Ninth House | Official RP Thread

[Kristi]

[[𓆩⟡𓆪 𓆩⟡𓆪 𓆩⟡]]

Was that so hard to admit?

Yes, Thalia thought, but she did not voice it. Instead, a sheepish smile graced her lips as they drifted to the next topic. Thalia hardly needed a reminder of her colossal mistake; the throbbing headache and the acrid taste in her mouth was already a constant, unwelcome companion. Another unwelcome specter was her ex, whom she was assiduously avoiding. Thus, when Desdemona began to muse over where she had heard the name Dunman before, Thalia was swift to quash those thoughts. She ruffled Desdemona’s hair, telling her not to overthink it, planting a kiss on her forehead, and muttering a teasing remark as their heads drew close. She closed her eyes initially, but when Desdemona nuzzled their noses together, Thalia’s eyes fluttered open and she let out a small laugh before pulling away, squeezing Desdemona’s hands tighter.

“It’s not your job to look after me,” Thalia had said softly, “It’s your job to have fun and enjoy your life and be happy.” small smile played on her lips as she held Desdemona’s hands tighter. “Besides my head will be fine,” I’m used to this, Thalia thought but did not say. All she needed was some food, maybe painkillers, and coffee, her usual remedy. She wasn’t on the verge of dying, though she might have preferred that to attending her first class, Enchanted Music Composition. It wasn’t that she disliked the class; she simply wasn’t in the mood for the music. Perhaps she could feign sick and leave the class early, it was not an important class after all- and she would still be getting her attendance that sure will last just 5 minutes.

Thalia listened as Desdemona talked about her experiences, being quite the attentive listener and not quite the talker as usual. She was to wait for Desdemona to finish talking, but one thing that Desdemona said caught her off guard and Thalia could not help but to interrupt Desdemona’s monologue, She fainted? Thalia had asked, shock plastered on her fast. “I think I was somewhere else,” Or perhaps she was there, Thalia doesn’t really remember- a lot of things had happened last night and besides she was pretty hammered last night. “Was she okay though? Dd you ever find out why she fainted?” Thalia asked, her curiosity on the rise. She wanted- no need to know if that strange event had a connection to the Miles thing or the other thing, though it was probably more the former than the latter.

“It was a masquerade ball,” Thalia had pointed out, “They probably did not know they were dancing with each other,” But then again, there was a possibility that they did- the people at Wyndham lived very intertwined lives and yet very secretive- it was hard to pin point exactly who they were connected or not connected to, but Thalia, through careful observation and what she liked to term ‘research,’ stalking had mapped out most of these connections. There was no discernible link, as far as she remembered, between Esther and Atlas. “Besides,” she continued with a thoughtful tilt of her head, “I don’t think he would be Esther’s type.” She shrugged, a faint, almost cynical smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “I don’t really know him that well per say, but he’s just too… I can’t see Esther ever considering him a love match,” The very idea seemed ludicrous, almost laughable. Esther with Aurora’s childhood friend—it sounded more like the setup for a farce than reality. . “Besides he’s an enigma,” Thalia was well aware that Esther was too, “And someone whose quite the actor, he was definitely pulling your leg,”

Thalia watched with concern, she seemed to be in quite the distress, and gently to calm her nerves down, Thalia squeezed Desdemona’s shoulders. “Mona,” Thalia began softly, steady and calm, “You did what you had to do, you helped Esther and that-” Thalia did not get to finish her sentence as her mind had finally processed the later half of what Desdemona had told her, causing her to blink rapidly. "Side effects?’ Thalia’s eyes widened as she cupped Desdemona’s jaw, looking between her cheeks to see if there was something wrong with her, but not physically she looked as beautiful as ever. “What happened, tell me,” Thalia said, worry visible in her tired eyes, “Do you need me to take you to the school nurse?”

---

Thalia know there was something more than just being distressed about her first day at school, but she didn’t press, she would ask later- when her head and the mood was better. “You’ll be fine,” Thalia reassured, “The professors will love you,” she continued, sitting on Desdemona’s bed as she began to eat the bagel. “So…” Thalia began, wanting to lighten up the mood once more, “Do you want to see some of the pictures I took on my first day of school? Calm your nerves down a little and see that Wyndham is just like any other place,” Of course by those pictures, Thalia was not referring to the pictures she took of other people, but the pictures of the environment, and of whatever she found interesting.

@raviola

mentioned:

@idiot.exe -atlas
@Mouschi - Esther

[astxrism]

{ Enchanted Music Composition class }

‿︵‿︵‿୨ ୧‿︵‿︵‿

Maria Walsh had always believed that music was the universal language, a bridge between souls. Turning 30 this year and being one of the youngest professors at Ninth House, Maria stood in her classroom, preparing for her first class of the term. This was only her third year as a professor and she believed a mix of excitement and nervousness she felt would never go away. Maria herself was a vision of grace and warmth. With her soft hazel eyes and gentle smile, everyone who comes across her would only describe her as kind and compassionate. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant dress that allowed her to move freely, her long hair cascading in loose waves. Maria’s presence was like a soothing melody; her soft-spoken nature made everyone feel at ease. She was a firm believer in positive reinforcement and always found something to praise in her students, no matter how small.

Maria had always been surrounded by music. As a child, her home was filled with melodies; her mother was a renowned pianist, and her father a passionate violinist. However, it wasn’t until she was thirteen that she discovered the magic within music. Fascinated and a little frightened, Maria confided in her parents. To her surprise, they revealed that her family had a history of magical musicians, individuals who could infuse their music with magic. Her mother showed her an old, worn book filled with spells and compositions, a legacy passed down through generations. It was then that Maria’s real journey began. Under her parents’ guidance, Maria learned to harness her magical abilities, blending them seamlessly with her musical talents. She discovered that certain melodies could heal, others could inspire, and some could even protect. By the time she reached adulthood, Maria was not only a skilled musician but also a powerful enchantress. Her path led her to many prestigious music schools and magical academies, however, it wasn’t until she was invited to Ninth House that she found a place that truly felt like home. Ninth House, with its rich history and commitment to nurturing both academic and magical excellence, was the perfect place for Maria to combine her passions for teaching, music, and magic. The offer to become the professor of Enchanted Music Composition was a dream come true.

As she arranged the sheet music and tuned the instruments, she hummed a melody that floated through the air. Her humming was almost habitual, a comforting sound that filled the room with her joy and passion for music. She had a habit of tapping her fingers in rhythm to an imaginary beat, a quirk that her students had come to find endearing. With her classroom now ready Maria took a moment to herself. She stood at the window, gazing out at the lush grounds of Ninth House. The early morning light bathed the landscape in a soft, golden glow, and she felt a deep sense of gratitude. She closed her eyes and whispered a silent thank you to the universe for guiding her to this place.

The sound of students entering the room brought her back to the present. Maria turned, her eyes sparkling with warmth and anticipation.She greeted each one with a warm smile and a cheerful ”Good morning!“ She made a point to remember everyone’s name, understanding how much it meant to be seen and acknowledged.

[CerealKiller]

---

|| Hallway//With Aurora ||

---

“You’re very much welcome,” Kairo replied, his smile mirroring hers as he offered a light nod of appreciation. Aurora’s nonchalant mention of his almost full name raised Kairo’s brow in surprise, mingled with a tad bit of confusion. She seemed to possess an intimate familiarity with the academy that went beyond what he would expect from a newcomer. Perhaps she was a senior, he mused, her confidence and ease suggesting a certain level of experience.

“These halls are not going to explore themselves,” Kairo remarked, sweeping his gaze around the bustling corridors before returning his attention to Aurora with a playful smile. “And by explore, I mean get lost until I find my way somewhere.” His words were accompanied by a lighthearted chuckle, tinged with a hint of mischief. Despite the gravity of their surroundings, Kairo couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement bubbling within him.

As for why she knew his name and schedule, yes, it was a bit odd, but Kai decided to set aside his questions for the moment and simply enjoy the pleasant exchange. There was something refreshing about Aurora’s friendly demeanor and her eagerness to help, and he found himself appreciating the sense of camaraderie she brought to their interaction.

