Apprehensive Arrival

[Mel063]

(open to multiple roleplayers)
   
 
Dray was not having a good day.  Not at all.  After having been sent to a High Master that her village Elder had known of, Dray suddenly found her life thrown out of kilter and rearranged for her, which she thoroughly disliked.  Still though, after days of traveling, and having finally arrived at this huge structure called the Academy … she almost felt as if she knew this place.  Stopping just inside the forest, she intently checked the open area before her.  Listening, but only hearing noises from the forest, she then turned her gaze upon the building.  It loomed large before her, and appeared cold looking.  She tried to get a sense of what awaited her inside, as sometimes she could sense feelings of a place.  This time there was nothing. 

Maybe they have changed their mind of wanting to meet with me.  Maybe I’m not meant to be here, and the High Master misinterpreted the mark on my neck. Maybe …. 

Dray straightened.  No .... like it or not, this was where her parents had meant for her to be.  With a scowl on her face, she stepped out of the forest shadow and crossed over a cobblestone drive, she quietly ascended the front steps.  Reaching the top, Andrayah paused.  Out of instinct, she unconsciously raised her hand to her chest, grasping the leather strap of her crossbow that was slung over her back.  Feeling she was ready for whatever was to come, she turned the bell lever.  
   

[Malkavian Riddler]

He'd seen her through a window on one of the higher floors.  She'd only just emerged from the forestry, but he could still identify her as not being a current student thanks to her clothing.  There were a few newcomers he was expecting, having messages delivered to him by carrier bird, and also with use of the Herald spell from the House of Veneficus.  This person, a woman - he identified from her gait because she was too far to see any detail - was potentially a student for Cruori, Veneficus or Erudito.  They were all expecting specific newcomers.  It was strange that she hadn't come from the direction of the docks.  More peculiar still that she had no usher with her, that she had managed to make her way to the academy unattended.  Of course she was sighted now, when she'd had good chance of remaining shadowed up till entering the grounds.  There were eyes everywhere, here.  Eyes and whispers.

It wasn't usual for a Grand Master to meet and greet, but he had little to do and felt like he knew every face in this damnable Academy.  A new face would be welcome, especially if she was one of the relegated.

He moved effortlessly through the building, nearing the door at the same time as the bell announced the new arrival.  Graille allowed the student that was nearby on door duty to open the door, but he made sure to be standing in the open space before it, to make his first impression upon the young woman.  His gaze raked her form when the door opened and they were revealed to one another, and his gaze alighted to the tattoo upon her neck.  It was a symbol he recognised and sparked further interest.

"Your name," he demanded.

[Mel063]

She heard the door latch click softly, as the door opened to a very tall imposing man standing staring down at her.  Dray quickly accessed him, noticing by his stance the rather commanding air about him, briefly wondering if he was an instructor.  Then, for a mere fraction of a second, she glimpsed a spark of something in his eyes as he gazed down at her.  Narrowing her eyes, she wondered the cause of it. Before she could give it deeper thought, she realized he had spoken to her.  Straightening to her full height, she boldly continued to meet his gaze as she answered. 

“I am Andrayah Alissa Valerian from the Elven clan, Kethvia.  High Master Nythus sent me,” she replied. 

For a brief moment, she wondered if she should state why she had no escort accompanying her.  Then felt it might be wiser to hold her tongue, unless asked for an explanation.  Not that Dray would ever admit the full truth to him, as in doing so, would only make her appear weak.  If asked for an explanation, he only needed to know she had dismissed her escort at the arrival dock, telling the woman that had accompanied her that it was not her wish to be here … nor would she show up at the Academy being escorted like a senseless child.  Truth of the matter was, Dray was a bit fearful of this new direction her life had taken … and she knew that fear was a weakness that could get one killed.  Needing time to compose herself, she had taken to the surrounding forestry, drawing comfort from the familiar surroundings, before making her presence known.       

[Malkavian Riddler]

She might've been from the Elven clan Kethvia, but she certainly didn't possess their characteristics.  Her manner was similar to theirs, the way she carried herself, her dress, her accent.  Nythus must've sent her because he'd seen the marking upon her neck.  He liked her succinct delivery of information.  They were starting off on the right foot.

"I will deliver you to your testing guide, to discover where your talents are for placement," he moved away, his feet making no sound on the unforgiving stone-tile floor.  Part of his ability came from his choice of footwear, which would be no good for traipsing about in a forest, but was perfect for his soft steps on man-made flooring.  Before he turned away, he made a light gesture to the youth holding the door, who waited for Andrayah to step through before closing the great wooden portal after her.

