Open Chronicles Stargazer's Club first semester meeting (open to all Elbion college)

[Nilamani]

(open to any Elbion college student or Maester as this is a sort of open house meeting.)

The study of celestial bodies and movements of stars is integral to many forms of magic. It is precisely for this reason that the celestial observations and study committee (stargazer's club) has a long history at the college. Some years having many avid and serious members, other years only a handful of students lazing on a rooftop at night. A club with a reputation as varied as the many interpretations of the sky.

Tonight was the first meeting of the semester. The club was not particularly selective, so it could be said that any meeting was open to all students. This one even more so. The club's membership had dwindled a bit over last year. Nilamani had helped one of the remaining upperclassmen put up a few flyers about to recruit new members. They had even personally handed out a few flyers by hand.
Nilamani themself was not a superstitious mage when it came to the sky. However they were naturally a bit nocturnal, and they were amused by the varies debates members held about said superstitions. It would be a shame if membership were deemed too low to operate. Like Nilamani there were a few students who appreciated the opportunity to be outside the dorms at night with permission.
So they had put in quite a bit of effort advertising this meeting.

The club rotated in venue depending on the weather conditions and the phenomena. Tonight the sky was cloudless and the air pleasant. This meeting was to observe a small cluster of stars which every few months shone in a red tinge. They meaning of this or if there even was one, was apparently a matter of heated debate. Since the weather was good and this bit of stars was visible without any of the fancier magic tools, the meeting was outside. It was being held on the same grassy field not so far from where Maester Kikwi held their lessons.
Nilamani helped arrange a few woven blankets as they watched one of the older students fuss nervously with a small table of refreshments.
It was still a bit early, only dusk. Yet they felt a tinge of the same nerves. Just when had they become so attached to this little ritual.

They crossed their arms to look out over the field back in the direction of the castle. Absently Nilamani placed a hand on their cheek in thought. They had chosen not to bring the tail out....better to not scare off any potential new members.
As the sky began to darken the only light brightening this little patch of lawn were a scattering of small lanterns lit by magic shining in a dim red ember like light.

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

Pomrick wandered the grassy fields, scratching his neck. He could have sworn it should have been around here somewhere...

He peered at the flyer in his hand, squinting to parse the words through the dwindling light.

Near the paddock of the north-western fields. Join us Stargazers for a night of...

Pomrick lowered the flyer, glancing at the paddock before him. He recalled the vicious Gristlehorns, the crackle of deadly lightning . . . And the hand that had pulled him to safety. The long, broad, almost lazy smile, the cryptic golden eyes. A shudder went through him.

Maybe this was a bad idea. He could still go back. None would be the wiser. He didn't know who else might come.

But he remembered that moment of victory. The supportive smile. Or had it simply been amused? Maybe there would be some elaborate method of making him look foolish at this event?

Then, he found the faint red lights of lamps. Some hundred yards from the paddock, beneath the glinting gems of the sky.

His heart ached for someone to talk to, despite his worries. Too long had he been left alone with the stony walls of Elbion College.

He trudged towards the little camp, seeing shadows move among the light. The flyer clenched in his grasp.

 

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

Nilamani
Pomrick Bloomsfield
Lysander crossed the open lawn with a leisurely stride, pale coat drifting gently in the evening breeze and gleaming softly beneath the scattered stars overhead. Ahead lay the small gathering of students—an uncertain circle of lanterns spilling flickering amber pools onto blankets spread across the grass, while an awkward-looking telescope loomed nearby, pointed dutifully toward the heavens. He had attended stranger gatherings before, he supposed, but none quite so... quaint.

Overhead, stars flickered like distant eyes, half-lidded and ancient.

His golden gaze shifted slightly, settling upon a boy trudging somewhat nervously toward the circle beside him, a stranger with a mop of tousled, sandy-brown hair, rumpled attire, and a look of earnest discomfort that hovered between scholarly apprehension and outright dread.

Lysander arched a pale eyebrow at the boy, taking measure of him with the practiced ease of a nobleman assessing unfamiliar company.

"So," he drawled softly, his voice a blend of idle curiosity and subtle skepticism, "what exactly is this supposed to be about, again?"

He adjusted his gloves with a rug at the wrist and inclined his chin toward the scattered group, toward the lanterns glowing softly upon expectant faces.

