The Academy's Opening Fete

[Malkavian Riddler]

Digital was having so much fun on the technician's panel, he couldn't stop the grin on his face. He'd been allowed to play with all kinds of electronics coming back to the Chambers building with Kerr and Ben. He lived there now, on a different floor to them. In one of the rooms meant for the Oligarchs. Wearing a white t-shirt over the blue-green tartan kilt of the MacKenzie clan complete with sporran, his knee-high leather boots weren't too much of a match but he thought they looked nice. Plus he got another inch of height out of them.

Cain was off to one side of the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of the professor but then doubting himself once he'd got here. He didn't really belong here, even though it was interesting to look at all the different supernaturals who'd come. Ben had sent him a text to come along, but as he spied other mortals from Ben's contacts, he'd understood that the message wasn't a personal one. He thought it would be rude to duck out now, and he was kind of curious about the inside of the building.

[Trillian]

Charon stood near the back of the crowd beside Jeanne, without his usual dimming. With so many different species here, he didn't think his appearance would shock too many people. He'd been coming out a little more regularly at Venture as well - and though he'd earned a few double-takes, it wasn't anywhere near as bad as he'd imagined. Still, without Jeanne on his arm, he doubted he would be quite as brave. The young vampire upon the steps holding the microphone was the reason why he could even do this, and even though he hadn't shared with anyone how taken he still was by Ben, he thought maybe Jeanne knew.

*

Vincent stood in the middle of the crowd. Tonight he'd spoken to a number of fledglings with very young sires - how had they even managed to get approval? It wasn't until he had contact with so many new ones that badly needed an experienced vampire to teach them that he saw how great a need there was for the Academy. He'd thought the new building pretentious and unnecessary because the small rooms in Haven Crest hadn't even been filled. But now he understood that Ben hadn't been able to cast his net wider until he had the space for it. He'd also heard talk of misplaced demons coming to live here - which must be why Ben was opening when the paint was barely dry on the place.

His gaze moved from Ben holding the microphone and waiting for the crowd to quieten, to Owen who was looking authoritative and capable standing to one side. Vincent hadn't liked the idea of his lover - barely a newly minted vampire himself - signing up for the Ward, but he looked so sexy in the uniform that they'd enjoyed some side-effects and roleplay. Who knew he was into that? He grinned secretly at Owen, who was too busy checking the crowd to notice.

*

Ben realised that the crowd wasn't going to completely quieten and he had to speak first. He nodded at Ichabod, standing close to him, and lifted the mic to his lips.

"Good evening," he said, pausing when his voice blasted across the grounds. Okay, that sounded really weird. "Thank you all for coming. I'm Ben Samson, and this is my brother Ichabod Conners. We're fledge brothers... blood brothers. The idea for the Academy came about when our sire, Kerr Galvin, uh... died. I wasn't even fifteen years a vampire and Ichabod had just below ten, so we both had a need for something like this, but there wasn't anything available."

He paused again, but he was getting used to hearing his voice echoing back at him now, so his softly-spoken start became a little more confident. Digital compensated for his growing volume on the microphone.

"So I started one - a small one at first, in Haven Crest in the city. It was always supposed to be temporary while I found a place to set up. Thanks to a few early lecturers, like Sam Rede and Vincent Lockwood, I could offer some classes. I'm pleased to say the Academy has expanded now, to teach not just vampires, but offering something for all the species. Magic, demonology, even century-long investments and ways to get new IDs after you've outlived your mortal age.

"I always admired the Oligarchy for bringing all of the species together and ruling in unison, and..." he swallowed, nerves overtaking him as he half-expected someone to yell at him for being the reason it had fallen, but nobody did. His grip tightened on the microphone and he continued. "...Uh, and I'm hoping to do something similar here, with your help. But first, before I let you in to have a look around, I have three introductions to make. First of all, Ichabod Conners who I've mentioned before, has been really helpful these past few months setting up the Academy with me. It's brought us closer together, which is... uh, nice for us." He wondered if anybody cared about that part. "And not all of you will know this, though word is getting around, that the Academy's namesake and our sire, Kerr Galvin, who will come up these stairs and give you all a wave," Ben said, turning to look at Kerr and grinning, "is not dead, as we'd believed, but had stepped through a gateway onto another plane, or dimension, or whatever you'd like to name it. He stayed there for about eighteen minutes, which on this world is eighteen months." Ben let the chatter grow and even heard a few laughs, like it was a joke. It hadn't been funny at the time but he could see the humour in it now, if he tried really hard. "So now I have an Academy dedicated to my sire who is very much alive and I wouldn't have it any other way."

