what might come next. He wanted to turn around and follow along, but had to stop himself at the realization that he wasn’t alone. He glanced at Celestine, who seemed uninterested in watching the rest. “Oh, of course, I’ll help you somewhere more comfortable,” he gave a weak smile. As curious as he was for the next performance, her wellbeing was more important. But his eyes wandered back to the center of the show, hesitating in his decision. With a sigh, he took a few steps forward and turned back to Celestine. “You’ll have to lead the way. I think if it were up to me, I’d get us both lost,” he laughed. “This place is way too big, even for my standards.”

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

@cordyx ✧ Celestine Beaumont

[Jass]

---

End of Previous School Year

---

Dante absorbed Dominic’s wary demeanor with a knowing glint in his eyes, acknowledging the palpable tension that hung between them like a veil. He recognized the flicker of fear beneath Dominic’s facade, mingled with an undeniable curiosity that mirrored his own intrigue.

As Dominic’s words danced on the edge of accusation and uncertainty, Dante’s grin widened slightly, a silent acknowledgment of the power play that had unfolded between them. He could sense Dominic’s hesitance, his struggle to decipher the enigma that was Dante’s persona.

However, when Dominic hinted at a deeper understanding of the magical world, the dynamics shifted. Dante regarded Dominic with a newfound respect, sensing a kindred spirit in the midst of their cryptic exchange. The tension between them seemed to soften as mutual understanding dawned.

“You’ve got a keen eye, my friend,” Dante admitted, the casual confidence still present. “It takes one to recognize another. Magic runs in my veins, and I have a feeling you’re not a stranger to it either. Maybe it’s time we stopped playing the mystery game and had a real conversation.”

He offered a lazy grin, his demeanor relaxed as ever, showing his ease with the revelation.

“Now that the cards are on the table, so to speak,” Dante continued, his voice taking on a more contemplative tone. “Maybe there’s something we can learn from each other. What do you say?”

He took a small step closer, the playful smirk replaced with a genuine curiosity. “So, what’s your story? What kind of magic runs in your blood?” Dante’s directness mirrored the unspoken agreement that their encounter had brought them into a shared realm of understanding.

---

@idiot.exe - Dominic

[idiot.exe]

Towards the end of the previous year

[⋅𖥔⋅]═════⋅𖥔⋅═══ [ ♛ ] ═══⋅𖥔⋅═════[⋅𖥔⋅]

The man’s confession had confirmed Dominic’s suspicions, and he immediately felt as if a weight had been lifted off his chest. He sighed quietly, feeling the tension leave his body as his muscles slowly relaxed. Once they’d both dropped their cryptic exchange, Dominic finally felt he could breathe. His bet had paid off for once. A small smile formed at the corners of his lips, but he quickly suppressed it. He couldn’t allow himself to let his guard down just yet, even if the encounter had a different energy to it.

“So I was correct, the two of us aren’t too different.” Dominic glanced from side to side, making sure there’s no prying eyes on him. After confirming they were alone, he leaned forward and spoke in a quieter tone. “I never thought I’d meet another person with magic in their blood. It’s awful, isn’t it? How we’re cursed to deal with this burden our whole lives,” he let out a bitter chuckle. “So tell me, what could we possibly learn from each other?” Dominic asked, raising a brow.

He sighed, looking down in contemplation as he considered the man’s question. He wasn’t yet sure how much he could reveal. But as he thought back to the beginning of their encounter, Dominic already knew a bit about the stranger’s abilities. It was only fair to reveal something about himself. “I have the power to manipulate shadows. But I’m not too keen on practicing it, you never know what could go wrong with something so unpredictable,” he explained, looking back into the man’s eyes. It was strange, how all the intensity from earlier seemed to disappear once they both knew the truth. “What about you? You could teleport, if I’m understanding correctly. But is that all?” he asked. Their exhange had made him curious about what’s missing in his knowledge of magic.

[⋅𖥔⋅]═════⋅𖥔⋅═══ [ ♤ ] ═══⋅𖥔⋅═════[⋅𖥔⋅]

@Jass ⋅𖥔⋅ Dante Blackwell

[cordyx]

Roughly 5 years Ago - Beaumont’s Estate

━─━────༺༻────━─━

Entertained by Atlas’ playful personality, she only giggled at his remarks for the his family’s performances. With the correct manner of such coyness and mystique, she made sure to act entertained that corresponded to his body language and current behavior, “Such intrigue! You truly know how to keep a woman in her toes. I’m truly dying on your family’s arrangements.”