"Stargazing?" He uttered the word as though it were faintly ridiculous, a pastime perhaps suited more for peasants and poets than serious students of Elbion College, but perhaps entertaining non
etheless.

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

Another student was approaching the group. White locks cradled a phlegmatic face, his hair casually matching his coat, as if he had been born for those clothes, exuding an effortless style. Pomrick became acutely aware of his brown, oversized and stained tunic, his half-open pouches, loosely strapped belts and dirty boots, all sagging and crumbled, suffering the brutal contrast of this one's tightly cut attire. He fiddled with closing the lid of one, particulary glaring pouch while they matched strides, walking toward the group.

"So," he drawled softly, his voice a blend of idle curiosity and subtle skepticism, "what exactly is this supposed to be about, again?"

He adjusted his gloves with a rug at the wrist and inclined his chin toward the scattered group, toward the lanterns glowing softly upon expectant faces.

"Stargazing?" He uttered the word as though it were faintly ridiculous, a pastime perhaps suited more for peasants and poets than serious students of Elbion College, but perhaps entertaining non
etheless.

"Erm, well, I think so, yes. Says so on this, at least." Pomrick waved the crumbled flyer in his hand. His fellow student didn't seem too impressed, so he thought he needed to up the ante. Recalling a phrase his master had used, Pomrick added: "Astronomical observations, no doubt. You know, measuring distances to the stars, counting celestial bodices and all that."

He frowned at his own words. Something might not add up there. Hopefully his fellow student wouldn't have the time or inclination to challenge him on the finer points of stargazing.

Walking together, their differences screamed even louder. He cursed inwardly for arriving at the same time as this dapper soul. Inevitably, comparisons would be made. And he already feared what sort of impression he would make - now every strand of uncut nose-hair or patches of neck-beard would glare like a beacon from him, along with his inevitable social gaffes or other, embarrassing flaws. His body tightened, rendering him as stiff and awkward as a plank.

He hoped the dark would work in his favour.

Lysander Docatto Valestri
Nilamani

 

[Nilamani]

There was a visible upturn in Nilamani's mood as they caught the sight of an approaching figure. Their eyesight was still keen even in such low light conditions. Enough to recognize a familiar uncoordinated gait and mop of brown hair. Their smile widened into the expression of one finding a once lost favorite toy.
They hadn't been so sure if said classmate would show but were certainly glad to see they had. As they watched him trample across the yard, another familiar face joined.
One they likewise doubted would attend albeit for entirely different reasons. Well, Well, this could turn out to be a very amusing meeting indeed.

They slipped their hands inside the flowing sleeves of their dark robe-like coat as they crossed their arms. Watching the two approach with interest. They couldn't hear the conversation from here but they could certainly imagine how it was going roughly from the two men's expressions.
Lysander Docatto Valestri was clearly scoffing at something or other again...and the other was saying something with over-confidence.
Nilamani waited at the edge of the gathering as if to greet them both. The reflective quality of their golden eyes all the more apparent in the low light. The flickering light of the lanterns causing their eyes to shine and shimmering off their hair in an almost un-natural way. Or at least un-natural for humans.

As the two breached the scattered ring of lanterns, Nilamani gave a little nod.
" Thank you for gracing our little gathering~" They welcomed with a chipper sing-song tone. Their voice already laced with amusement.
"I hadn't thought either of you were celestial enthusiast." Their eyes glanced between the two.
"Nor, did I know that the two of you got along so well~?" They added a bit teasingly.

They were of course hoping that quite a few more students would show up, regardless of their individual reasons. However they had to admit this was already a bright turn of events.

Pomrick Bloomsfield

 

[Aiko]

Aiko. like many of her peers, had signed up to go to the Stargazer's Club first meeting with less than pristine intentions. Unlike many of her peers however, she had actually made it to the meeting. While the club's purpose was observation of the stars as well as their influence on the magical arts, Aiko was admittedly less interested in the arcane nature of such things. Instead she wished to continue working on the paintings she had started back at Alliria of the moon in the autumn night, and found this a convenient way to make that happen.

The elf found her way to the group, a bit nervous as it was a group of students she hadn't met before. There was a boy of crisp-white hair despite his obvious youth, clothed with an exactness of garb that implied nobility. He reminded Aiko of Calixtus in his gait, though he was perhav even haughtier. Aiko had learned that while many of her peers held ties to nobility, many of them were out of place in a new environment that simply didn't affect Calixtus or this boy. A noble of Elbion then? His companion seemed picked to contrast, with loosely fitting clothes and a distant expression that embodied the archetype of 'absent-minded academic'. They were joined by a point-eared girl with auburn hair and eyes that seemed to be a pool of gold.