Graille chose to introduce himself to her as they began their short walk.

"I am Grand Master Graille of Cruori," he announced without fanfare, he was merely stating his position.  "Tell me what you know of your parents."

He didn't expect much, else why would she be from an Elven clan without their specific genetic traits?  She wasn't born from them.

[Mel063]

Stepping through the doorway, Andrayah’s eyes glanced around the large entrance hallway.  She supposed most would consider it to be rather grand.  Immediately mentioning that he would take her to whom she needed to see on being evaluated, the man briskly turned and started striding off down what appeared to be a main passageway.  Following behind, and passing several doors along the way … Dray focused pushing away the feeling of the Academy walls closing in around her.   

While walking, she listened when he introduced himself to her.  Finding out that this imposing man before her was a Grand Master, Andrayah knew she had made the right choice in holding her tongue earlier.  Grand Masters tended to have little patience for those that prattled on.     

Hearing Graille ask about her parents was no surprise … she had been expecting that.  Her mind traveled back, remembering, as she answered him. 

“I know nothing of my parents.  Long ago I was discovered in the woods by an Elven hunting group of the Kethvian clan.  Those who raised me, said I was a babe … still of the sucking age.  One of them had heard a noise, and in following the sound, had found me lying on moss almost dead.  They could not understand why the animals had not devoured me.  I was brought back, and raised …. later, the Elders tried to discover my lineage and find my parents.  I was cared for well, but, by my being different ….. “, she paused and stopped for a moment, searching for the right word. 

“As I got older, several considered me strange”, she continued tonelessly.  Having resumed following behind him, Dray realized she was doing exactly what she had not intended, by prattling on endlessly. 

Reprimanding herself, she ended the rest of what she had to say rather quickly.  “One of the Elders spoke about someone who might know about the mark on my neck, in which I was sent to the Grand Master, Nythus.  He had said that I was intended for the Academy … that it had been ordained by my parents when I was born.”  Falling silent, she waited to see where their destination would be.

[Seragil]

IstaunVal walked stiffly yet briskly and calmly down the hallway that led to the front entrance, his new black teacher robes swishing silently against his black deer hide boots whilst simultaneously rubbing uncomfortably against the new welts and bruises on his body; his new rank hadn’t come cheaply nor had it been payable in coin, something he had in abundance, no it had to be paid in flesh and in deeds and each Master had a different price, a different task, but he was happy to pay it now and to a wider group then to be tied to a single Master and have to pay the same price over and over again in years of servitude to gain the same ranking.

He grimaced slightly at the discomfort caused by the friction against his skin and sighed softly in annoyance, he would have been here earlier but he had been instructed to find Grand Master Graille and to deliver to him the new potion he had created, but of course Master Graille hadn’t been in his rooms and naturally no one knew where to find him or where he may have gotten to, so Val had wasted precious time searching for him, time he could have spent greeting and testing the new arrivals, which was what he was meant to have been doing. Still waiting had never hurt anyone and if there was one thing an assassin in training needed to learn it was patience.

At seeing the two approaching figures walking towards him from the front entrance he stopped and cursed under his breath. Typical, of course he would be here with...her? He couldn't help but be a little surprised as he had expected more then one new arrival to the Academy today but then the day was still young. He stopped and studied the new arrival, taking notice of the way she walked, graceful, silent and predatory yet showing a faint hint of uncertainty, a discomfort in her surroundings. It marked her as someone who had possibly grown up in the outdoors, someone who was more used to open grasslands and wooded forests. It reminded him of himself as a youth when he had first arrived at a city; though in this instance she arrived at her destination freely and of her own free will whilst he had been delivered as a slave.

Ignoring the new arrival for the moment he bowed slightly to Grand Master Graille “Grand Master Graille I am glad to have found you. Master Roanne suggested I find you as you might be interested in a potion I have made, she thinks it might be of interest to you because of its beneficial potential  in the aid of interrogation and that I should make myself available to you at your earliest convenience if you were interested in a demonstration.” he said witha small nod of respect.