He was waffling now, he really had to wrap it up.

"My last introduction probably doesn't need one. Jake McCloud, who is in the audience here somewhere - there he is," Ben pointed him out. He'd seen Murphy first and it was no surprise that Jake was with him. Ben was finding it hard to continue but he pushed through his nerves once again. This was a very important part to the Academy's opening - he hadn't seen Zoheret in the audience but Saraekiel was here, and he was bound to deliver the news to her. He hadn't spied Zeus yet either, but Zeus knew. Charon knew. Sabrina would find out. As would Jake.

"This Academy began in his district, and he and I had a meeting to discuss keeping a part of it in there. He values education much like I do, so there will be a city central campus at the old Oligarchy Chambers building. And recently Jake demonstrated his love of democracy and justice by holding a public trial of a violent Ancient, who I'm pleased to say won't be bothering anyone in this city anymore." Ben sent a dazzling smile to Jake - a well-practised one from his modelling days, even though he'd been more natural with intense stares. "And I'm really pleased to say that Jake inspired me to embrace democracy, to embrace serving the people, and to announce to all of you standing here today that the democratic process absolutely won't be ignored. The citizens of City Central have the first honour of casting a vote for the leader they want and need. Come on up here, Jake. Let them give you applause. And while you're all clapping and thanking him, I'd like to take advantage of you all assembling here and let you know that I'm running against him. Gotta have a bit of competition now, right, Jake?" Ben made a finger-gun at Jake and winked, like they were friends.

Even though every leader in the audience knew better.

[Black Philip]

Jake happily let Murphy lead him closer to the stage. It was nice to be led for once instead of doing the leading. He also considered how important it was to Murphy to be there for Ben, and despite not caring for the other vampire, he loved that Murphy did. He was intrigued and aroused by the prospect of feeding from the human again. They'd been taking the physical side a bit slow, especially for Jake's normal pace. It was intentional on Jake's part. The last guy he'd slept with night one had ended up attacking him, and in general he wanted their relationship to be based on mutual like, and not on something as superficial as sex. However, a good feeding might lead to something hot and heavy, and Jake had decided it was okay if things went further than just a bite. He trusted Murphy, and was glad it would be him that would be the first man in his bed post Lazarus.

Once they reached the front of the stage he saw Ben scanning the crowd like an idiot. Didn't he know you had to command an assembled body? Well, he'd smile anyways and be pleasant. This feud had to break for Murphy's sake if nothing else, and besides, Jake was tired of rivaling with Ben. He had more important things in his life, and if being the bigger person was what was needed then Jake considered it his responsibility to be that person. He was about to respond to Murphy that he was taking Sam's class too and that they should make sure they were in the same session. It would be cute to take a class together. Maybe they could even pass notes! As he was about to reply Ben's shrill voice echoed in Jake's ears. The majority of the speech Jake had little to no reaction. He knew most of this stuff. He finally had a face for Ichabod, he heard the name of a prominent West district vampire, but otherwise he just tried to look pleasant. Then Ben said his name.

He wasn't sure what was going on at first. Ben was talking about the Central campus. That made sense. Perhaps he was willing to be a bigger person too. Then he dropped the bomb. Jake's head tilted, and his smile softened although didn't go away all together. His outer reaction looked more like surprise than anything else. Internally though he was utterly furious. What a fucking snake, he thought, mind closed to most. He had so many thoughts going  as he walked up the hangman's gallows to shake the hand of the bastard who couldn't get off his dick.

Lazarus was right.
He's more power hungry than me.
He wants to take away everything from me including my job.
He's obsessed with me.
Just kill him now in front of all of them.