Another elf? She had met little thus far, yet her stance was unfamiliar. It confused Aiko. She stood for a moment and pondered leaving instead of joining the trio. Perhaps this was a mistake after all.

 

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

Pomrick Bloomsfield
Nilamani
Aiko
Lysander halted a polite arm’s length from Nilamani, coat-tails settling around his boots like pale plumage. A faint clink and the muffled swish of cloth made him glance back. He watched as Pomrick hastily fumbled to close one of his half-open pouches, clearly hoping no one had noticed. Lysander sighed faintly, shaking his head, the gesture a subtle yet clear testament to his disdain for such clumsiness.

"Frankly," he began, turning his gaze back to Nilamani with an elegant tilt of his chin, "I fail to see the merit in such undertakings, unless, of course, they offer some meaningful magical boon."

He allowed the words to settle between them, quietly underscoring the implicit truth that power, to his mind, was the only genuine pursuit worthy of his attention. Social pleasantries and idle stargazing might hold charm for some, but Lysander had always sought more substantial rewards from his investments of time.

His eyes briefly swept the gathered students, pausing keenly upon the sharp, elegant points of Aiko's elven ears.

An elf, then. Interesting.

His gaze lingered a moment, analyzing her with casual interest before shifting back to Nilamani.

"Are these other people regulars?" he asked, a trace of authority underscoring his otherwise casual tone. It was obvious he viewed Nilamani as the orchestrator—and therefore accountable—for this odd assembly. "I haven't seen them before. Perhaps introductions are in order?"

His tone was smooth, faintly commanding but not unkind, offering the barest hint of amusement beneath his noble hauteur.

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

Nilamani's voice curled out from the gathering twilight, hemming them both in like bewildered sheep that had wandered too away from the pen.

Or at least, that's how Pomrick felt. He could only drop his jaw at Lysander's easy and chevalier superiority. All from a student he felt fairly certain was younger than him, at least in terms of years and beard. He wouldn't have dared challenging the usefulness of this endeavour himself, nor making formal suggestions to the organiser.

He glanced at Nilamani, uncertain of the reaction. They must know one another well, he decided.

Now, finding himself in that awkward state of not knowing what to say or when to say it without interrupting someone, he hung back like a wallflower.

A formal introduction. He dreaded those, much like he dreaded the tallying of classes or introducing himself to a new project group, forcing him to meekly pipe out his name.

His eye fixed on Lysander, perhaps to best gauge the proper protocol of these gatherings, and he followed his gaze to the elven girl, elegant as the gentle dusk around them. Though did he detect a smidgen of worry from her too? That eased him up significantly.

Perhaps he wasn't alone in his uncertainty.

 

[Nilamani]

Lysander Docatto Valestri
Pomrick Bloomsfield
Aiko

A tempered politeness entered Nilamani's smile in the short awkward silence. As with their other interactions the only thing they could really predict about his responses was the general air of haughtiness. They did wonder, if Lysander felt such a way, why they had bothered to attend.... perhaps idle curiosity had got the better of him.
"Students are welcome to attend....regardless of an academic interest..." Nilamani glanced at the sky overhead. "Though some of the members find keeping track of such alignments does have meaning for their craft..."
They mused offhand. The moon did hold some sway for Nilamani, it being the driver of tides. Tonight the moon hung full exerting it's hold on the waves in opposition to the sun.
Luckily, unlike werewolves or some other creatures bewitched by such movements, Nerevyn (or at least Nilamani's kin) were not forced back to their true form. It only meant Nilamani had to be cautious in their own emotions and magic a bit more than usual.