Kairo couldn’t help but chuckle at Aurora’s playful response, her laughter infectious and lightening the mood even further. “Well, I suppose it depends on who you ask,” Kairo replied with a grin, his tone light and playful. “I guess you’ll just have to stick around and find out,” hereplied with a playful twinkle in his eyes.
Then, with a smirk, he continued, “But hey, if my charm ends up being a problem, I suppose that’s a good problem to have, innit?” He flashed her a wink, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I mean, if you compare it to other types of problems, charm really is a piece of cake.”

Kairo listened attentively as Aurora responded, a flicker of slight surprise crossing his features when she mentioned being in Quantum instead of Enigma. “Aurora, yes, I know” he repeated her name with a raised brow as she introduced herself again for some reason “I might not know all the names like you, but I definitely remember yours” he smiled and paused for a moment.

“Quantum, huh? Sounds interesting,” Kairo remarked with a nod, his curiosity piqued by Aurora’s house affiliation. “It’s a shame you’re in a different house, but I’ll definitely keep Atlas and Inessa in mind. They sound like a good time.”
He chuckled softly at Aurora’s suggestion to seek out familiar faces. “Hmm, well, I don’t think I know anyone here personally,” Kairo admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “I’m kind of flying solo on this one. But hey, maybe that’s a good thing, right? A fresh start and all that.”

Despite the twinge of loneliness that accompanied his admission, Kairo couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement at the prospect of forging new connections and friendships in this new magical place. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll run into someone familiar along the way,” he added optimistically, his smile brightening at the thought of the adventures that lay ahead.

---

@astxrism

[astxrism]

{ Unconventional Psychology class }

---

Orion Longstone had been a fixture at Ninth House for as long as anyone could remember. Alongside his colleagues, Lola Novik and the Archivist, he had witnessed the evolution of the institution through various eras and changes in leadership, including the appointment of the current headmaster, Adrian Dear. This trio had seen the school through its trials and triumphs, becoming the pillars upon which its legacy was built.

As the first day of the new school year dawned, Orion Longstone was already awake, his mind sharp and alert. He sat in his study, surrounded by shelves lined with ancient tomes and manuscripts. Orion’s keen eyes scanned the notes he had prepared for his first class. Each year, he aimed to challenge his students, to push them beyond their comfort zones and into the depths of their own minds. This year would be no different. He had planned a series of lectures and discussions designed to unravel the complexities of human psychology, to explore the hidden fears, desires, and motivations that drive behavior.

With a slow, deliberate movement, Orion reached for his cane, the polished wood cool under his fingers. He rose from his chair, feeling the familiar twinge in his leg as he did so. The limp had become a part of him, a reminder of his past and the journey that had brought him here. He glanced at his reflection in the mirror, his sharp features and silver hair giving him an almost spectral appearance. Dressing in his customary dark coat, Orion prepared to face his students. He knew that his presence alone would command their attention, but it was his knowledge and passion that he hoped would ignite their curiosity and drive their learning. As he made his way to the classroom, the rhythmic click of his cane against the stone floor echoed through the corridors, a sound that announced his arrival. A sound everyone knew so well by now. In the hallways students would glance up as he passed, their conversations hushed and their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. They knew of his reputation, of the rumors that surrounded him, and they wondered what this year would bring.

Back in the classroom, as students settled into their seats, the door at the back of the room swung open with a deliberate creak, drawing all eyes toward the figure who stepped inside. Entering the classroom, Orion paused at the door, his gaze sweeping over the room. The students fell silent, their attention focused entirely on him. His gaze fell on every student in the room, for a second or two. ”Hm…“ He paused, letting that one word, one sound sink in, the weight of his presence felt by all.

Professor Longstone made his way to his desk, his movements were slow and deliberate, his tall frame slightly hunched, as if he were carrying the weight of countless secrets. The sharp click of his cane against the floor now echoed through this silent classroom. No one knew the story behind the cane or the slight limp that accompanied his steps, but it was a source of endless speculation among the students. Some whispered that he had been involved in a duel with a rival scholar, while others claimed he had ventured too far into the dark recesses of the human mind and barely returned.

He placed a stack of ancient, leather-bound books on the desk before him, their titles obscured by dust and age. ”You are here because you seek to understand the human mind,“ he spoke up, his gaze piercing through the dim light. ”But be warned: what we study here goes beyond the boundaries of traditional psychology.“ Orion’s eyes lingered on each student, as if he could see beyond their outward appearances and into the depths of their souls. His intensity was unnerving, yet it captivated the class. He began to pace slowly, the rhythm of his cane creating a hypnotic cadence. ”In this class, you will not only learn about the mind’s mechanics but also its mysteries. We will study dreams and nightmares, fears and desires, and the fine line between sanity and madness. You will question everything you know, and perhaps, you will discover something new about yourselves.“ His voice only becoming louder and louder after every said word.

Just as he was delving into the introduction, he heard a faint whisper from the back of the classroom. Orion’s sharp eyes immediately found the source: a student attempting to converse with their neighbor. He stopped mid-sentence, the room’s atmosphere growing tense. Orion raised his cane and pointed it towards the student, his eyes narrowing. ”You,“ he said, his voice cold and unwavering. ”Out. No one interrupts my class.“

[Caticorn]

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: ✦. Cloned .✦ :☆ﾟ. ･ ───

Lenore liked strolling the school grounds at night. It helped her wind herself down and get ready to go to sleep. Usually, she found herself alone and unbothered on these little adventures of hers but not tonight. She saw the boys at the other end of the hallway and hoped that if she walked fast enough, she could pass them without engaging with them. Unfortunately, the opposite happened, the men sped up and came at her. However, what stopped her in her tracks was the third person with them, who looked like he had been dragged to hell and back.

“Evening dear.”

She tensed up as he got closer to her, resiting the urge to roll her eyes but unable to stop an expression of disgust for the proximity from appearing on her face. They began to explain what happened to him, an explanation which Lenore was less inclined to believe. The one part that didn’t surprise her was that they had come from the Umbra Coven. Everything new thing Lenore had learned about the Coven throughout her years at Wyndham made her more and more relieved that her brother belonged to a different house. She would never have been able to sleep at night if he belonged to the Coven. She couldn’t stop herself from rolling her eyes when one of them called her darling but she gasped when they let the boy’s body fall to the ground.

“Eejits.” She loudly muttered, rubbing her temples when the shock had worn off and she watched them scramble to pick him up off the ground. She became concerned for the boy’s well-being should he remain in their care, not confident that he would live to see the morning from pure stupidity and negligence. They asked her a second time to take him off their hands. “Fine. Give him to me. Gently.” She agreed, stressing the last part as she was fairly certain that if they dropped him on the ground again, she likely wouldn’t be able to pick him up.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: ✦. ☽ .✦ :☆ﾟ. ･ ───

@idiot.exe - Nic

[Caticorn]

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: ✦. ☽ .✦ :☆ﾟ. ･ ───

“Perhaps.” She replied with a playful smirk when he suggest that she hadn’t seen him at the ball because his mask was simply ‘just that good’. She maintained that she would have recognized him mask or not but for a moment she would entertain his suggestion. “Your absence was noted but it didn’t keep me up at night, if that’s what you’re worried about.” She teasingly reassured him, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of hearing her say that she wished she had run into him, even if it were only for a moment’s conversation.

She paused for a moment when he asked her if she caught any of his performance with Ren, as if she were trying to recall the events of the ball. “I think heard some commotion at the ball but I didn’t know it was you and Renlin. I should have figured though.” She answered, letting a small laugh escape as she spoke. “You’ll have to fill me in on the subject matter of this performance. I spent most of the evening speaking to this very…interesting character. I think he was new.” She told him, curious as to what this performance of his and Renlin’s consisted of, knowing that neither of them were in her house, which was supposed to be the performers.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: ✦. ☽ .✦ :☆ﾟ. ･ ───

@novella - Jesse

[astxrism]

{ first day }

---

The sun had barely risen over the Ninth House, casting long shadows across the hallways as The Whisperer made his way through the corridors. His footsteps were almost inaudible, a choice improved over years of practice. He thrived in the quiet, finding solace in the soft, almost imperceptible sounds of the old building waking up to a new day. His mind was a swirl of thoughts, plans, and memories. He had been at Ninth House for almost four decades, yet each day felt like a new opportunity to observe, to learn, to control. His reputation as the Umbra Coven Director was one of fear and respect, a blend that he had cultivated carefully over the years. Knowledge is power - it was the guiding principle of his life, the driving force behind every decision. He knew that fear was a powerful tool as well, but it was the secrets he held that truly cemented his influence.