To Celestine’s ears she had perfectly executed manners to make sure that her guests were entertained and kept comforted by words that they needed to hear. She felt a sense of pride, a giddy feeling that she had successfully applied lessons her mother had shoved in her head. All the years of social etiquette and manners had played well enough for her, and lost in the thought of her perfectly played out actions she had played, she simply nodded to Atlas’ remarks and looked back at the platform as she spaced back out to lessons to scan what other scenarios that may happen and its rationale actions. With Atlas spotting his family, she looked back at him as she responded, “That is true, I still do wonder what they’re next set will be…” With a slight pause, she reminisced something that happened quite similar to a performance in the same platform, “You know, a few years back, there was a family invited to play on some performances just like your family did, and what they gave was spectacular. During the middle of the performance, it was as if they played alongside Bach himself! I heard of a method they mentioned, Pepper’s Ghost, but who knows they might also used their illusionary abilites to enhance it. Not to discard anything, just a memory I recalled a few years back.”

What was once a steady application of her etiquette skills faltered with just a view of her looks and failing to compromise to save face. Her shame was obvious as she had lost the color of her cheeks, shocked and lost in the thought of failing something so simple and concise. If someone were to see this, especially someone of great influence, she would be stomped to submission and be hidden in future gatherings. Her train of thought lost in the thoughts of ‘what ifs’ and ‘what should I have done’. Atlas, trying to comfort with his laugh did not solace her. That look of worry soon mixed in with her annoyance, she thought to herself, of course he won’t know, not like he knows the world I live in. The more he spoke of his failure to see what is wrong with her felt a hard stab that irked her, her expression darkened as she looked at him silently, I looked as if I have seen a ghost! I lack the pigment to event strive this vibrancy of pink, even worse with hair noticeable to the crowd! Thank god the lighting here isn’t strong! It would seem that she had calmed down as he asked what she would’ve worn at the event, had it been her choice. Better. She sighed and looked back at the platform, pointing at the blue paintings around the walls, “Well, have you ever wondered the cobalt-crafted decor, the murals ever so painted in blue, the florals consisting of delphiniums? Well, this is called The Blue Palace. Used to be a different estate, this one. A place owned by a duke, but he was proud enough to bet on this estate during a gamble. Knowing you step on our ground, you surely know the ending. Once this estate became a blank canvas, my father broke a piece of china with the most beautifully painted depictions of Ancient China. That cobalt hue became an inspiration for its decor, thanks to my father. And before you say anything, yes, I was supposed to wear a blue gown. Though it was cornflower, than cobalt, I may add.”

That disastrous moment passed, and she found herself in a much more comfortable position than she was before. She wasn’t thinking about the heavy etiquette nor her appearances, but rather just talking life as if she was talking to a familiar friend. She still does feel that she had shared far too much for her liking, but had simply let go as to not make any sort of scene that could be worthy of a spectacle. Sharing her experiences, she was left surprised at what he had said. With a small curve in her mouth, she reassured him, “I know, it was… not the best place I was in. Thinking about it, I had the most exposure due to being… a favorite. Thank the heavens that the people I met could never actually hurt a child, but a figure always said to me that this is practice. Even they have had the same experience as me, once a young flower learning to dance the deadliest dance until they can perform it in their sleep.” She paused, with the waiter serving drinks. With a look, she pulled a silver hairpin as she dipped the liquid, the metal turned black and she spilled it across the marble floor, she smiled back at him, “But I urge you to find beauty in this estate, this isn’t my whole life, just a spackle of it. Like I said, if you pity me, you pity all of the guests here, and not all of them are worthy of your trust. Besides, parties are faux pas, people prefer tea parties. Manageable, set in the morning.”

With Atlas’ curiosity piqued at her quip on a scheme, she simply giggled. Another waiter passed by, with another set of drinks. This time served on a pewter plate underneath. Grabbing the drink, she found an empty note and jotted down 135JH as she placed the drink back on the plate. With a gentle nod, she excitedly went closer to him as she whispered, “You will see, just not at this time. The night is still young, after all.”

In the momentary passing, as intermission came to a close with the struck of a bell, she knew she had to go away for a while. It was nauseating to be in a place where you could be stuck in any move you make. And with her making a request to Atlas, she gleefully took his hand and went outside the ballroom. Not one word uttered by her as she looked left and right to see the hallways, checking for landmarks to see the desired location. After a while, she let go of Atlas’ hand as she went closer to a statuette and turned it 35 degrees. A secret door. A shortcut. Making sure no one saw the scene, she quickly directed Atlas to go inside. It was slightly dark, but you could make out the scenes happening around them. Arguing, planning, kissing, and fighting were surrounding them until it went silent. They went out of the secret door, and found themselves near some stairs. Going up, it seems as though they went back to square 1, but it was all just hallways. Until they turned to a corridor and opened a door, she sighed in relief, “Finally! This is my room, a little frilly for my taste, but it is where I can wind up a bit. We could’ve just went normally through the stairs but… I wanted to show off that door, and also there might be people that would’ve misinterpret of why you went to my room.”