The last one was the beast showing up in his anger and confusion. In the past, he'd seen many Ventrue princes kill their challengers outright in court. He knew that wasn't an option, or what he really wanted, but he had to think all of this was just personal. Ben was so determined to prove he was better than Jake he needed to destroy him to do it. It was so insecure. Jake didn't for one second think Ben was doing this because he really cared about the people. This was all so he could look back at whatever white trash birthed him and say look how good I am mommy. Jake met the gun fingers with a respectful nod and a handshake. If there was applause for him Jake didn't hear it. He was too pissed. Still, he couldn't refuse in a forum like this, not with half the city already wanting his head. There was no precedent for Ben to just say he was running and suddenly their was an election, but to deny him the opportunity would've made Jake no better than the Camarilla he hated. Jake wondered what he was even getting out of being a District Leader. Nobody appreciated anything he'd done to make the city safer, cleaner, better and more secure. All they did was complain and criticize. Everyone thought they could do a better job than him. Well, let them try. Ben couldn't possibly know the weight of the crown. Let it crush him.

He turned to the assembled body. "Congratulations on your achievement tonight Ben. And I welcome any and all challengers to enter the election which I am hopeful the Ward will oversee. Enjoy tonight Ben and see you on the campaign trail."

He didn't wait another second. He made his way down the stairs and to Murphy. "Did you know," he asked, more stern, eyes finally showing his rage. He was leaving in five minutes. He couldn't stand to be here another moment.
Dr. Barrow smiled at the play by his new employer. He was more Ventrue it seemed than the Black Prince himself. He stared at the pair of them on stage, and couldn't help but notice that they saw one another through a fractured mirror. Two sides of the same reflection, they were doomed to hate and destroy one another, unless they became lovers and that ship had already sailed away. Cain. CAIN. The doctor whipped his head and saw the human from the other night at Venture. Dr. Barrow waited until the speech was over and then began moving towards him.

[Trillian]

Ben was pleased his announcement had gone so well. There was a moment when he'd been afraid of Jake - as afraid of him as he'd been of Themba, who'd almost plucked his head right off his body - but then the moment passed and soon Ben was handing off the microphone to Ichabod

He took the scissors out of his back pocket and moved to the ribbon, waiting for Ichabod to say his piece, and then cutting it at the appropriate moment.

The Academy was finally open.

[Malkavian Riddler]

Cain listened to Ben's speech, thinking it sounded much like the usual stuff. He expected a bunch of thank you's to come next, and wasn't disappointed when Ben started talking about how Jake McCloud had helped him set up in the Academy in the city. Okay, blah blah, he looked around. Shocked faces and a few comments made him pay attention again. By this time Jake was speaking, talking about an election. Cain recalled that Ben had said something about 'running' and 'competition' and he did the math. Ben was going to be city district leader? What?

His confusion had him searching the faces of the people around him. All people he didn't know. Except the crowd was parting in degrees and he could see James heading for him. His eyes lit up and he gave his best smile, suddenly glad he'd dressed up in crisp black jeans with black pull-on boots and a smart indigo shirt with a wool-lined suede jacket on top. Most of the people here wouldn't feel the cold, but he did. It might've been spring but the day had been cool and the night, though clear, had a bite to it.

"Hello, Professor," he said softly, knowing that his greeting would be heard.

His fantasy floated back to him and he licked his lips, feeling his heart speed up in his excitement.

At the control panel that operated lights and sounds, Digital flicked switches back and forth that would focus Ben and Ichabod into a spotlight as together they opened the Academy. He cackled as his visions showed him who won the leadership of the Central district, but he sobered and glanced at Kerr when he saw the aftermath.

[Maxpphire]

He paid attention to the speech and had a minor bit of interest in the politics of where he lived and worked, so he would pay attention to this all from the sidelines, after all Jake was in control of where he lived.

He took a sip of his Coffee as he also noticed that the strange man that spooked him a bit earlier had started to walk away. He felt relief over the fact that Dr. Barrow was walking away from him, he moved his way to be closer to the front of the crowd, in case the teachers were called up to be there, or when they do open the doors to the public to look in, he'd be nearby. He was curious on getting a better hang of the layout of the floorplan, and with everyone looking around at the same time, would be easiest as thats when he'd likely be roaming the school on a normal basis anyway. When busy, and classes happening.

[pinkroses]

Well done, Ichabod sent to Ben with a warm smile as his brother turned away from the crowd and handed over the microphone. He took a deep breath and stepped forwards, straightening his tie unnecessarily.