It was Lysander's call for introductions that brought notice of the newcomer to Nilamani. They turned their head to offer her a polite nod. Another Elf? This one had a much more reserved air then the two Nilamani had already seen.
"I'm afraid our regular members are scarce..." They turned back a bit to motion to two senior students near the refreshment table. There was a tall man with thick spectacles attempting to partake of another of the small tea sandwiches. His spectacles were so thick it made one wonder if he could see the stars out here at all. Next to him gearing up for a lecture was a woman of average height with a long green braid. Something Nilamani knew was a product of glamouring and not her natural color. It was a very nice shade of clover but Nilamani thought the lilac shade she tried a few days before suited her features better.
They were both stood in front of a small table with little sandwiches, cinnamon ginger biscuits and a pot of hot tea kept warm by a small bit of spell craft.
"The one with the spectacles is our club president, Edius and the girl trying to stop Edius from eating all the treats before anyone arrives is Udore."
Nilamani turned back to the small group their eyes resting on the Elf. "I am Nilamani. Please feel free to have a nibble and make yourself comfortable."
They gestured at the woven blankets spread about.

 

[Aiko]

Aiko was quickly discovered by the trio. No chance to leave gracefully then. The elf listened as the auburn-haired girl introduced the club's purpose, officers, and eventually herself. She spoke with some familiarity. An upperclassman then? That was not Aiko's initial impression, but she still had much to learn of gathering information quickly in Elbion.

"I am Aiko." The elf introduced herself and performed a practiced, yet not too deep bow to the trio. "It is a pleasure to meet you Nilamani. Thank you for the offer of refreshments, I will be sure to try them." Aiko continued, but did not move. Lysander Docatto Valestri was correct in that introductions were in order. Introductions that Nilamani had ceded to the two males. It seemed they were new to this gathering as well. Perhaps they were also first years as she?

Pomrick Bloomsfield

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

"Yes, thank you," Pomrick said, aping Aiko's courtesy. "For the refreshments, I mean. As well. Also for - for organising. And the flyers. And all the rest."

A silence hung after his words. A few odd stares. Had he been talking to stuntedly? Probably.

Oh, right, introductions!

Again, following Aiko's cue, Pomrick tried a bow. It was abysmal. He nearly tripped over his own feet and knocked over a lantern. Fighting his urge to swear at this, he went on with his introductions, before someone could interrupt him, while hastily uprighting the lantern again.

"Anyway, I'm Pomrick Bl--"

And then, someone interrupted him, their presence demanding all the attention, while the rest of his name died on his lips.

 

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

Pomrick Bloomsfield
Aiko
Nilamani
Lysander gave a small shrug as Pomrick’s voice faltered into silence. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, taking advantage of the lull. His posture straightened, confidence shaping every line of his frame beneath the soft lantern light.

“I’m Lysander Docatto Valestri,” he said, voice clear and assured. A faint smile curled at the corners of his mouth, understated yet undeniably proud. “The only male heir of House Valestri.”

“Although,” Lysander added, jabbing a thumb casually in Nilamani’s direction, “our snake friend here knows me already.”

 

[Nilamani]

Aiko was quick with the decorum. Nilamani watched her shallow bow with an amused smile. Her demeanor was certainly as reserved as Lysander Docatto Valestri but not nearly as dramatic. Perhaps she too was a noble in some regard. Nilamani only just barely kept track of the houses of Elbion let alone Nobles from outside the city walls.
Nilamani returned her bow less as some cultural familiarity and more because they thought is was fun gesture.

Their eyes turned to Pomrick Bloomsfield who managed to turn even an introduction into an opportunity to be clumsy. It was a good thing the lanterns were lit with magic rather than flame. The corner of their smile quirked up as they watched him scramble to right it.

Then once again Lysander had taken the lead of the conversation. His confidence and pride as shining as before. Nilamani gave a soft laugh at the gesture of familiarity and his choice of words.
"Yes, Little Lysander and I have met before." They turned slightly and motioned to Pomrick. "Pomrick and I share a class under Maester Kikwi...."
They chose not to elaborate on Lysander's use of the word snake. Nor to explain that Lysander was in the relatively small minority of students who had seen their true form. It seemed more amusing to let the two draw their own conclusions. Though Nilamani imagined that if they came to too deep a misunderstanding Lysander would be forced to explain. Which was also potentially amusing.

Their eyes ventured back to Aiko. "I am afraid it is my first time seeing, you about campus. Are you one of the first years?"
They asked with a friendly candor.
"While we are speaking on introductions, perhaps you might each let me know your interest in the club? There's no need to commit of course. It's something we ask of all newcomers."

 

[Aiko]

Aiko discovered half the name of one of their guests and watched him struggle to bow. Aiko began to recall hearing Pomrick Bloomsfield 's name before. Being in a dormitory of all women, she heard the odd gossip. She didn't really pay attention, but had heard the man's name associated with a sort of clumsiness before. The poor thing could use a lesson in maintaining balance and grace but Aiko did not know the stranger well enough to offer such things.

