Open Chronicles An Arrangement of Stardust

[Lysander Docatto Valestri]

Nilamani
Pomrick Bloomsfield

Lysander’s gaze lingered on the strangers a moment longer, then he gave a shrug that seemed half dismissal, half amusement.


“They don’t look like any students I’ve ever seen. I’d wager they’re Anirians. And if they are—well, that explains it. Leave it to Anirians to make the room feel like someone left the door open in winter.”

His mouth bent into a crooked line that was almost a smile.

“Since we’re speaking of the unpleasant, Pomrick: tieflings are people, first. People whose ancestors either got cursed or bumped uglies with infernal things. It shows itself in small rebellions of the body: a horn where there should be none, a tail, hooves, skin the color of a bruise or a flame. Nothing too mysterious about it beyond the name.”


He cocked his head, listening to the exchange between the horned twins and the Anirians. The corner of his mouth twitched.

“They’ve just called one of the Anirians a woodland spirit. Charming. A woodland spirit with a drab attire and a bad haircut, perhaps.”

 

[Pomrick Bloomsfield]

“Since we’re speaking of the unpleasant, Pomrick: tieflings are people, first. People whose ancestors either got cursed or bumped uglies with infernal things. It shows itself in small rebellions of the body: a horn where there should be none, a tail, hooves, skin the color of a bruise or a flame. Nothing too mysterious about it beyond the name.”

Now the cursed part, he could understand - even empathise with. But his mind reeled at the thought that one could . . . as Lysander put it . . . bump demons. Was that even possible?

"O-oh. I see." Even though he tried not to see all kinds of grotesque manifistations before his mind's eye. He swallowed what felt like a lump of lead at the idea of talking to them.

But before he could stop to reconsider, the words flew out of his mouth - a part of his newer, stronger persona:

"Maybe we should . . . you know . . . go and introduce ourselves. Welcome them to El-Elbion."

Lysander Docatto Valestri
Nilamani

 

[Nilamani]

Nilamani gave an amused if slightly taken aback laugh.
"Bump Uglies....? If I didn't know better I would have said you sound like you've been hanging around the docks. " It was only a touch more reserved than the ways sailors spoke about it. They wouldn't have bothered to be accurate about the infernal part. 'Malakathian devils' was the sort of term they had heard thrown around.
It was something he could sympathize with albeit loosely. Nilamani found that unlike their kin, Sailors had much less strong of an opinion on if Tieflings were an ill omen.

Still Pomrick's words did stir some of that sympathy.
"You're right, it would be best if we let them speak for themselves on who they are."
Nilamani offered an encouraging smile and gestured for Pomrick to lead the way.
They figured that at the very least it might be good for them to be near should the twins have misjudged the temperament of their chosen conversation partners.

Lysander Docatto Valestri
Pomrick Bloomsfield

 

[Vittoria Larrainth]

Vittoria's eyes narrowed a fraction, but she was unable to hide the quick assessments of the newcomers entering the Hall. Kilien had an affinity for people, in terms of being casual and at ease, but for Initiate Larrainth, she was trained to not reveal so much outwardly. It was the training to become a Dreadlord, to stand back and watch others presenting anything she could use against them.

But for Kilien, for the sake of doing right by the Academy securing them invitations, Vittoria attempted a smile. Small, nothing too big or boisterous, as that was unlike her nature, but manageable that the muscles in her cheeks did not twitch from the effort.

No words came to her. Instinct had her tensing, hands moving on memory, but her fingers found no purchase at her forearm. Two dark cuffs closed around her wrists, Elbion spellwork working better than that she had encountered from Vel Anir, and nullifying her magical reserve.

An elf.

She crossed her arms, turning her face away to look at something not so blatantly present.

Feä Mindalië Yuebing Coquelicot Kilien Basmarc