It was a frilly room, all decorated in powder blue. Spacious and wide, it could feel comforting or lonely depending on how she feels. This time, it was nice to have someone who she can talk for a while, away from prying eyes. She pointed the blue dress on her bed on her initial outfit, as she went near the dresser to touch up on her makeup. But the most excited part she wanted to show off was her extensive vintage vinyl collection, alongside a cute heart shaped record player. The Chiffons, how about Tonight I Met An Angel? With a giddy walk, she played the record and sat down to a chair, “So, whattaya think? I know its a little too girly, but I think you already know that by how I style my hair. And you know, I always wanna share my music but… mother says I don’t really have the taste of a teenager so… can’t relate!” She paused, looking a bit guilty as she remebered his look from before, “Y’know, I apologize for pullin’ you here. I just… don’t like going there for a while. And if you’re worried in not seeing your parents performing, they’re not like the only ones playing. Promise! There are others and they’re not really stellar, just the same old acrobats and choreographed dancing. If I know my mother, she invited your mother to unwind and stay a while, with one comment away from pulling each other’s hair.”

━─━────༺༻────━─━

@idiot.exe - Atlas Theodore Alstone

[Jass]

---

Dante leaned back, absorbing Dominic’s revelations with a mixture of intrigue and understanding. He recognized the weight of Dominic’s words, the burden of carrying magic, and the relief in finding someone who shared a similar experience.

“Yeah, I get what you mean,” Dante said, his tone casual yet empathetic. “It’s not easy navigating this whole magic thing, especially when you feel like you’re the only one who sees it differently.” Dante thought back to once upon a time, before he went to Ninth House. Sure, it had been figured out quite early that Dante was magical, but in his first years of magical school, he felt like he didn’t belong in the magic world. All these kids around him had grown up in a magical family, while he had been the first in his family who possessed magic. It was this whole conflict between two world almost, and he felt in Dominic he had found someone who would understand that. Dominic seemed as clueless about the magical world as Dante had felt at one point, and still felt from time to time.

When he asked what they could learn from each other, Dante said, “Well, for starters, I can tell you that there is a whole magical community and school for magic, Ninth House, it’s the academy I’m -” He chuckled a bit knowing he wouldn’t be the best spokesperson or representation for the school, “I’m currently skipping a class from to be here. It’s not too bad tho,” he quickly added, “Made some dope friends there and the school itself is quite cool!”

Leaning back slightly, Dante regarded Dominic with a twinkle in his eye. “Manipulating shadows, huh? Now that’s intriguing, let that be Umbra’s signature magic” He was quite sure Dominic wouldn’t understand what he had said and what the implications were of that being his natural power, but subconciously it made Dante feel even more connected with this guy. His demeanor remained casual however as he continued talking, “As for me, my natural powers?” he said rhetorically not expecting any answer, “I have the power to teleport and that of brief moments of invisibility. At Ninth House, however, I dabbled in a bit of everything - photokinetic resonance, shadow manipulation, alchemy, and a touch of magical psychology.” He met Dominic’s gaze directly, his expression relaxed yet playful, “There is a whole world for you to discover, it seems.”

---

@idiot.exe - Dominic

[idiot.exe]

Roughly 5 years ago ~ Beaumont’s estate

⊱—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⋅༻✧༺⋅—⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅—⊰

Atlas’s lips curved into a smirk, hearing how he managed to create an air of mystery around their performance. Celestine’s reaction sounded positive enough, a good recovery from the embarrassing introduction. From her comments, she seemed interested in their next set as well. “As I said, you’ll find out soon enough,” he replied, still refusing to give out any details.

When Celestine began telling her story, Atlas listened with growing curiousity. His eyes shined in awe, imagining the scenario unfolding in front of him. He wanted to take note of their technique — Pepper’s Ghost, as she called it. Atlas wasn’t quite familiar with it, but he’d heard of similar illusionary tricks. “They caught my interest,” he said, his smile unfading. “I would’ve loved to watch that performance, it sounds like a once in a lifetime experience.”

But his calm and lighthearted demeanor didn’t last long. When Celestine’s expression turned dark and she shot him a glare, Atlas smiled awkwardly. He looked away, furrowing his brows slightly. All of a sudden the collar of his shirt felt tight. It was a topic he lacked knowledge and experience in. Just the etiquette of these events and the way you’re supposed to dress, fashion and color coordination — he was clueless. Though he’d hoped joking would ease the tension, it only seemed to make things worse.