He was a master of shadows.
He had spent his life perfecting his ability to manipulate darkness, creating shadows with a flick of his wrist. Wherever he went, the light seemed to dim, as if the very air around him responded to his presence. It was said that rooms always appeared darker when he entered, the shadows deepening as if in deference to their master. As he walked down the corridor he traced the stone walls with his fingers, leaving behind a trail of what seemed smoke, made out of shadows.

Reaching the dining hall, he paused in the doorway, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Usually the staff was never seen around this part of the institution, it was only for students and their lives which were separated from their classes but The Whisperer never considered himself to be just anyone. Students were just beginning to filter in, their laughter and chatter filling the space with a youthful energy that seemed at odds with the stillness he carried within him. The Whisperer just stood there, silently watching. To some, his presence was creepy, a reminder of the authority he had but to others, it was a challenge - to be the one who dared to meet his gaze. At times it seemed like it was a game he liked to play, as if he wanted to find that one student who dared to challenge him back, and with that was worthy of the knowledge The Whisperer could offer.

His eyes fell on a group of first year students, their excitement visible as the navigated the newness of their environment. He allowed himself a small smile. They were so full of potential, so ripe for molding. One student, in particular, caught his attention - a young girl with a determined set to her jaw, her eyes flicking around the room, taking everything in. She reminded him of himself at that age, though he’d never admit it. Perhaps she would be one to watch. As he moved deeper into the hall, his presence seemed to cast a shadow over the room. Conversations quieted, gazes fell. He stopped near the end of one of the long tables, his gaze fixed on a boy who was whispering to his friend, their heads bent close together. The boy looked up, meeting The Whisperer’s eyes, and immediately fell silent. The whispering continued, low and secretive, but The Whisperer did not react outwardly. Instead, he let the tension build, his silence more menacing than any words could be. “Disrespect,” he thought, but he did nothing. The fear of his potential reaction was punishment enough.

Suddenly, a burst of laughter from the corner of the dining hall broke his concentration. His eyes narrowed as he turned his attention toward the source of the disruption. A group of students, seemingly oblivious to his presence, were laughing loudly. With a fluid motion, The Whisperer walked over to them, his shadow seeming to grow and stretch across the floor, enveloping those students in a dark, suffocating embrace. “Names?” His voice was a whisper, yet it carried an undeniable weight. The students fell silent, their faces paling as they realized who stood before them. One boy, attempting to muster some courage muttered his name. But it was too late. The Whisperer’s eyes gleamed with a cold, unhinged light as he reached out, his fingers brushing the boy’s shoulder. “Remember this moment,” he hissed. With a flick of his wrist, the shadows around the boy deepened and wrapped around him. The boy’s eyes widened in terror as he felt the darkness closing in, his breath coming in short, panicked gasps.

“But don’t fear,” another whisper he added to the boy before he released him, the shadows disappearing as quickly as they had appeared. The boy collapsed onto the bench, gasping for air as his friends stared in stunned silence. The Whisperer straightened, his composure once again impeccable. “Let this be a successful year to us all,” he stated, his quiet voice carrying through the now silent dining hall. With that, he turned and walked away, the room seeming to grow darker in his wake.

Leaving the dining hall, he continued his patrol of the hallways. He had no classes to teach; that was not his role, not a role of any of the directors. They only met their student over the weekend so his, their position was of oversight, of guidance. The Whisperer’s was a position of oversight from the shadows. The Umbra Coven required a firm hand, and he was more than willing to provide it. As he walked, the whispers of students reached his ears - a mix of awe, fear, and curiosity. He knew what they called him, understood the rumors that swirled around his name. The Whisperer. It was fitting, really. He had spent a lifetime mastering the art of subtlety.

He paused by a window, looking out over the grounds of Ninth House. The day was just beginning, and with it, the endless possibilities of manipulation, of influence. He was the unseen force that shaped the destinies of those within these walls, and he relished every moment of it.

[astxrism]

{ Hallway / with Kairo }
‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

Aurora’s smile deepened as Kairo responded, his playful demeanor and lighthearted comments brightening her already sunny disposition. His surprise at her knowing his name didn’t go unnoticed. Being well versed in the academy’s ins and outs was something she took pride in, a badge of honor she wore effortlessly. Of course there were many things Aurora didn’t know, don’t think she was like her father, but she got all the basic and necessary information she needed to be this welcoming person and get people to put some trust into her.

“Ah, exploring the labyrinth that is Ninth House,” she said with a chuckle, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “Trust me, getting lost is part of the charm. You’ll find some of the best hidden spots that way.” There was a mischievous glint in her eye as she added, maybe even a hint of her not minding if somehow she ended up in that same place with him. “Just be careful not to end up in the dungeons,” Aurora added in an attempt to joke, lightly nudging him with her elbow. And as much as she wanted to continue this lighthearted banter she was not sent here to flirt, so for a very short moment there was something that resembled seriousness written all over her place. “But there is so much time to do that… After classes, you don’t want to leave a bad first impression, do you now?”

Kairo’s infectious enthusiasm was refreshing, and Aurora found herself appreciating his energy. You don’t get to experience this every day, not around here anyway. More often than not Aurora’s day would only get ruined by people who didn’t appreciate her trying to make them feel good. But back to Kai - His playful remarks about charm being a problem made her laugh, a soft, melodic sound that filled the hallway. “Well, Kairo, if charm is the worst of your problems, you’re doing something right.”

“And yes, Quantum is… quite the place. Always buzzing with energy, ideas flying around like sparks,” only with a simple smile on, not moving a muscle in her body to illustrate her words Aurora made the light above them flicker for a few seconds. What a way to welcome someone then by showing them just a little bit of magic that’s always happening around. Aurora’s mind wandered briefly to her fellow Quantum housemates, wondering what they were doing now - were they on their way to their first class? And where was that new girl, Freya? Was she lost like Kai seemed to be? She will have to leave soon and check up on her… It’s always exciting when new girls arrive, especially new girls Aurora will have to keep checking on. “It’s a pity we’re in different houses and don’t have this first class together… But that just means we’ll have to make the most of these hallway encounters.” How annoying it is that her smile never left her lips?

She noticed the brief flicker of loneliness in his eyes and felt a surge of determination to make him feel welcomed. “Ninth House can be overwhelming at first but you’ll find your way. And who knows, maybe you’ll create a few legends of your own here.” With a bright, optimistic smile, Aurora extended her hand to Kairo. “To new beginnings, Kairo. May your journey here be filled with magic, mystery, and a little bit of mischief.”

‧˚₊•┈┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈•‧₊˚⊹

@CerealKiller - Kaikai
@novella - Freya brieflyyyy mentioned

[CerealKiller]

---

Botanical conservatory || with Amani

---

As Arya strolled through the botanical conservatory with Amani, she allowed herself a moment to fully absorb the enchanting surroundings. The setting sun cast a golden hue over the vibrant foliage, creating an almost ethereal ambiance. The glass dome overhead, adorned with intricate stained glass, bathed the space in a kaleidoscope of colors. The air was fragrant with the scent of exotic flowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of the lush greenery.

She took a step closer, “Yes, of course. But you see,” Arya spoke, her voice a silky murmur, “while the allure of the hidden is undeniably tempting, there is also a certain charm in the art of patience. The curtain’s purpose is to heighten the anticipation, to make the eventual reveal all the more enchanting. If we peek too soon, we risk unraveling the magic before it’s fully formed.”
Arya’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her lips curling into a sly smile. “So, let’s not rush to lift the curtains just yet. After all, the greatest performances are those that build anticipation, where every act is a crescendo leading to the grand reveal. And until then,” she added with a playful wink, “I’ll savor the thrill of the unknown, with all its temptations.”