The name `Valestri` was something she'd recognized more strongly. Since meeting Calixtus in shapecraft she'd made it a priority to learn of the local noble houses. She knew little more about the house than it's name, but it did resonate. Lysander Docatto Valestri had a distinct pride to him, yet not the same coldness that Calixtus had. A mystery for later perhaps.

Did he say snake?

Aiko looked over at Nilamani, noting her laugh at the word. It was far more natural than say a forced cough, yet she pivoted the conversation quickly. Aiko reasoned that might have been why she didn't the feel the girl an elf despite her ears. Aiko decided not to press the matter. There was no reason to pursue the secrets of every student.

"Yes, I arrived in Elbion only a few weeks before classes started." Aiko responded to Nilamani . "Before coming here I started a painting of the moon. I wish to see it finished, and this seems the most prudent way." She decided to reveal her intentions honestly. For this plan to work she would have to paint eventually, likely for any club member to see.

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

Pomrick's eyes flitted, taking each one of them in. A nobleman, an artist and a student group organiser. They already seemed to outclass him in several arenas.

But strangely enough, he didn't feel quite as . . . uncomfortable, as with others. Certainly, Lysander seemed to see himself as somewhat above the situation, Nilamani kept giving him cryptic smiles he didn't know how to interpret and Aiko appeared a tad reserved and aloof in her manners. But they didn't mock him, deride him or sneer at him as others tended to do. At least not yet.

That was his greatest fear, that with enough time and enough of him talking - or not talking - they would come to judge him, seeing him as the inferior specimen his master claimed him to be.

He hovered around them, hesitant to go garner himself a refreshment and perhaps lose his chance at contributing to this initial stage of the conversation. A gap appeared, after Aiko introduced her passion for painting. Questions, ask questions, Pomrick! People love questions. He'd heard that from somewhere for the art of conversation, but couldn't remember from where.

Turning to Aiko, scratching his neck, he said:

"So, uh, you paint often, then?"

Nilamani
Lysander Docatto Valestri
Aiko

 

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

Nilamani
Aiko
Pomrick Bloomsfield
Lysander crossed his arms under his chest and tilted his head. His posture made it clear, he would answer, but only because he chose to.

“It’s simple,” he said. “There’s a magical art I aim to master. It deals with spatial manipulation. Most know the stars tie closely to old gods. Those gods ruled the material plane. Watching the sky might help me learn how to shape space the way they did.”

He paused, gaze flicking upward. “Or at least,” he added, “give me a clue where to start.”

He turned halfway toward Aiko. His eyes moved from her head down to her feet. As he looked, his head bobbed slightly, up, then down, following the shape of her form.

“The weather,” he said, “must be nice up there.”

 

[Nilamani]

Nilamani seemed receptive to the varied responses. Intently listening with interest to Aiko confess she had come to paint. This was a valid reason indeed. There were plenty of students who made and revised star charts so a painting of the moon seemed no less relevant. In fact Nilamani welcomed the idea wholly, not that they would have turned anyone away from the meeting if they hadn't a reason.

Pomrick Bloomsfield forgetting to answer the question was somehow a very Pomrick type of response.
Their eyes turned to Lysander Docatto Valestri whose response was given like a favor. They had managed to give an unexpectedly intense answer to such a benign question. If that was Lysander's goal then they might have to look at the sky for quite some time....or perhaps not. They did seem to be gifted albeit only when they applied themself.
Before they could remark as such Lysander had turned to Aiko and appeared to be....sizing her up?
Then came what should normally be a joke....it seemed a bit undignified for a noble to be causally teasing a girl about her height. Unless by up there he meant....the moon? somehow it seemed a possibility coming from Lysander, even if a ridiculous one. Then again perhaps Lysander was more taken with Aiko's elegant form at first sight than he was willing to let on. If so Nilamani doubted this approach would go over well with the young lady. A thought occurred and Nilamani eyed them both with a polite smile.

"Well, Aiko, why don't you go ahead and set up your painting, and Lysander you can start your....looking. I'll bring over some refreshments." Nilamani turned and casually snaked a hand around Pomrick's wrist.
"Pomrick, why don't you give me a hand with that?"
This would potentially serve two amusements. One was manufacturing a little alone time for those two. The second being that carrying tea seemed an almost herculean task for Pomrick which was already funny in concept for Nilamani.