“Thank you, Ben,” he said with a look towards his brother before he turned his gaze to the crowd, recognising faces and feeling more relaxed as he realised most of these were people he had met through hiring them or previous interest in the school.

“I don’t have any major announcements like that, but I just wanted to say that I am really pleased that we are able to offer this Academy to the city. Although we now have our sire back, there are many who are not so fortunate, and not just vampires. Our classes are open to all species, from humans to fairies, shape-shifters to demons. And our doors will be open as well to those who need assistance, with studies or otherwise.

“Now, please, make sure you sign up using the sheets in the courtyard to enrol if you haven’t already and enjoy your evening looking around now the Kerr Galvin Academy is… open!” Ichabod had turned to Ben during his last sentence, waiting for Ben to be ready to cut the ribbon before making the declaration and the sound of applause filled the air again as the ribbon was cut and the crowd were allowed through into the main building. Ichabod stepped back and turned to the crowd again as individuals came up to him to speak to him.

*

Murphy smiled at Ben’s speech, clapping at the right times, smiling reassuringly, until it faltered at Ben’s final introduction. He glanced towards Jake, but before he could say anything his hand had been dropped and Jake was heading up on stage. He wrung his fingers together as he watched the two on stage, but fortunately in such a public space as this they managed to keep it civil.

What the Hell was Ben thinking? Why would he do this? Was he really just trying to have another jab at Jake?

 Murphy lowered his gaze as he selfishly worked through what this would mean for him – Jake and Ben being at each other’s throats, yes. One of them would lose the fight – or maybe someone else would step up and they would both lose, right now that seemed like the best option. And if Ben did get it? Well he’d be busy for however long his term as District Leader lasted and who wanted a Leader with a brand new fledgling? It would be years before Ben considered siring him, another delay.

He took a deep breath as Jake came down off the stage, stepping towards him and lifting a hand to rest against his chest, about to speak, when Jake turned that question on him.

“What? No, of course not,” Murphy replied quietly, aware that they were quite near the front of the crowd and Ichabod was stepping forward to speak. Jake had been gracious up on stage, if he wanted to stay as Leader he couldn’t show his true feelings in font of this gathering.

“Come on,” Murphy took Jake’s hand and lead him to the side, trying not to make it look like they were hurrying, but they couldn’t stay there if Jake wanted to discuss this now. There were too many ears. Murphy lead Jake back out into the courtyard, then into the carpark which was just about empty of people now that everyone was inside.

“He shouldn’t have announced it like that without telling you first, that was a low blow,” Murphy said, frowning back in the direction they had come in. He disliked bad-mouthing Ben in front of Jake, but he couldn’t believe his friend had just done that. “You did well up there. You looked calm and like it wasn’t a surprise,” he added, turning his gaze to Jake.

[Idrial]

Sam had gone the night before to set up her classroom and prepare enrollment sheets for those interested in taking the class. The artwork, coloring, and writing were all done by her hand. Each symbol from the seven clans was drawn out with great care, along with the proper annunciation and quote for underneath each clan symbol from the book Jake gave Sam when she was first sired. What each clan thinks of one another and another quote from those made of myth and legends. For example Tyler the Brujah, Sam had chosen Tyler because of the status Tyler held and the way the people looked up to Tyler. She even had a small family history for each bloodline that came directly from Caine, she couldn't ask Jake without giving away the hard work she had put into this course. She wanted him to see first hand how far she has come. These were almost like a cheat sheet when it came to essays she assigned the class, some of the names could be hard to spell let alone annunciate. Test time was a different matter, Sam needed to make sure her students were absorbing the knowledge, not just relying on what was on the walls.

On another wall was a list of what each discipline power could do and it's weaknesses, some disciplines took away your empathy, or other parts of your humanity if used in excess.   Sam wanted to list every bane of each clan and display it on the wall, then thought against it as it would be handing out clan secrets. Those were done on pamphlets and only given out to those taking the course, after each class they were returned to Sam's hand. Taking one last look at the room she sighed with satisfaction, everything looked right for the grand opening of the Academy and she left with a skip in her step.