---

Arya’s gaze wandered over the lush greenery as she walked alongside Amani, absorbing the tranquil beauty of the conservatory. The air was filled with the gentle rustling of leaves, the soft hum of unseen insects, and the faint scent of blooming flowers, creating a serene symphony that only added to the magical ambiance. This place was a haven, a sanctuary where the noise of the outside world faded into a distant memory. It was peaceful, and it held secrets—secrets that the plants carried in silence, never divulging to a soul.

Arya’s gaze lingered on the poem she had written, a subtle smile playing at the corners of her lips as she recalled the moment of inspiration. Amani’s teasing remark in French did not go unnoticed, and Arya’s response was a masterful blend of elegance and retaliation.

With a graceful movement, Arya took the poem from the wall, her touch gentle yet deliberate, as if handling a delicate artifact. Her eyes met Amani’s, a glint of mischief dancing in their depths. “Ah, Amani, toujours la critique,” Arya responded in flawless French, her tone light yet tinged with a hint of playful defiance, a subtle edge to her words, a reminder of her own sophistication. “Mais peut-être que ton goût est juste moins sophistiqué que le mien”

As Amani questioned the purpose behind Arya’s poem adorning the conservatory walls, Arya’s lips curved into a thoughtful smile. She observed the other writings hanging alongside it, noting the variety of expressions captured in each piece. “Well, you know,” Arya began, her voice carrying a whimsical rhythm, “I suppose there’s a certain pleasure in leaving a piece of yourself behind, a mark in the tapestry of time. Or perhaps it was simply the desire to share a glimpse of my inner world with this sanctuary of secrets, who knows.”
She held the poem in her hands, Arya’s thoughts drifted to the deeper significance of the words, the emotions woven into each line. The conservatory seemed to pulse with a quiet energy, a sanctuary where secrets whispered among the foliage, hidden from prying eyes. It was a place of solace, where Arya had once found refuge in moments of contemplation.

When Amani posed her question about what this thing truly was, Arya’s response dripped with playful curiosity, offering sort of a whimsical interpretation of the sanctuary, suggesting it was a haven for lost souls seeking refuge from the chaos of university life. Yet, Amani’s unexpected burst of laughter caught Arya off guard, prompting a quizzical arch of her brow. “Don’t give him that much credit” she huffed and continued walking.
They wandered deeper into the mystical realm of the Botanical Conservatory, and Arya couldn’t help but be captivated by the aura of magic and mystery that permeated the air. Amani’s whispered incantations in Latin and French stirred a sense of intrigue within her, a silent acknowledgment of the hidden depths of knowledge that lay dormant within the girl standing next to her.

Amani’s sudden invocation of Latin and French, accompanied by an enigmatic gesture, left Arya momentarily speechless. She watched with fascination as a door materialized before them, the word “quattuor” etched upon its surface, sparking a flicker of contemplation in Arya’s mind. Four. Why four? Was it a clue, a hint to the mysteries lying beyond? The enigmatic nature of the door and Amani’s cryptic actions left Arya pondering its significance. Were there more doors like this one, each holding its own secrets and mysteries?
As Amani gracefully opened the door with a key that seemed to materialize out of thin air, Arya’s admiration for her companion’s arcane prowess only grew. Amani’s explanation of the Eden of Enchantment only added to Arya’s fascination. She couldn’t help but wonder how Amani had come to know of such a place, but she chose to keep her thoughts to herself for now, allowing the enigma of the moment to wash over her.

Stepping through the threshold, Arya found herself immersed in a surreal landscape of mirrors, each reflecting a myriad of possibilities and illusions. The absence of their physical forms in the mirrors intrigued Arya, adding another layer of mystique to the already enchanting ambiance.
With a subtle quirk of her lips, Arya regarded the mirrors, her gaze lingering on their ethereal presence. As Amani introduced the room of reflections, Arya’s curiosity piqued, her eyes gleaming with a quiet intrigue. “The room of reflections,” she echoed, her voice laced with a hint of wonder. “And what secrets do these mirrors hold?” Arya murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

---

@Kristi

[novella]

≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

A light laugh escaped him when she told him his absence didn’t keep her up at night, “It was noted though? I’ll take what I can get from you, Nore,” Jesse told her, his eyes drifting off to take in his surroundings, making note of any new faces, pinpointing where his upcoming classes were and checking the demeanour of the hovering faculty. Then back to Lenore, who had been a familiar face since beginning Wyndham. Despite being in separate societies, she had become someone he had entrusted over the last few years.

“Ah, you should have known it would be Ren and I, no-one can capture an audience quite like us,” He told her, an exaggerated tone of disapproval in the first sentiment. “Perhaps we could give you and Enigma Stag a few pointers,” He then suggested, with a very subtle tone of jest though his eyebrows raised as if proceeding with caution after telling that to her. “It was nothing worth stopping for, really,” Jesse then said, talking more seriously about the events. “Renlin just… he’d had a bit to drink. The kind that never ends well,” He vaguely told her, not wanting to talk too in detail about his friend’s business.

As they were discussing the night prior, Lenore also mentioned someone she had encountered. “You’ve intrigued me,” He joked at the ambiguous manner in which she was explaining them. “Did this ‘interesting character’ have a name?” Jesse asked, with an underlying curiosity about the people who had newly enrolled.

≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫

@Caticorn Miss Ferrell
@Madilnel Ren mentioned

[astxrism]

clone
{ after class / with Lyra }

‧˚₊┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈‧₊˚⊹

Hayes could say he had a lot of friends here at Ninth House. Had being a key word.
Sure, he still likes some people around these halls such as Inessa and… Was there really anyone else left? Left being yet another key word. Almost everyone Hayes was close with had passed away or simply disappeared - take Lysander, Lyra’s brother and Miles as examples.

Lysander was once Hayes’ close friend and Cipher confidant, and had been a significant part of Hayes’ life. Their friendship had deepened through shared studies and mutual respect for the arcane. They had even spent time together outside of school, with Lysander inviting Hayes to their family cottage one time. It was during these visits that Hayes met Lyra. Simply just met her, don’t mistaken this for Hayes knowing Lyra well, because he doesn’t. Right now she is simply yet another new face in class… A face that should’ve stayed at home and not stepped through the doors of Ninth House. That should’ve stayed focused on simpler times filled with laughter and peace, where magic was a tool for exploration and not the harbinger of doom it could become.

Miles was another friend who had simply vanished one day, leaving behind more questions than answers. A reason why Hayes was back. He had always wondered if there was a connection between Miles’ disappearance and the dangerous paths they had tread together. At times he felt like he was very close to uncovering what happened to his friend but he always ended up empty handed… Or with bloody hands in an empty, dark hallway when he thought no one would find him… Except for that one time when Renlin did.
If someone tells you Ninth House was a place where people could disappear without a trace, swallowed by the mysteries they sought to uncover then you should probably listen to them. And Hayes wished he could say that to all these new faces. But who would listen to him? Who was he to scare people? So don’t blame him if he says he was not happy to see Lyra. It had nothing to do with her, but he still felt the need to go up and talk to her. There was still hope. He can fix things.

From the back of the room he watched as the girl packed her things up, watched as other students were getting up and moving their instruments to the side before leaving. For a moment Hayes hesitated, an internal battle waging within him. Should he approach her? What would he even say? The weight of his guilt and the memories of Lysander’s tragic end still troubled him. Would talking to her even bring some comfort? As he approached, his steps were tentative, each one filled with a mixture of determination and apprehension. His mind raced with doubts - What if she blamed him? ”Leaving a good first impression,“ he said softly as he appeared behind her. It was meant to be a compliment, if she knew to take it that way, his gaze landing on the instrument next to her. While he was not that great of a musician the room was always filled with so much talent even he knew how to recognize. ”I’m sure Ms. Walsh is impressed with all you new kids,“ a soft smile appeared on his lips, a sign he was coming in peace and good intentions.

‧˚₊┈┈ ⋅ ∙ ∘ ⋆˖⁺˖⋆ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ┈┈┈‧₊˚⊹

@Jass - Lyra
@Madilnel - Dumans kinda mentioned

[Jass]

---

After the emergency conversation with Esther in the toilet, and the realisation they had both been with the same guy, and Esther had been poisoned by Hayes. The name had rang a bell, it was like she knew who he was, but she couldn’t quite place it. Lyra felt a touch overwhelmed as she made it to her class, her very first class here. It was a lot to handle, not only was she here constantly being reminded of her brother, now on top of that, she had to deal with a guy who completely ghosted her out of nothing, while they had just taken a bit step together, Lyra had thought that had meant something, but clearly, it didn’t seem like it had. And if that wasn’t enough, people were getting poisoned. She wasn’t quite sure how she would navigate her education, when this far her experience at Ninth house had been nothing but a whirlwind.