Istaun was rather proud of his recent concoction it was a simple elixir but its effects were surprising; when ingested it slowed down ones perception of time making one minute seem like ten has passed, ten minutes seemed like an hour, it also heightened ones senses, pain was sharper, more intense as was pleasure, sounds and smells were enhanced as was ones sense of touch, a stroke of a feather became an erotic, tantalising caress but its main attraction was that it made ones mind sharp and focused and blocked the instinctive need to mentally retreat during physical distress, simply put it heightened the potential of sensory manipulation and pain receptors whilst keeping the mind sharp and intact whilst also preventing the person from passing out during an interrogation, a subject those of Cruori House specialised in. Not that IstaunVal was overly interested in the arts of Cruori House, he found Cruori to be over zealous in their application of torture during interrogations; he preferred to do only what needed to be done to get the job done whilst in his opinion those of Cruori tended to draw it out for the pleasure of tortures sake. Not that istaunVal had a problem with torture it was just that he found the drawn out process impractical and therefor inefficient; Get in, Get the Job Done and Get Out, was his preferred method, quick, efficient and to the point.

Sensing he wasn’t going to get a reply from the Grand master as of yet he then turned his attention to the short yet petite woman beside him. “I assume you are one of the new recruits?” he asked as he flicked his gaze over her again, noticing the way she looked around carefully, cautiously. It was a good sign, complacent people tended to die quickly here. “I am IstaunVal’Imarria, I am a Teacher here in the Academy and i will be conducting your entry level tests” he stated simply before turning his attention back to Graille. “Are you finished with her Grand Master or would you like to accompany us and witness the tests?”

[Malkavian Riddler]

Grand Master Graille had lived a long life, and it was history that he was casting his mind back to when she confirmed her clan to him.  He'd had interactions with them in the past - well before her life had begun - but it was taking him a moment to think of specifics.  Wouldn't they have immediately recognised the tattoo, or its meaning?  The elders should have, but would they still be alive now?  They'd been impossibly old, then.  They might've taken their knowledge with them in death, and been surpassed by elders that had different secrets of the kind that didn't involve the Academy.

"'Intended' is not the right word," he declared, for there were many plans, and they'd been cheated.  Great plans had been meticulously lain, for a new project that was both on behalf of and separate to the Academy.  She'd not been the only babe promised, but had been the first one to be stolen away.

He went silent, thoughtful.  He walked slowly with her, and took her on a roundabout path towards her destination, not wishing her to arrive too soon when he had more questions.

Graille was greatly annoyed to have been interrupted.  What business did this creature have that he would approach a Grand Master whilst he was walking with someone else?  What kind of arrogance and idiocy accounted for being advanced upon?  It got worse, for the fool began to speak without invitation, taking advantage of the Grand Master's silence as he'd processed his thoughts on the information he'd just been given.  Apparently this idiot didn't understand the concept of processing thoughts in his head, he merely sashayed up to whoever he wanted to speak with - oblivious to what was already going on at the time - and blurted out whatever was at the top of his head.  Some piffle about a interrogation potion - like a liquid was necessary for Graille's personal success.  He was incensed.

Information about a potion could wait, or be discussed at a more appropriate time and place.  Graille had his assistants.  This man was merely a teacher, why would he not approach a Master from Cruori house, as that was next on the heirachy.  If Master Roanne had been so stupid as to imply that Graille wished to be disturbed with news of something that had not yet been tested by the Masters of his own house, then she was either more the idiot or she did not like this man and was setting him up to fail.  And he was failing badly.

He stared at IstaunVal, studying his face.  If he was displeased once again, he would pay him a visit on the next full moon.

"Is it wise, to approach a Grand Master, unbeckoned?  To make your announcements, unsolicited?  Do you typically run up like a child declaring the importance of the toys you play with before inserting yourself into a conversation you know nothing of and ending it on my behalf?  Did I look like I was speaking too slowly with her?  Because if this is usual behaviour for you, I wish to be advised."  He kept his tone light, though his eyes flared his distaste.

[Seragil]

IstaunVal schooled his face to an emotionless mask immediately as Graille finished his dressing down . The old man was right, he had acted without thought, without decorum and without paying attention to the events around him. He had been too wrapped up in his own tribulations to notice that the Grand Master was actually talking to the new arrival; he had assumed and assumed wrongly that Graille had been delivering the girl to the testing room simply because IstaunVal had been late. Such actions had been the death of many fellow students and academy members and if all he received for it was a dressing down then he counted himself lucky, he also hoped it didn’t put him in too much disfavour with the Cruori Grand Master. Still IstaunVal did not do subservient well and he hoped that Graille was one who had no time for panderers and boot lickers but respected those who can honestly admit when they had screwed up.