Her fingers twirled around the braid draped over her shoulder. Maria had done before she left the White Rabbit, it had been a long time since Sam did anything other than a ponytail or having her hair down. She wore a more modern outfit, black flats with dark denim jeans, a white blouse with a high neckline and long sleeves that flared out at the ends. Sam had not seen Jake or Murphy arrive yet, she had gone earlier with an escort and had already more than a few sign up for her class. Sam even mingled with the students and their guardians for a time, even sharing a few laughs before excusing herself and moving on. Sam was proud of Ben and what he had accomplished with this Academy, she was proud to have been with Ben since the beginning.

Sam had only caught a glimpse of Jake and Murphy before Ben began to give his speech, she would go to them afterward. Sam blushed at the mention of her name along with Vincent, they had come a long way from the Ward. Soon that feeling of joy and accomplishment turned to a hard lump in her stomach. She couldn't believe the words coming out of Ben's mouth, the leader they want and need?! What the hell was with this gun show pointing fingers shit? What had gotten into Ben? This was not the Ben she had remembered eighteen months ago, this was not the place to have such an announcement. This should have been about the students and she watched as Jake took the stage, he looked calm but even without the bond, she could tell he was furious. Sam was on the opposite side of the front gardens trying to rejoin Jake and Murphy as they exited the main group, he was a good man Murphy and Jake deserved someone like him in his life.

It was at that moment Sam decided someone needed to run for Jake, this would destroy any chance with Murphy. Jake actually had a genuine smile on his face when he talked about Murphy and Sam would do anything to protect Jake's happiness. To protect their home and the Anarch movement, that not only Jake helped build but Sam helped maintain while her whole family was off at war. Sam had first looked in the courtyard before proceeding to the car park, it was there she found the two deep in conversation and it solidified the idea she had to run for Jake. It was a sacrifice she was willing to make, he and Murphy needed time to grow closer and explore the feelings they shared for one another and this campaign would only take away time from one another. 

Sam stepped forward in confidence with a stern look on her face unsure as to how Jake would react to her statement. Would he be angry? Sam didn't want him to be angry she was doing this out of love, for their home, the people and Anarch the movement itself. Sam would make that sacrifice or at least until the people found someone worthy to carry on the Anarch movement

"I want to run for you, " she stated simply. Her gaze towards Jake was one of love, her voice soft and sweet.

"I have not seen you smile this way about someone ever. It's a genuine smile Murphy gets out of you. And I think if you run it will take away time from you and Murphy. I do not want that smile to go away, it suits you much better," touching Jakes elbow with a smile.

"Let me run or at least until we can find someone who can carry on the Anarch movement then I would gladly step down," hoping she would get Jakes blessing.

Sam would never do what Ben had done and it still boggled her mind, she felt bad for wanting to run against Ben. Yes he had given Sam a chance when no one else would have and she was grateful, but this was going too far. But she wouldn't do it without Jakes blessing, she could not do that to Jake. It was clear Sam was willing to do more for others than she would ever do for herself. Did Ben not see this would affect more than just him and Jake? That after the trial he should have just let the dust settle and focus on the Academy. Now she feared her students and the Academy wouldn't get the same attention it needed. Sam only had two classes a week as of right now and she could manage a campaign, but Ben? Sam wondered if Ben bit off a little more than he could chew.

[Seragil]

The sound of Ben's voice drew Saraekiel's eyes to him and he promptly forgot about Shae as he watched him give his speech. He'd had no idea Ben was so young, vampirely speaking but he was also happy to notice the vampire addressing the crowd was a far different creature then the one he had met outside of Jake's badly produced thespian rendition of a trial. He shook his head and smiled with delight at the political announcement. Now this was entertainment. However he couldn't help but wonder how smart a move it was to so publicly go against Jake. Ben had already admitted how young he was, how well could he stand against Jake? What if Jake got bored with the whole situation and did his whole vampire mind trick bullshit and told Ben to dig his own heart out with a spoon? Could he stop him? Could Kerr? Still smiling and with another amused shake of his head, he pulled out his phone and texted the whole thing to Zoheret. Jake's days of tyranny were coming to a very quick end it would seem, and what did this mean for the West?