The first class had been a good class however, enchanted music composition. Which for Lyra had meant an opportunity to take out her harp. This first class, it mostly had been a pleasant experience for Lyra, soothing even. The moments she could play, she felt like her fingers were gliding over the strings of her harp. It could not be denied that Lyra played the harp flawlessly, well, for the most part. One moment during class, she got distracted. Her eyes had met those of Hayes, a bit of shock hit her when she placed the name of the guy who had poisoned Esther with the face. He was a guy she wasn’t necessarily prepared to meet once again. Upon her glance at him, her whole body froze. Lucky enough, after a few seconds, she was able to focus again and play like nothing had happened.

It was only when she saw him approach her, her thoughts went back to him. Her brother’s best friend. The poisoned of her close friend. What if he poisoned her brother too? She studied him, and she quickly observed he looked nothing like he had looked when she had met him before. There was a darkness and heaviness she felt from him now, no, this was not the same guy as who her brother was friends with.

“Leaving a good first impression,” he said softly, catching her off guard. She blinked, processing the compliment, then glanced at her instrument and back at him. “Thank you,” she replied, her tone polite but cautious. She felt not quite at ease with him, especially with what happened with Esther. She wasn’t quite sure what his intention was, why he was talking to her. She nodded as he said he was sure the teacher was impressed with them, “Ms. Walsh is an amazing teacher. We’re all trying our best.” It didn’t quite come out with her usual soft and gentle tone, however, it was accompanied with a small smile.

With his soft smile, she could see he carried a lot of weight on his shoulder, that he was suffering, yet, slowly but steadily, she was also reassured that it seemed he meant no harm, at least not to her. She knew if she wanted to know what happened to her brother, she had no chance than to expose herself to the risk Hayes appeared to be. She seized the moment to steer the conversation. “Hayes, right?” she asked, recalling his name from when she had met him before. “You knew my brother, Lysander.” It wasn’t a question; it was a statement laden with meaning. Without waiting for his reaction, she turned around, opened her backpack and grabbed an item from it. After taking a deep breath, fighting to hold back a tear, she faced Hayes again. She grabbed his hand, and slowly, she let a necklace slide into his palm. It was not any necklace, no, it had been Lysander’s. Lyra had carried it with her since she heard the news of her brother passing, but in a split moment, as if guided by his soul, Lyra knew she was not the person who was supposed to carry it with her. “He would have wanted you to have this.” She said, her voice soft but resolute.

---

Hayes - @astxrism
Mentioned:
Vinnie - @raviola
Esther - @Mouschi

[cordyx]

꒰ ⋆ .⺌ ⟡ ⊂ gordon’s gardenparty ⊃ ⟡ ⺌. ⋆ ꒱

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

The night he had was memorable, but it felt as though the night flashed in quick succession. The wondrous dancing with Tae came and went with a surreal depiction of the ballroom’s hallways, blurring the line between his reality and delusions. A state of confusion and a daze-like wonder flurried around his head as he looked up at the masked guests, some unraveling the mask to reveal a disfigured, blurry face only seeming to be familiar to faces he might’ve seen from his memories. Like a movie, the color grading of the elegant warmness of the ballroom would slowly turn into a cold and desaturated scene. The environment also morphed, with the glistening marble floor turning into a gray concrete floor, so familiar in every step he took. Despite the confusing state he was in, something alarmed him as his eyes slowly shifted to a staircase ever so familiar; looking at the palm of his hand, the cuff of his sleeve, and the watch he wore gave him confirmation of a memory he was most afraid of. In a stasis, he recognized the uniform he wore as his eyes widen, refusing to look up until his courage soared in to come upon and see… an alarm clock ringing at 7:15.

Ughhhhh. Snoozing the alarm, his body felt as if he were pushed into a cement mixer, only having the strength to look upon the ceiling to collect the thoughts of his mind as to what he had seen—those dreams. It was all so new to him and yet familiar to a time he once lived in. Fearing that time might catch up to him, however, Seung-min jolted himself from the bed so as to shock his body from grogginess.

In quick succession, he did his daily routine, checking his clock and refusing to play his favorite tunes so as not to miss breakfast. In his battle for time, he quickly grabbed the things he saw from his closet: a pink teddy bear jacket, a t-shirt with a faded design, light-wash jeans, and white sneakers with blue streaks. Going out as he grabbed his backpack and some papers, he sprinted from across the hallway as he made quick stops, asking for some directions as he looked at the school’s guide.

In the dining hall, his tense body relaxed as he finally got his iced coffee and a simple breakfast containing rice, eggs, and stir-fried vegetables. An opportunity to listen to some tunes was presented as the dining hall was still crowded enough to indicate a time of rest before classes, along with checking the time to see it was 7:46. In a moment where all of the people around him were just as relaxed as he was, Seung-min listened to some classic blues and jazz as his phone vibrated. His sister texted.

The screen read, “So how was that party??? Did u bone anyone :)?”

"maybe ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) why, want details?"

“Ew no f#ck off.”

Giving a light chuckle at the last text, he continued on to his meal, feeling another buzz as he looked at the screen to see what lovely text she would give him. With a blank face, the screen inscribed: “Just wanted to know if you’re using college life as an opp. to live a ho life. That’s it, bye~~” Shaking his head in disbelief, he finished off with his meal as he wandered around the halls, partially taking in the scenery and partially looking for his class.

With each stone pavement he stepped in, he basked along the surrounding area, leaving an awestruck impression as he had finally seen the academy in its bright, elegant glory. The carefully designed foliage complimented the stonework that tells of its illustrious history, the carvings’ dedicated craftsmanship, and the woodwork, giving the academy its warmth and connection to all things natural. With his choice in career, he expected to go to an academy filled with new technologies and modern architecture, and the scenery focused on the elite and academic prowess gave him some form of motivation to at least fit and find a group of friends worthy to call a "family.”.

This basking of the environment would seem short-lived, however, as his lack of attention to the surroundings gave him a gentle knock of reality. The velocity of the shock gave him a slight push, as he made the best effort to stand with his two feet. He was able to stand, albeit slightly awkward in the placement of his feet. Seung-min fixed himself as he looked at his clothing to see any rips or mangles. With the sweet voice he heard, he immediately gave his best smile to quickly apologize for the mishap and move on. “I-It’s okay! I wasn’t looking either; I was just—”

As he finally had a moment to see the man he accidentally bumped into, that face and smile gave him some familiarity and maybe a bit of a starstruck moment. If he would admit it, he did at least do some checking on some of the people he would be meeting throughout the course, and no one was able to give him a double check but him. Maybe it was a little creepy, as he is definite about that, but seeing him face-to-face when Seung-min had minutes of him just looking at his feeds and posts gave him certain butterflies that just exhilarated him to be in this academy. In his dumbfounded state, his ears flushed a pretty red as he realized the heat coming from his ears. “Damn. I mean! I-I am like soooo… sorry! I just- um, like the view here is just so nice and then I wasn’t looking and then this- Oh look at that papers on the floor! Haha! I-I’m just gonna pick this up, j-just move on and um…” The redness on his face was palpably obvious, and so as to combat the failure of his composure, he knelt on the floor as to pick up the papers to calm down. Slowly going back up, he gave a nervous smile as he scratched his head out of awkwardness. “I know you probs won’t be asking for this, but… I’m Seung-min, or Scott, if you don’t know how to pronounce it. It’d be better if it were my actual name, but some certain peeps have a really hard time pronounced an easy name, for some reason… not that I think you’re incapable of that! No! I just think you have choices to call me names like… Seung-min, yes! I mean, names are so weird, and there’s just so much aggression toward weird names—not that I’m saying names like mine are weird, but like, I should shut up now, yes.”