 

[Aiko]

Turning to Aiko, scratching his neck, he said:

"So, uh, you paint often, then?"

Aiko turned to 'Pomrick Bl-' at the question.

"Not often enough, truth be told." Aiko responded. "It is good for a lady to keep a variety of interests, but finding time to hone them all can be difficult." She continued in a very matter-of-fact sort of way. The white-haird noble seemed to ignore the other boy's question, instead clarifying his own purpose. He sought power, and gave some authority to the claims of a religion Aiko was unfamiliar with.

Interesting.

Then the boy appeared to . . . leer at her? Aiko has been such a target before, but not so openly in her hometown of Alliria. She wondered if the boy simply lacked decorum from his position of power, or if he was specifically trying to highlight his power here. Her instinct was vitriol, but she had been raised to understand there was some harshness when dealing with men of power. Her father could ask her to pursue this man to bring greater prosperity to their clan. This needed to be measured in her response. Before she formulated her response their host intervened, proposing a split. The specific split seemed odd to her, unless Nilamani preferred the time with Pomrick.

"Yes, thank you." Aiko responded to the host, and began lookin around for a good spot to set up. She looked for an unobstructed view of Pneria, space to put out a simple canvas, and a not-too-close flat surface for the promised refreshments to sit. If Aiko could manage it she wished to avoid a direct handoff. She was not sure she trusted the rumors of clumsiness completely, but the evidence so far had matched his general description. With a little effort she found a good spot and began to set up, pulling a small but blank canvas from her purse. A quick spell and it became frozen in space. She moved it gradually, the canvas levitating wherever she pushed it until she adequately lined it up in the direction of but not covering Arethil's smaller moon.

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

Spoiler: Music

“It’s simple,” he said. “There’s a magical art I aim to master. It deals with spatial manipulation. Most know the stars tie closely to old gods. Those gods ruled the material plane. Watching the sky might help me learn how to shape space the way they did.”

He paused, gaze flicking upward. “Or at least,” he added, “give me a clue where to start.”

This perked up Pomrick's ears. Where had he heard about this before? He could swear he almost remembered . . . the memory so tantalisingly close he could taste it. It sent an involuntary shudder through him, especially at the mention of old gods. Something about that phrase felt ominous to him.

"Not often enough, truth be told." Aiko responded. "It is good for a lady to keep a variety of interests, but finding time to hone them all can be difficult." She continued in a very matter-of-fact sort of way. T

He didn't manage to summon the memory fully, however, before he got an answer. A lady - that sounded quite fancy. Maybe she was a noble too? Certainly, none of the topics he'd mastered as a kid would do here. Bragging about his own passtimes - such as how far he could throw a boot, how many apples he could stuff in his mouth or regaling Aiko about that one time he managed to ride a pig through a pen seemed -- inadvisable. So he simply nodded, his lips tight-pressed, feverishly thinking up his next move on the conversational chessboard. Painting . . . Painting, what did he know about painting?

In truth, nothing at all. Closest he'd ever come was falling into a dyer's bucket and splotching the ground in green at his home.

Thankfully, he didn't have to come up with anything.

"Well, Aiko, why don't you go ahead and set up your painting, and Lysander you can start your....looking. I'll bring over some refreshments." Nilamani turned and casually snaked a hand around Pomrick's wrist.
"Pomrick, why don't you give me a hand with that?"

Surprised at the touch, he peered at Nilamani, though he didn't resist. Nilamani's palm held a curious texture against his skin, rough and smooth at the same time, though only subtly different. Perhaps they simply washed their hands furiously.

He sighed. From the outside, one might mistake this sigh for resignation. In truth, it was relief. He was used to taking orders. Besides, working a little would keep his hands busy, while giving him an excuse not to rack his brain for more topics.

And perhaps, that murky memory would resurface . . .

Nodding, he followed Nilamani to assist, allowing himself a sheepish smile.

"Certainly, I'd be happy to help."