After making sure the person she bumped into was fine and securing her phone and other items into her hand bag Shae gave her full attention to Ben Samson and his speech. Before the fall of the Oligarchy she had thought Ben nothing more then Kerr Galvin's pet project, his personal love toy but after the fall Ben had really stood up and had seemed to flourished outside of Kerr's shadow. Maybe with him as the leader for Central the city might start to settle down again and return to some sense of stability. Until that hopeful time however, central and the west was still going to be the place to watch.

Siobhan clapped along with everyone else after the speech, the districts and their leaders meant very little to her and so after ichabod made his small speech she made her way through the crowd and signed herself up to Astrid's classes.

Psyck's eyes filled with heat as Kevla whispered in his ear. "Now, will that be with, or without, the hand cuffs this time?" he whispered back before he tilted her face upwards and kissed her back, a light, sensual teasing of their lips. He couldn't believe how well he and Kevla were hitting it off, he hadn't been this happy in ages. He slid his arm around her back and rested his hand on her hip. "What did you want to check out first? I heard they've got classes on telepathy here as well as some witchcraft ones, we can go check em out if you want?"

*Thank you Mo gra, I am glad my nakedness pleases you* he teased softly. As Arutha bent to pick him up, he sent the image of him being carried in one of those front baby pouches again, then changed it to Arutha carrying him in a man bag with his head sticking out of it like one of those famous socialites carrying their pampered pooch in their handbags. *All teasing aside though, I am happy to be with you no matter what. I love you.*

He overheard Psych's conversation with Kevla and whispered excitedly to Arutha. *Hey thats not a bad idea you know, the magic classes sound great and maybe vampire mind power development ones too. I wonder what else thay have here?*

[Black Philip]

Jake saw Murphy’s surprise and and regretted his question. It was obvious from his face that he had no idea Ben planned this little stunt. His anger was seeking a source, and since it couldn’t be Ben it had moved to Murphy. Now, it had nowhere to go, and he was thankful Murphy moved them away from the crowd. He was getting better at controlling his anger, but there was only so much a man could do in a short time. The last time Ben slighted him like this he’d slapped him across the face, so this was definitely an improvement.

A political campaign was the last thing he needed right now. The West had yet to be settled, the Dark Angels wanted his head, the demons also wanted his head… actually a lot of people wanted his head. Ben couldn’t have picked a better moment to strike. The years prior he’d been polorozing outside the Central District, and many of his fellow Oligrachs had never liked his style, but within his own turf he’d been scandal free. Now he was besieged from all sides, and his list of allies had grown thin. It was bloody brilliant. If Jake didn’t hate Ben so completely, he might’ve been able to admire the move.

Murphy’s critique of Ben’s timing was better than an endorsement, but he’d hoped for him to say Ben shouldn’t be running at all! It proved he planned to be neutral, supportive perhaps, but not an ally. It was nice to know other people saw Ben’s move as “a low blow,” and he looked thankfully at Murphy, keeping his true wants a secret right now.

“Thanks for that,” he said tenseley, forcing a small smile to let Murphy know he could control his anger. “I’m sorry I asked you if you knew. It’s obvious you didn’t. That tone was meant for Ben not you.”

Jake went in for a hug. That would help calm him a lot, but as he wrapped his arms around Murphy he saw Sam approach. Sam. She’d be his ally. She’d help him campaign. He felt reassured that she was coming to check on him. Then she said she should run instead of him.

... What? …

His own blood didn’t think he should lead, and what was this business about dating Murphy? He could do both. He ran two bloody districts, was the head of perhaps the most organized political party in the city, other than the Sacrament, and still had time to work events at the White Rabbit. Betrayal worked its way through the bond; hurt and betrayal. His face melted into a sneer.

“I can run for myself Sam,” he corrected. “If you want to run against me, that’s your choice, but it would split our base and assure Ben wins.”

Jake appealed to a certain kind of resident, and was unappealing to the kind of resident likely to vote for Ben. He’d have to have Benny start running analytics and polling. It would likely come down to the politically uninformed, those who perhaps craved structure but also feared too much government, and how many of his own people he could turn out to vote. Sam wasn’t likely to pull votes from Ben. She would sink her sire’s ship, all in the name of supposedly helping him.

Fucking power hungry Ventrue clan, he thought, blaming Sam’s blood for this, instead of blaming her. The clan of Kings couldn’t resist power dangling so close, even Sam it seemed. Then again, what was Ben’s excuse?