“You are right Grand Master, I acted without thought, without decorum and I apologize. As for approaching you without announcement, “ he shrugged slightly. “I had been led to believe you were expecting me.” Which just showed one cannot trust anyone, not even a Master of one’s own House. “But,” he continued “that is no excuse for my stupidity nor for my presumption.” He raised his hands to his chest and clasped his right fist in his left hand and bowed slightly in apology and as a sign of respect before straightening and looking the Grand Master in the eye. That was as much subservience as he could manage and he would not cower nor grovel. “Perhaps; if it is not too much of an intrusion, might I be allowed to join you and follow behind, so that I might perform the initiates entry level tests once you are finished. Or if you wish I can leave if you were planning to perform the tests yourself.” He concluded respectfully.

[Mel063]

   
At Graille’s words, Dray was taken aback, and stopped in her stride.  Not intended, she repeated to herself.  But then, why was she here if she had not been intended to be here.  Looking up in confusion, her eyes focusing on Graille’s retreating back, “But ….. but why then ….. I was told …… “ her words faltered, when she noticed someone approaching them in the hall. 

Realizing that the Grand Master had also stopped, she quickly took a few steps to come to a distance just behind him.  As the new arrival stopped before them, she noticed that it was a male drow dressed all in black.  She had not had many encounters with drows in her years.  Studying the new arrival with curiosity as he addressed Graille, describing to him about a potion.  Something for interrogation or the like.  Then, not waiting for a reply …… the new arrival glanced at Andrayah, introducing himself as IstaunVal’Imarria, the one who would be evaluating her.   . 

However, before Dray could respond in return, giving her name …. she felt a heavy tension in the air.  Something was wrong.  Although Graille’s tone was polite when addressing IstaunVal’Imarria ….. danger was emanating from his stance.  Apparently the newcomer realized something was amiss as well ….  for immediately his face lost all expression, as he tried make amends of whatever he had done. 

Thinking to herself, as she watched their conversation unfold ….. maybe the testing that lay ahead would prove more interesting than she had first thought.   
 

[Malkavian Riddler]

The newly-assigned teacher said exactly the right thing to settle the old Grand Master.  Eyeing the drow for a long moment, he understood the will that it took for a creature of his clan to appease someone not of his race.  This was an establishment founded on will, fortitude, persistence, obedience and diplomacy.  It was also bleak, morbid, capitalist, vengeful, disloyal and ruthless.  IstaunVal had made his folly, in his eagerness to please, and he would not do it again (at least to Graille, and this was all he cared about).  So there was withdrawal, appeasement, apology and yet there was none of that simpering quailing that Graille couldn't stand.

Not seeing a need to answer him immediately, Graille turned to the woman who'd landed in his lap.  He'd thrown her with his correction, and of course she had no idea of the plans that had been in store for her.  They were abolished now in any case, for they'd been unable to take her in as a babe, as promised.  Still, she would be of use - just not serving on the breakthrough project they'd had in mind.  No, she could be important in other ways.  Personal ways, as well.

"It would be better for us to talk after you perform your tests over the next few days.  Before your announce your choice of house from those offered - even if there is only a single option," he said grimly, sure she would have much more than Libramen pursuing her, "you will seek me out."

It was a command, one he was certain she would fulfil, for nobody had the impetus to deny him.

"Go with him," he said gently, indicating IstaunVal with a light gesture of his chin.

Before there could be any further discussion, he left the pair of them standing with one another.  He didn't melt into the shadows or try to disappear the moment they were looking away, as there was no point to go to such lengths to leave an impression on them.  He did, however, stride away with the kind of arrogance in his step that only centuries of holding a superior manner could bestow on a man.

[Mel063]

   
Dray’s eyes followed Graille as he left.  Yes, she would be seeking him out, once her assessment had been completed … for he held the answers as to why she had been sent to the Academy.  As well as to the purpose of her life, and of who she was.  Answers that she had sought ever since she had been old enough to ask questions.  Answers that she needed to know.  There would be a price though, for it was customary .... a service given, was always due a service returned. 

Having forgotten momentarily that IstaunVal was still standing nearby, she turned her gaze back to the man in front of her.  His appearance somewhat imposing, Dray felt a slight nervousness of what lay ahead .… still, she felt confident in her abilities.  Recalling his earlier introduction of himself to her … she returned the protocol. 