Nilamani
Aiko
Lysander Docatto Valestri

 

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

"Yes, thank you." Aiko responded to the host, and began lookin around for a good spot to set up. She looked for an unobstructed view of Pneria, space to put out a simple canvas, and a not-too-close flat surface for the promised refreshments to sit. If Aiko could manage it she wished to avoid a direct handoff. She was not sure she trusted the rumors of clumsiness completely, but the evidence so far had matched his general description. With a little effort she found a good spot and began to set up, pulling a small but blank canvas from her purse. A quick spell and it became frozen in space. She moved it gradually, the canvas levitating wherever she pushed it until she adequately lined it up in the direction of but not covering Arethil's smaller moon.

Lysander quirked an eyebrow. He didn’t quite understand why Nilamani had insisted on pairing him with the elf girl, but, in a moment of rare goodwill, he complied. He stepped over, slow and deliberate, and halted beside Aiko with exactly three feet of polite distance between them. From there, conveniently, he could see her canvas with ease.

"My sisters enjoy painting,” he said, voice light, “but I could hardly scribble more than a stickman, even on a good day, and even if the mood struck me.”

He watched her hands as they moved, steady, practiced. His gaze lingered on the brush, then flicked to her face, curious.

"Celestial bodies aside," he added, "what else do you draw? Something that reminds you of home, perhaps? You don’t seem like someone born in Elbion."

His tone was smooth, almost idle, but the question beneath it was genuine.

 

[Nilamani]

It wasn't a surprise to Nilamani that Pomrick Bloomsfield had agreed to assist so willingly. They had the demeaner of an agreeable sort. The surprise was that they seemed to take such an overly familiar gesture in stride. Such thing did mean a lot less among common folk. In a way finding out where the boundary might lie was it's own fun. Nilamani met sheepish smile with another wide grin.
"Good."
It was a short walk to the refreshment table.
Nilamani set about placing a variety of the little sandwiches and biscuits on two plates. The sandwiches were made with fluffy bread, their crusts removed and cut into bite sized triangles. It was perhaps not the most intricate food the college had to offer but certainly much more delicate than the sort of thing Nilamani ate back home. At first they hadn't understood the sense in wasting bits of the bread. After having lived at the college for a while, they now understood this was a trifling concern. When it came to frugality, the blatant disregard some of the wealthier students could commit was it's own wonder.

"Have you studied at the college for a while, Pomrick?" Nilamani asked and mused "I believe we've only had the one class in common so far..."
It was entirely possible that Nilamani simply hadn't noticed the man before now. However, they had since come to know that the poor man had somewhat of a reputation.
They eyed the small metal mugs and considered pre-pouring the tea. It would indeed be an amusing sight to watch the man attempt to juggle two cups in each hand without sloshing tea all over the grass. It would unfortunately be a shame to deprive the guest of tea for ones own satisfaction.
They handed him the empty mugs to carry.
"...I don't think I heard your answer earlier...what brought you out to our little gathering? interested in the stars?"

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

"Have you studied at the college for a while, Pomrick?" Nilamani asked and mused "I believe we've only had the one class in common so far..."

While Pomrick copied Nilamani's arrangement, setting sandwiches and biscuits, he tensed up at this question.

It felt like an inevitable trap. Not intentionally from Nilamani's side, the question innocuous enough, but rather from the universe, teasing him with the peculiar nature of his study. Yes, Pomrick, tell us all about your strange routines.

"Well, eh, no, I'm - I'm a first year student, but, ahh . . ." There was no way around this, was there? Hopefully Nilamani wouldn't probe deeper. "I studied first under my master, outside the college. It was only this year that he - that I enrolled. For some classes I'm under my master's tuition instead . . ."

Unspoken words hovered after this, as if the glittering stars understood that there was much more to this story, but sworn to silence. They had observed him since his birth, and they knew him for what he was. Why he had only succeeded in entering Elbion College now, and why he was older and more isolated than other first years.

The eyes of the old gods. His imagination engendered them with intention, glaring down at him for his shrouding and hiding.

"...I don't think I heard your answer earlier...what brought you out to our little gathering? interested in the stars?"

By absent-minded mistake, he had placed a biscuit on top of a sandwich. He quickly corrected this.

"Hm? The stars? Oh, right, yes! Very interesting. I mean, that they are. Fascinating, really."

He didn't give two licks about the stars - not as a study topic, anyway. He liked lazying and watching them, mind drifting, but not with any rigorous intent. All this equipment here looked rather intimidating to him. He enjoyed the stars as an untouched mystery, ethereal, distant, and just a little scary.

His face crinkled with faint guilt, glancing shiftily at his host. Nilamani had been so gracious, they deserved more of the truth.