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

@idiot.exe - Atlas

@Caticorn - Tae (mentioned)

[Caticorn]

≪ °❈° ≫ ● ≪ °❈° ≫

Amani was clearly not impressed with him. Not that he could blame her. “I don’t know…the satisfaction of having me admit that I was pain?” He wasn’t sure why he was using the past tense. He was no longer in so much pain that he couldn’t think but there was still this soreness that demanded his attention. Listening to Amani talk was a good distraction though, so he focused completely on her as she explained what she had done to heal him. He knew that her mother was a healer of sorts and so it made sense that Amani would know some of the same techniques. However, her last statement made Tae question if she actually knew what she was doing. “Wait, did I just become a lab rat?” He asked, questioning his choices.

“Well, that would require Azriel to want to have a conversation with me but I haven’t heard anything from your father.” Tae rolled his eyes when he mentioned her fiancé. He was well aware of the fact that he was not Amani’s fiancé’s favourite person and he enjoyed being as big of a pain in his ass as he possibly could, which didn’t exactly make Azriel want to spend any more time than was necessary with him. He still hated how Amani was being kept in the dark about her own wedding.

Tae laughed when she asked if he was supposed to be the mature cousin. This made him wince as it activated some of the sore parts of his body. “Don’t make me laugh.” He meant this in both a sarcastic and literal sense, but it was ironic of her to expect the youngest of the Duman cousins to be the most mature. “You see the irony in that right?” He asked as she went to this corner of her room to change. To respect her privacy, Tae looked up at the ceiling. “Some guys were gossiping about whether Renlin and I would speak to each other at the sleepover this year. One of them mentioned my brother and then Renlin decided to open his mouth and chime in with ‘half-brother’. It was just the way he said it.” He explained to her, relaying what had led to him starting the fight. Saying it out loud really made Tae think about how stupidly impulsive it was. “He calls me half as if it’s a slur. As if not sharing a mom had any effect on my relationship with my siblings or my grief. Liss, Isaac and I never called ourselves half-siblings.”

“He’s never getting over it and he’s never been grown up. I get that he wants someone to blame but the way he resents me, you’d think I was more than just a passenger.” He told her before thinking back to the night before. He didn’t remember any embarrassing outbursts from his cousin but then again, he had been a little…preoccupied. “Made a fool of himself? How?” He asked her, wanting to hear whatever details Amani had. He playfully rolled his eyes when she told him that she wouldn’t have continued speaking to him if he’d let himself lose the fight easily but when she got more serious, so did he. “When and…and what happened?” He asked when she told him about her dream. The dreams that she was talking about always felt so strange to him, he wanted to have as many details about it as possible.

≪ °❈° ≫ ● ≪ °❈° ≫

@Kristi - Amani

[idiot.exe]

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

Clone — bonfire, at night — with Lyra

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

It was the first day back after a long summer, yet it went on as any other day. Before he knew it, the sun began to set, its golden rays drawing a pattern on the marble floors of the academy. Around that time, Atlas was returning from the library, textbooks in his hands. The hallways were emptier than in the morning, and there was something so comforting about the calmer, melancholy atmosphere as the day neared its end. Atlas was silent, his head kept down, nothing but his quiet footsteps echoing across. Deep down, there was a sense of uneasiness as night approached. There was something… Something in the back of his mind that he just couldn’t put his finger on. What had he forgotten? Nothing was out of place.

Best not to think too hard, he thought. There was likely a reason he forgot.

There was one event left before he could return to the confines of his bedroom — the bonfire gathering. Finally, a proper opportunity to catch up with his friends. Atlas left the textbooks at his dorm, neatly arranging them on the bookshelves across his bed. After, he freshened up, preparing to head out.

---

The nighttime event was a rather lively one, filled with the hum of chatter between friends and those yet to become friends (whether they liked it or not). The sound of chirping crickets and crackling wood added to the cozy atmosphere, as Atlas navigated from person to person and engaged in idle conversation. Greetings, small talk, stories of their summer days, every topic was covered and he hadn’t even made it halfway through.

Passing through the crowds of people, Atlas noticed a woman sitting on her own, her face warmly illuminated by the fire. She seemed deep in thought, focused on the marshmallow in her hand. Curious, Atlas took a few steps forward. As her features became clearer, he realized he’d seen her that morning — she was one of the new students of his group, likely why she was alone.

Atlas excused himself from the crowd for a moment. He’d decided to approach the woman, his pace slow and a soft smile gracing his face. “Hey,” he greeted, his voice low but rather calming. “You seem lost in thought.” Up close, he could take note of her appearance, from her overalls to the blonde waves framing her soft features.

As he caught her attention, he took another step closer. “I remember you from this morning, but I don’t think I’ve seen you before then. Are you new here, by chance?” he asked, his gaze wandering to the fire. “Enigma Stag, right?” his lips curved into a more mischievous smirk, extending his palm towards the fire. “I’m one for illusion as well.”

He conjured a glowing golden orb in his open palm. Following the rhythm of the flames, he let the orb expand, dancing along the surface of his hand. His eyes flickered with light from its movement, watching it adjust and morph until it was nearly a mirror image of the sight in front.

With a small fire in the palm of his hand, Atlas sat down beside the woman. “Try it,” he offered his hand towards her. “Who knows, it might do a better job than the actual bonfire, hm?” he chuckled, winking.

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

@Jass ✧ Lyra Elysa Skylark

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

[Jass]

---

It had been a long first day of classes for Lyra. She had tried to ignore it all, partake in the small take, the conversations at tonight’s bonfire. It had been quite an enjoyable evening, catching up with some old friends, and meeting some new faces. However, she decided, after roasting a marshmallow to satisfy her sweet tooth, to give herself a moment of peace. Stepping away from the lively crowd and the crackling fire, she sought a quieter spot around the bonfire. The chatter and laughter around her grew distant as she found a more secluded place to sit, giving herself a chance to unwind and reflect. The soft glow of the fire reached her, providing a comforting backdrop as she embraced the calm of the night, allowing herself a brief respite from the whirlwind of the day.

Her thoughts went to her brother, and Hayes. She couldn’t deny the lingering feeling that Hayes might know more about what happened to her brother, they were best friends. As far as Lyra knew, they had been inseparable, after all, and if anyone had insights into her brother’s last days, it would be Hayes. Yet, she knew prying such sensitive information from him wouldn’t be easy.

Despite his recent friendliness and seemingly harmless demeanor, Lyra was more than aware that these qualities alone were not enough to broach such a delicate subject. She needed more than just a casual acquaintance; she needed trust, a bridge built slowly and carefully. It was a daunting prospect, but one she was determined to face. Her brother’s memory deserved that much.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke her thoughts, and she turned to see a guy she remembered from earlier today making his way towards her. She noted his soft smile and the gentle tone of his greeting, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution. “Hey,” she responded softly, a hint of a smile touching her lips. His observation about her being lost in thought made her chuckle lightly. “I guess I was,” she admitted, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

“Yeah, I’m new here,” she replied, her tone warm yet tinged with a hint of uncertainty. “Enigma Stag, that’s my house indeed. It is yours too, right?” She watched with intrigue as he extended his hand toward the fire, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips. His mention of being skilled in illusion sparked her interest further, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation at what he might reveal.

As he conjured a glowing orb of light in his palm, Lyra’s eyes widened in fascination. The intricate dance of the flames mirrored in the orb held her attention captive, and she couldn’t help but marvel at the display before her.

“That’s incredible,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine admiration. The subtle flicker of light reflected in her eyes as she observed the illusion, a sense of wonder washing over her. “I’ve always been fascinated by illusions; they have this enchanting quality that’s hard to resist.”

As he invited her to try the illusion, she reached for the stick she had prepared with an already roasted marshmallow, her fingers slightly sticky to the touch from the marshmallow. In an impulse, she bit off the treat she had prepared for herself. What she didn’t realise in her excitement to try roasting a marshmallow above his illusion, was that part of the marshmallow had been stuck on the corner on her cheek.

She added an unroasted marshmallow to the stick, and with a small, eager smile, she lifted the stick, ready to roast the marshmallow above the shimmering orb. However, as she leaned closer to the illusion, a slight tickle on her cheek distracted her. At first, she brushed it off, assuming it was just a stray hair the wind was blowing. But when the sensation persisted, she paused, her brow furrowing in confusion. With a gentle touch, she reached up to her cheek and discovered the culprit - a small smear of marshmallow clinging to her skin.