As she continued by answering his question about her intended outfit, Atlas sighed in relief. A slight change in topic, taking attention away from his mistake. He listened to her tell another story, this time the history of the palace. As she spoke about its decor, he glanced around and tried to imagine what it had looked like during the duke’s time. The people around him faded away. The walls and pillars became devoid of blue, with completely different paintings and furniture. He’d spent a while just looking around, barely even noticing that Celestine had finished talking. Atlas let then the image in his mind fade, slowly coloring the estate to its current look. As he returned back to the conversation, he looked back at the girl. “It was a good choice, painting everything blue,” he commented. “It’s a unique palace and really stands out. From the moment I came here, I thought I could spend all day just wandering around,” he smiled, attempting to bring back the positive tone. He then returned to the topic of her outfit, hoping he’d recover from his mistake. “I’m sorry you couldn’t wear the color you want. And for joking about it, I didn’t know it meant so much to you,” he added, his tone softening.

Hearing Celestine open up about her past experience made Atlas feel she was beginning to trust him. He hadn’t failed at making a good impression yet. Continuing to listen, he gave her a sympathetic smile and nod. Though it was all foreign to Atlas, he wanted to understand her struggles the best he could. And by extension, understand her. “I see now there’s a whole hidden world that I never even knew of. What you’re describing sounds like it’s straight out of a movie! And to think it happens in reality? I never would’ve guessed,” he let out an empty laugh. “At least, I know now. Not to make light of your situation though, again I’m sorry you ever had to go through that. And… Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.” Atlas just couldn’t believe that people could be so cruel, that their kindness was all an act. To go as far as to hurt others without any remorse, treating connections like some strategy, people like pawns. But in a strange way, it was familiar. To look around himself and see merely an illusion in every person. Atlas showed understanding, yet none of it sunk in yet.

Until, in the blink of an eye, Celestine spilled liquid all over the floor. She was holding a hairpin which changes color, showing she was prepared for this situation. Atlas’s mouth was hanging open, his eyes darting around from the waiter to Celestine. She continued to speak with a smile, as if nothing had happened. But Atlas felt like his brain froze, nodding even though he could barely understand her. As the waiter passed, he pointed at the drink on the ground, no words leaving him.

And that wasn’t the only strange encounter. It seemed waiters played a crucial role in this game. Atlas watched in silence as Celestine noted something down and handed it over. He knew, at that point, he should start getting used to unpredictable and unusual events following. All he could do was stare, blinking rapidly in disbelief. The person in front of him, the one he’d been talking for a good while, was truly a stranger. She had schemes of her own and Atlas didn’t even want to think about what she’s hiding. He smiled awkwardly, but all he could think was What am I getting myself into?

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With the bells cutting their conversation short, Atlas shook his confusion off and followed after Celestine. He let her lead him through the crowd, across the hallways, until they made it to a statuette. He stayed silent as to not catch people’s attention and only observed her. As they entered the passage, he looked around the place in awe. There were so many people hiding in the room; the more secrets Atlas learnt, the more he realized he knew next to nothing about this life. He carried on, up the stairs and to another corridor. Atlas wasn’t sure when to speak up, so he only waited for Celestine to begin. When she pushed open a door and relaxed, it signalled that they were finally safe. Atlas sighed in relief as well, realizing he no longer had to strain himself.

He smiled again, looking around the room. “Ooh, it looks fancy,” he commented. “I think I prefer this way rather than taking the stairs. It’s much more interesting.” It only made him feel more like he’d entered a new world. “What’s there to misunderstand about me going to your room? I’m clearly here to assassinate you…” he paused. “…With my horrible jokes.” He couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

Atlas stood awkwardly by the bed as Celestine did her makeup. He looked at the dress. “Oh, I see what you mean now, blue is a nicer color. As for your room, I see nothing wrong with it. I’m honestly just… Kind of in shock about everything that happened since I started talking to you,” he laughed. “A poisoned drink, secret note… Some heist? My brain isn’t working…” He closed his eyes and sighed, trying to focus on the music playing. It was… Unique… Interesting. Atlas didn’t know what to say. Through a strained smile, he asked, “What is this? I’ve never heard this song before…”

Though he was a bit upset about missing upcoming performances and learning from their skills, Atlas knew he had to let go. There were other days for that, but learning about the life of someone like Celestine was once in a lifetime. One thing he wouldn’t miss, though, was their mothers’ bickering. “Don’t worry about me! I’m not upset, I’m actually glad you showed me this. But speaking of, are you feeling better now?”

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@cordyx ✧ Celestine Beaumont