James heard Cain’s greeting, and thought he looked rather fetching on this cool night. He quickly moved his way through the remaining crowd, and then awkwardly couldn’t decide if he should hug him or not. After what they did at Venture a hug was harmless, but this was his place of work now, and he didn’t want to bring his personal life to the office. He’d always survived his strange curse by compartmentalizing, and Cain being here was a challenge to that. In the end, the desire to touch him again was too strong. An urge deep within wanted more than just simple touch, but his superego and beast split the difference, satisfying the ego.

“You look rather smart,” he complimented, letting his hands run down Cain’s shoulders, and towards his fingers. “What brings you here tonight? Signing up for classes?”

He remembered the fantasy he’d seen in Cain’s mind of the professor, and thought it would be hot to have him in his class. Wait! What was he thinking? That would be massively inappropriate, but it was so hot to think about. Jimmy, the dark passenger of Dr. Barrow’s mind, snickered at James. This Cain boy was shaping up to be quite a weakness for the kind hearted doctor.           

[The Cedar Witch]

Astrid had a little table set up in the courtyard by the stall selling witchy-trinkets.  She thought this place was best to set up, since those with an interest in magic would be drawn to that stall.  Her table was draped with a black tablecloth and she had two stacks of syllabi (three pages each, neatly stapled), two clipboards for class signups, and a couple of pens.  In the center of the table, positioned above and between the clipboards for class signups, was a stack of business cards with her contact information on them in case anyone wanted to get in touch with any questions without having to take a syllabus. 

The business cards were square with rounded edges and completely black, save the contact information in silver.  The cards had her full name, position, phone number, and email address.  On the back of the card was her signature, silvery and embossed, flanked by a raven and a crescent moon.  She felt a glowing sense of pride in the design--she had spent a bit more time than necessary on them but it made her feel official.

She'd brought a few examples of magical objects she had constructed that she thought were relatively simple, set up behind and beside the stack of syllabi for her Crafting Magical Objects class.  There was a small display of wire-wrapped jewelry with various stones and rune-carved bones, a few compact-sized mirrors embellished with stones and hand-painted runes, and some more complex pendulums.  In retrospect this made it look like she had intended to sell them--especially being positioned near the stall that was actually selling things.  She hastily scribbled a message on a folded index card that read "examples" and propped it up in front of the display. 

Behind the stack of syllabi for her theory course, the Ethics of Cursecasting, she had placed a carved five-inch black pillar candle on an ornate wooden stand, and lit.  It was mostly for ambiance.

After the Academy was declared open, she returned to this table directly.  She sat in a chair behind the table, working on a bit of jewelry with a pair of plyers and some wire.  Anytime someone approached, she would look up and greet them politely and professionally. 

[Saiketsu]

Damien smirked, attempting to hide the boyish desire that she always seemed to pull out of him. He ignored her comment with some difficulty, his mouth betraying him by lifting at the corners and dimpling his cheeks.

"I'm thinking about going to find where all this blood is being served," Damien said, turning his head towards her so his mouth was politely close to her ear. Rachel would most likely reply with something naughty, insinuating, but before she could Ben began his speech from the steps. As the crowd slowed to listen, Damien slipped out of his human's grip and snaked an arm around Rachel's waist comfortably. He listened only lightly as Ben spoke, his eyes flicking back and forth between Rachel (and the shadow of cleavage that her breasts created beneath the neckline of her dress) and Ben on stage.

The younger vampire - younger than he realized! - gave a kind of opening speech that kept Damien's brow furrowed. He absorbed the message about the early starts of the academy, about Kerr Galvin's absence - though Damien hardly noticed the Irishman missing - all with mild surprise. The speech felt informal, unpracticed, and personal, something that of itself made him uncomfortable. By the time he brought Jake McCloud into the conversation, he was suspicious of Kerr's older fledge. The companionship that Ben seemed to be trying to portray caught Damien unprepared and his eyes narrowed upon Ben. His slight of words were not lost on Damien and he unconsciously tightened his jaw.