Blushing furiously, Lyra giggled nervously, feeling the warmth of embarrassment creeping up her neck.“Oh!” she exclaimed softly, “How did I miss that?” She laughed lightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and amusement at her oversight. “Looks like I got a little carried away with the marshmallow excitement.” She glanced apologetically at Atlas, hoping he found her mishap more endearing than clumsy. With a sheepish smile, she finally removed the bit of marshmallow, popping it into her mouth with a playful grin.

Now, once again she lifted the stick, ready for the illusion to do it’s work. As Lyra did so, a determined glint sparkled in her eyes. “Here goes nothing,” she murmured with a smile, her voice laced with a hint of excitement and anticipation.

---

Atlas - @idiot.exe
Mentioned:
Hayes - @astxrism

[idiot.exe]

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

Hallways, at night — with Lenore and Vinnie’s boytoys

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

At her muttered comment, Chadwick’s lips curved into a smirk. He stepped forward once more, taking a strand of her hair in his hand. “What was that, dear?” he leaned in until his breath brushed against her neck, twisting the strand around his fingers.

To their surprise, the woman had agreed to take him off their hands. Quite a relief. Now if he were to die, Vincenzo and their coven wouldn’t be the first ones to blame. Bradford found himself unable to hold back a chuckle at the way she said it, how impatient. And to make demands to hand him over gently? Laughable. Who did she think she was?

“So you’re up for the challenge?” he asked. Bradwick found her attitude rather amusing. If they weren’t in a hurry to drop off the newcomer, they would’ve stayed longer only to mess with her.“Chad,” Bradford straightened his expression.

Chadford turned around, giving him a small nod. He stepped away, winking at the woman before returning to his friends’ side. He helped him lift Dominic in their hands, carrying him closer to Lenore. "Would a lady like you be able to handle this much weight?" he mocked. “We can give him to you as gentle as we can, the question is whether you can handle it, sweetheart. Or would you need our help carrying him?”

And with that, they both released him, letting his body hit the ground right in front of Lenore’s feet. It collided with the ground with a loud thud, yet he didn’t react, his limp body didn’t move an inch.

"Ah, my mistake," Bradford couldn’t resist mocking her again. “I think that was gentle enough, wouldn’t you agree?”

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

@Caticorn ⋅𖥔⋅ Lenore Ferrell

thinking to myself they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not real they’re not r

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

[Kristi]

[[[Musica ౨ৎ])]

Most of the time, when Arya would come to her house as a child, Amani’s family would speak solely in French. This was, if Amani recalled correctly, because Arya was learning French at the time. Amani’s family, being native French speakers with ancestry from Francophone nations, wanted to foster her learning. After all, what better way to help someone learn a language than to immerse them in it daily?

I’;s been a while since their fall out, that Arya and Amani got to talk, so for a split second and just for a split second, Amani had forgotten Arya knew french, it was only until she had said le moins did Amani remember that indeed, Sellenova spoke french.

“vraiment ? C’est certainement l’affirmation la plus intéressante” Amani side looking at the poems on the wall, “la plupart des gens ne qualifieraient pas votre choix de relations de classe” She continued, “cough Parravicini Russo, cough the immature Dunman,” Amani faked a cough, then switched back to English, her hand theatrically placed on her throat as she smirked. , “Excuse me, it seems I’ve developed quite the cold.” she added in English, her hand on her throat as she smirked.

Amani then asked Arya why she had written the poem and her reasoning for hanging it up. Was the poem of any particular importance? Amani listened intently to Arya’s explanation, her curiosity still piqued but now tempered with a hint of amusement. She gently traced the edges of the poem with her fingers, feeling the texture of the paper as if it could reveal some hidden truth.

Amani then inquired about the poem Arya had written, her curiosity piqued. She wanted to know why Arya had written it and why she chose to hang it on the wall. Was the poem of any significant importance? Amani listened intently to Arya’s explanation, her interest now tempered with a hint of amusement. She gently traced the edges of the poem with her fingers, feeling the texture of the paper as if it could reveal some hidden truth.

"“Well, aren’t you awfully sentimental,” Amani remarked, a smirk playing on her lips. “I suppose I could understand that, though I never knew you were one to be so sappy.” The playful glint in her eye contrasted with the depth of her words, as if she was simultaneously mocking and admiring Arya’s sentimentality, but perhaps leaning more towards the mocking. She looked over Arya’s shoulders as she read the poem, her brows for rowing slightly as she took in the lines. The poem was delicate, full of introspection and longing. It spoke of forgotten dreams and the quiet melancholy of unfulfilled desires. Amani’s smirk faded as she read, replaced by a more contemplative expression. The words seemed to resonate with something deep within her, something she wasn’t quite ready to acknowledge. "The Poem, " Amani began not knowing what to say, “Very cipher of you, almost too cipher, glad to see you kept that poetic spark of yours over the years” Amani ‘complimented.’

Amani’s laughter gradually subsided, leaving her with a lingering smile as she straightened up from the statue. She watched Arya continue walking, her brow arched with amusement. Catching up to her, Amani tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and mischief. “Of course not, credit’s all your innit?” she conceded, her tone still playful as they continued their walk through the Botanical conservatory. Eventually, they reached an and as Amani began to whisper incantations in Latin and French, quiet enough as her words will come off as more mumbles than actual words. A door with the words ‘quattor’ eventually formed out of thin air, igniting a smile from Amani- AAAH the room of reflections, one of her favorite rooms. Using a key that her ‘creature’ had given her, Amani opened the door, welcoming the sigh of empty mirrors. She continued walking, her eyes staring at each of the mirrors, until she landed on one with Arya, looking at that particular reflection less mirror, Amani had smiled, as she continued to describe what the Eden of Enchanment truly was. When she was done, as expected, Arya was not without questions- she had asked what secrets the mirrors hold, prompting Amani to respond with, “Depends,” She had smirked, “Depends on the mirror and what you wish for it to hold. This mirror for example,” Amani gestured to the mirror in front of them, “is the mirror of desires, not as sexy as it sounds, though there is a mirror for that,” Amani chuckled, “Anyways, mirror of desires, take you to a life you’ve always imagined existing in, a life that is your current ultimate desire where you would feel most serene in.” Her gaze went towards the mirror, “It’s empty because it needs to be tapped,” Amani gently grabbed Arya’s hand and using her free hand, they had both touched the mirror, causing it to began to swirl. “Once touched, we begin to see two different things- I see my own desires place and you see yours.”

At some point, the mirror had stopped swirling, staying in one place as Amani began to see her own reflection morph and shift, subtly at first, then more pronounce. The glass rippled like the surface of a pond disturbed by a thrown stone. What unfolded before her eyes was a vision of teenage her in secondary school, laughing side by side with a person who Amani knew all to well, she had placed her head on the person’s shoulder’s as they say down together, drinking a drink- coffee for her she imagined, a type of tea perhaps black for the other person. It was relaxing, there where in their last year of secondary school and his betrayal had not happened nor did the ‘news’ happen. As they leaned close to each other their lips almost touching, they suddenly jolted apart, as the presence of another- Arya Sellenova, suddenly emerged in the vision. Arya’s entrance was marked by laughter from Amani, it was not a mocking one, but a genuine laughter as she playfully rolled her eyes, as two other people- Tae and Celestine had emerged., finding spots next to her, the group forming a circle of familiar faces, all sharing jokes and stories from their day. This glimpse into a past where their friendship had never waned, where betrayals and separations were non-existent, painted a poignant picture of what could have been.

As the scene shifted, Amani was now an adult, surrounded by her family and the same friends from her secondary school days. It was her birthday, and the laughter and warmth enveloping her were palpable. Her sister Marium came forward, her hands hiding a small, elegantly wrapped box. Unveiling a delicate necklace, she clasped it around Amani’s neck, an action met with cheers and claps from around the room. Isaac, too, was there, his arm wrapped around a woman he had met at a party; his smile was wide, his eyes sparkled with genuine happiness.