"But uh, truth be told, I probably just needed some fresh air. I was curious to see . . . who might come."

And he needed distance from the suffocating proximity to Maester Krellos Thunderbeard's quarters. He never knew when the mage might kick down his door, face like some errant black thundercloud, stomping into his quarters and dragging him over for another 'critical' and 'time-depending' experiment.

He didn't want to think about him now. As much to learn as to avoid giving more answers, he asked:

"So why do you attend these, ah, meetings?"

Nilamani

 

[Aiko]

For all the talk of Old Gods and forgotten magicks, the nobleman seemed to move with singular purpose. Trailing Aiko. Such attention was both annoying and flattering, yet Aiko made no mention of it till the boy spoke. As he confessed his own lack of talent for the hobby Aiko pulled a small container of paints and a brush from her purse, casting a similar levitation spell on the paints and slotting them in a convenient space. She began with a light blue, creating the backdrop of the sky.

“I enjoy painting scenery.” Aiko replied, keeping her eyes darting between Pneria and her canvas. “I’ve painted Pneria before. The portal stones. The coastline of the Akiva Sea. I’d like to paint the wonders of Arethil one day. Perhaps The Forbidden City or The Eldyr Tree.” Aiko mused. Her brush strokes were deliberate as she spoke, laying the foundation for the night sky.

“I am no native true, but I have not been so long away as to forget home.” Aiko addressed the mention of home. She let her brush finish its stoke and turned to the nobleman.

“And what of you, only male heir of Valestri? What sophistications do the houses of Elbion pursue in their time?”

Lysander Docatto Valestri

 

[Nilamani]

"Well, eh, no, I'm - I'm a first year student, but, ahh . . ." There was no way around this, was there? Hopefully Nilamani wouldn't probe deeper. "I studied first under my master, outside the college. It was only this year that he - that I enrolled. For some classes I'm under my master's tuition instead . . ."

With their head tilted ever so slightly they listened intently as if trying to read between the lines. It wasn't necessarily an evasive answer but there was a hint of something that seemed like more than nerves. Nilamani wondered if they were simply a little ashamed of a late start...no that didn't seem quite right. Plenty of the students not paying their way in started at even later ages.

They chose to let it be. No sense in digging into a topic that made the man so clearly uncomfortable.
Nilamani was a touch relieved that Pomrick Bloomsfield had come out of a simple curiosity.

He didn't want to think about him now. As much to learn as to avoid giving more answers, he asked:

"So why do you attend these, ah, meetings?"

They uttered an easy laugh and leaned in conspiratorially to whisper.
"Truth be told I also just like seeing who turns up." They leaned back and cast their eyes back up at the sky toward the small red glow.
There were many things different about living in the college than the small fishing village Nilamani had grown up in. Not the sky. At night it hung over the campus as if smothering the horizon in a beaded blanket, bringing a rare comfort of home.
"It's fun to hear what everyone thinks when they look up, isn't it?......and they are quite pretty. I suppose I'm treasuring it while I can."
Even beneath shallow waves the twinkling lights, no matter how bright became difficult to see. The further down into the depths one went the more obscured such light became until not even the moon's light could reach. The crips night air, lying in the somewhat dewy grass, the chatter of classmates debating constellation names. They already had the feeling they would miss it terribly. Or perhaps they were feeling overly sentimental due to the full moon.
With a small smile they took up the tea pot in one hand and two plates in the other arm.
"Right, shall we bring this over then?" Nilamani added adjusting the plates to better carry them over.

 

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

“And what of you, only male heir of Valestri? What sophistications do the houses of Elbion pursue in their time?”

Lysander stayed at Aiko’s side as he spoke, his gaze fixed less on the canvas and more on the way her hands moved, how her wrist tilted, how her fingers gripped the brush. It was the rhythm of the act that held his attention, not the subject taking shape on the canvas.

“Let’s see,” he said, tone light and conversational. “I like researching history, archery, and horse riding when the mood strikes me. But I don’t care much for hunting. It’s supposed to be a noble pastime, I know, but I find it dull.”

His arms folded, a faint smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.

“Now fencing, that I enjoy. My father hires tutors from all over. One of them was even a drow. He taught me the fundamentals of sabre dueling.”

He paused a moment, watching the paint gather on the bristles of her brush before adding, "Magic, of course, is also of interest, but that's rather obvious, considering where we're standing."