“I am Andrayah Alissa Valerian.  Although, I prefer Dray.  I know that tests and assessments will be required of me, but I am quite skilled in several things” she told him matter-of-factly.  “I do not know my purpose for being here, but I was told that there will come a day when I would find my eyes opened to the path before me.”  She shifted slightly, when feeling the strap of the wrapped canvas containing her bedroll and other items … start to slide a bit down her left shoulder.  Trying to remain still, Andrayah waited for what would be next … uncertain if she would be told where she could unburden the few items she carried, or, if a tour of the grounds and other parts of the facility would be required first. 

Although. at her first earliest moment, she had intentions of finding … and slipping away … to a quiet area somewhere outside, just to find a bit of space unencumbered by these damn walls.  Somewhere she could hear her thoughts again.    

   

[Seragil]

IstaunVal watched  as Graille walked away and couldn’t help but wonder why a Grand master was so interested in a new Arrival, usually they were the least seen until a student had proven themselves of interest. Curious he turned his head and studied the young woman beside him with a slightly raised brow. Well Graille’s interest was an intrigue for another day, time to see what this girl was made of. “Andrayah was it?” he asked with a slightly indifferent inflection to his voice. Pet names were for close acquaintances and friends and she was neither of those nor had he seen anything as of yet to indicate it was worth his while to change the relationship from a formal one. He watched as she fidgeted with her belongings and smiled slightly. “No doubt you would like to know where to put your things.” he said with a little warmth. “For now you can leave them in the interview room, a proper room will be allocated to you once your entry level is established. Come, we will do the basic preliminary testing now.” he said as he indicated the room just across from them with his hand ”and find out just what skills you think you have and then we will work on opening up your eyes hmmm.” he finished with a slightly amused grin. He was amused not because she obviously thought  her skills were equal to anyone here and therefore being here was a waste of her time but because he too had arrived thinking nearly the same. It seemed to be a common theme of adult arrivals, but she will learn as they had all learned in the end. It was either that or death at the Academy.

[Mel063]

   
Dray’s eyes flickered in the direction that IstaunVal’s hand had indicated, taking note of the open doorway and room.  Moving towards it, she stops just inside the doorway, her eyes taking inventory of the contour of the room.  As rooms go, it seems to be average.  There’s one window on the far wall letting in the light, showing the walls to being a light tan in color.  Beneath the window, is a set of shelves running the length of that wall, various objects and books arranged along it.  To the left, there is a large table or desk, she’s not sure which … with two simple wooden chairs to the side of it.  Still looking for somewhere suitable in where her items could be placed without attracting the attention of curious eyes, her attention is drawn to the right, of a wall affixed with various iron hooks attached along random heights. 

Removing her gear and traveling clothing, she arranges them on the hooks.  She straightens, wearing a beige vest made of a light material that’s laced to cover her breasts, with her arms left unobstructed for battle.  The material flows down to cover her midsection and thighs, but doesn’t interfere with freedom of quick movement.  Underneath, protecting her legs, are a pair of light leather leggings, hugging her contours.  Dray leaned over to check her right boot, for the slightly protruding handle of the dagger.  Straightening, she grips her quarter staff, then turns and crosses the floor to return to the corridor. 

I might have to be here, but they are not going to break me, and will be surprised if they try.         
   

[Seragil]

IsataunVal watched with amusement glinting in his eyes as the petite and attractive woman quickly stored her gear and got down to business. Her clothing suited her he thought to himself as he assessed what he could of her through her personal style as she leaned over and checked the dagger she obviously had hidden in her boots. Her clothing were practical and efficient yet they were also sexy in a subtle way, feminine without being overly so. They showed her to be a strong woman, confident both in herself, her place in the world and her skills. Smiling he arched a quizzically brow at her as she grabbed her quarterstaff and rejoined him.

“ So…want to skip the theory and jump straight into the practical hmmm?” He said with a small amused grin. “So too do most students. So be it then.” He quickly eyes the quarterstaff and looked at the boots with her dagger in it. “Did you want to bring your bow as well or do you just want to show me what you can do with those?” * he asked while arching a brow at her quizzically before turning around and walking briskly back down the walkway back towards the front entrance door.

“Don’t dawdle, we don’t want to be here all day. Meet me back at the front door.” he called back over his shoulder before smiling darkly as he wrapped himself in shadows and disappeared from sight. Testing had began. Graille had led Andraya via a long and circular route to where they were now, time to see how skilled she was at remembering directions in an unfamiliar place.