Amidst the celebration, there was him—the one whose presence Amani chose to ignore. His face was there in the crowd, smiling, participating, yet Amani’s vision cleverly skirted around him, focusing instead on the joy and the love from those who mattered more. The entire vision radiated a sense of relaxation and freedom from responsibilities, a stark contrast to her current life. The happiness was infectious, and even as the scene began to dissolve, Amani felt a warmth linger, a bittersweet reminder of a life that might have been, filled with endless possibilities and the continued presence of those she loved.

As the images in the mirror faded and Amani turned back to Arya. “What did you see?” Amani asked her voice soft as she looked at the mirror, “Ok now that that is over,do you want to check out the others. I’ll let you chose a mirror, pick one.”

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@CerealKiller

[idiot.exe]

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

Morning, before class — with Seung-min

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

Atlas’ surroundings began to come into focus, as he left his thoughts behind and returned to the present. Before he knew it he found himself holding onto the wall, faced with another person, just as disoriented and awkward as him. Papers were scattered beneath their feet, likely something the man had been carrying. Atlas’ chest briefly tightened with guilt; he felt responsibile for what had happened. Yet on the surface it was impossible to tell, with his friendly smile immediately concealing his thoughts.

The other man responded as soon as he apologized. “I-It’s okay! I wasn’t looking either; I was just—" he abruptly cut himself off when his eyes met Atlas’.

Atlas furrowed his brows in confusion. All of a sudden silence filled the air, a few seconds seeming like an hour due to the tension. Taking a deep breath, he tried to redirect his thoughts and focus on what the other was saying. It appeared he wasn’t paying attention while walking either. Though it wasn’t certain whether he was lying to make Atlas feel better, he had to admit that he felt a weight being lifted off his chest. His smile became more genuine, properly reaching the corners of his eyes.

The other student continued to speak quickly, his words laced with nervousness. Atlas could tell he was looking for a way to escape the situation, and those doubts were confirmed as he knelt down to pick up the papers. Atlas found himself standing in place, frozen, only observing what the other did. “Oh, um… Papers, sure…” he muttered to himself, taking a step back to give him space. Was that man okay? He normally would’ve offered help, but everything happened so quickly he could barely process it. And his mind wouldn’t stop spinning from the collision and the thoughts from that morning.

Aside from that, once he looked closer he could notice the way the man’s cheeks were tinted from embarassment. Tinted was a weak word to describe just how red he was. He must’ve been really flustered. Though Atlas knew it was wrong, he couldn’t hold back a chuckle from escaping his lips. There was something strangely amusing about the situation, how for once, Atlas wasn’t the only one walking around absentmindedly and ending up in awkward situations. Of course as the man rose to his feet, he quickly straightened his expression and returned his friendly smile.

He listened to him speak until he was finished, taking note of his name, Seung-min. One thing was for sure — he was not going to call him Scott. Instead he listened to the way he pronounced the name, repeating it in his head until he was sure he got it right.

Atlas took a deep breath, struggling to choose where to even start. “Right, so, Seung-min?” he figured he’d ask for confirmation. “Why wouldn’t I ask your name, it’s how an introduction goes, isn’t it?” he extended his hand forward for a handshake, his lips splitting into a grin despite his efforts to stay composed. “I’m Atlas, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

A few more sheets of paper remained scattered around the floor, the disorder poking at Atlas’ eyes. He crouched down, collecting the final pieces before joining the other man up. With a softened smile, he handed them over. “Well, this wasn’t the ideal way to make an introduction, but it was definitely interesting. Either way, I’d hate for everything to be predictable,” he spoke, leaning his back against the wall. “Where were we…?” he trailed off for a moment, his head tilting up in thought. “Ah, right, names. I’ve never thought too deep about it, they’re just words. But you know, my name is rather strange as well. Have I said it already? My mind is a mess, from, well…” he chuckled softly. “It’s Atlas, quite unusual, but my parents liked it. And who would’ve thought it would hold a meaning to my life now? Can you guess what it is?” he questioned playfully, locking eyes with Seung-min.

But as the conversation continued, Atlas’ mind went back to the man’s nervousness. He wasn’t sure whether he was helping or if he’d end up making everything worse. He could almost understand how it must’ve felt. At one point, he was also in that position, quite a long time ago.

Atlas might’ve been unaware of the cause for Seung-min, but there were a few guesses on his mind. “Are you a new student? I don’t remember seeing you around before, and trust me, I know everyone,” he continued with a quieter tone. “I couldn’t help but notice you seem a bit nervous. Is something wrong, or are you only feeling overwhelmed?” That was his first guess.

As for the second one, he knew it would be too inappropriate to ask. And yet… His curiosity was urging him on, to take the risk just to see Seung-min’s reaction. “Or, do you possibly have a crus—” he cut himself off, pausing. No. Not again. He was not going to repeat last night. He began laughing suddenly, cutting the pause short. “I, I mean… Do you have a class you need to get to? My mind is really scrambled…” he trailed off, his laugh fading into awkwardness.

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

@cordyx ✧ Yoo Seung-min

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

[CerealKiller]

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|| Hallway//With Aurora ~>> Enchanted music composition class ||

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Kairo chuckled at Aurora’s playful warning about the dungeons, appreciating her lighthearted approach to their conversation. “Getting lost and stumbling upon hidden spots sounds like an adventure waiting to happen,” he said with a grin. “And don’t worry, I’ll do my best to avoid the dungeons. I’d hate to have my first day end up like a scene from a horror movie.”

He glanced around the bustling corridors, filled with students rushing to their classes, the air buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. “But you’re right. First impressions matter,” he acknowledged with a nod, his smile never fading. “Though I have to admit, a bit of adventure after classes sounds like the perfect way to unwind. Maybe you can show me some of those hidden spots later?”

When she spoke about Quantum, her pride was evident. When the light above them flickered in response to her words, Kairo couldn’t help but be impressed by the effortless way Aurora showcased a hint of her magical abilities. It was a simple, almost casual display of magic, but it spoke volumes about the world he was now a part of. [color=brown]“Aye, now that was neat” he commented with a chuckle, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Quantum sounds like a blast,” he said with genuine admiration. “Quite the place indeed”
Her mention of not having their first class together elicited a playful chuckle from Kairo. “Well, looks like we’ll just have to make the most of these hallway encounters, then,” he replied with a wink, his tone light and teasing.
Despite the levity of their banter, Kairo couldn’t shake the faint twinge of potental loneliness that lingered in the depths of his eyes. Yet, Aurora’s determination to make him feel welcomed warmed his heart, her words a beacon of encouragement in the sea of uncertainty that surrounded him.

“Oh I bet Ninth House can be even more overwhelming than it is so far, but I reckon I’ll find my way around” Kairo said, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Kairo’s tone was casual and friendly, genuinely appreciating Aurora’s company. Her infectious enthusiasm made him feel more at ease in this new environment. "In the meantime, I guess I should get to class and try not to get too lost. But don’t worry, I’ll be on my best behavior—at least until the end of the day. " he added playfullly “Thanks for the directions and all, Aurora. You’ve already made my first day a lot better.” he added with a wink, his smile returning.
As he started to walk away, he turned back to her with a charming smile. “And hey, if you ever need a partner for one of those explorations, you know where to find me.” With a playful wink, he headed off, feeling a bit more confident about the day ahead, thanks to Aurora’s friendly and welcoming demeanor.

As Kai parted from Aurora, he couldn’t shake the pleasant warmth that lingered from their conversation. With a smile still playing on his lips he made his way to his first class at Ninth House, he couldn’t shake the sense of anticipation bubbling within him. The thought of learning about enchanted music composition filled him with excitement. Music had always been a passion of his, and the prospect of delving into the magical intricacies of it sounded thrilling. As he entered the class room, Kairo’s gaze swept over the serene setting. Soft light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the rows of instruments and neatly arranged sheet music.
Finding a seat towards the front of the classroom, Kairo settled in, his gaze fell upon Professor Maria Walsh, who stood at the front of the room. She exuded an aura of grace and warmth, her soft hazel eyes twinkling with kindness as she greeted each student with genuine and a cheerful “Good morning” Kairo felt a sense of appreciation wash over him. There was something reassuring about being seen and acknowledged by his teacher, a feeling of belonging that set the tone for the class ahead.

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@astxrism Aurora // prof walsh mentioned