But when the youngling announced he would be challenging Jake McCloud for elected office within the city, Damien's eyes widened in shock and confusion. It was a joke, of course - surely even Kerr wouldn't think it would be a good idea to let a fledge so young try to run a district. His eyes flicked over to the ex-Luminary for reference, but when Kerr barely blinked at the announcement, Damien had his answer. Jake McCloud, however, seemed (rightfully so) less than pleased and Damien began to suspect that McCloud wasn't even told about this rearrangement of government. The amount of people nearby prevented him from openly reacting to the news; even as the crowd clapped for the opening of the building, Damien could only manage a few stiff armed pats of his hands, barely making sound, lest he be seen as indulging this little fantasy.

"Funny," he sent to Rachel mentally, not trusting his opinion to be civil if he were to give it aloud. "Here I thought we were celebrating the opening of a school, not Ben Samson's campaign against Jake McCloud." He watched as Jake McCloud descended the stairs and disappeared into the crowd. As the ribbon was cut and the throng began to press forward, Damien also hung back with Rachel, shifting out of the way of the students and faculty as he restrained his own emotional reaction.

Both Ben and Jake were too young, too inexperienced in life to understand what responsibility it was taking care of a group of people who rely upon your every breath. What did either one of them know about ruling, maintaining balance between fairness and discipline? Jake had taken the West by force and Ben, if this little display of impropriety were any indication of things to come, was too vindictive to be in control of a governing body. Damien sighed through his nose but kept his jaw clamped shut behind closed lips.

[Trillian]

Ben remained inside the front doors, encouraging people to look around wherever they liked, upstairs or into the basement level, or to the east or west wings. The crowd gently filed in and fanned out but he attracted a small group around him of people wanting to congratulate him or shake his hand, or ask him about why some classes at the Academy were more expensive than others and how did someone apply to live at the dorm? He sent those queries to Ichabod and was pleased when Vincent stood in front of him - he looked smart in a crisp cotton tunic-style shirt over tan pants. He carried a light blue jacket over his arm. Ben instantly smiled but his smile wasn't answered.

"If you become District Leader, who is going to police the central district?" he asked. Ben's smile faded because he'd expected congratulations rather than a question, and there was a moment of silence before he answered.

"The City Ward."

Vincent's lips pressed more firmly together and Ben wondered why Vincent didn't like his answer. It was the most common sense one. If there was a security force available to him, why not use it?

"Were you hoping to combine the City Ward with Academy Security, then?"

Ben's gaze flicked to where Owen was still positioned on the stairs, keeping an eye on the crowd as they continued to file in, but the crowd was thinning now as most of them were already inside or had walked through to the courtyard out back. He met Vincent's gaze again, knowing what his ex-mentor (and now, employee) wanted to hear.

"Most of them, yes, but some will have dedicated positions, such as those too important to move around," he said, understanding that Owen was to stay on Academy Security detail. It would be safer for a very young vampire to stay with the Academy as the city central was the district with the heaviest population. "When are you off on your trip?"

"November tenth," Vincent said with a nod. His smile finally appeared and he shook Ben's hand. "Congratulations on the new building. I hope I'll still see you around, even though I'm answering to Ichabod now."

"Yeah, thanks. Thank you," he said. Vincent moved further into the building and picked up the glossy brochure that had a photograph of the Academy building on it. Ben was distracted away from Vincent by the next person to talk to him.

[Idrial]

Sam could not understand the betrayal and hurt that wrecked havoc through their bond, her hand falling away from his elbow. Her face contorted in an odd expression as she looked at him in silence, why would he feel hurt? And why would he feel betrayed? She didn't do anything behind his back and she didn't plan on running, not after what she felt from Jake. Sam wanted to ask what she had said wrong, but it was his face twisting into a sneer as he spoke that shut her up and she felt it was best to drop it. She left them both in silence not replying to Jakes comment, proceeding quickly back the way she came and eventually blended back into the crowd.

Her classroom was her only stop and she was delighted to see a few people wandering her classroom. She didn't expect Jake or Murphy to stop by after what had happened and her mind was quickly entertained by the prospects having a look around her classroom. She introduced herself politely and answered any questions they had about the course. Maria said she would make an appearance tonight, at least she would once she was done with duties as the Keeper.

[Existentially Odd]

Once Kerr finished clapping his fledgelings' announcements and watching Jake and Murphy's retreat, he tucked his hands in his pockets - the long lapels of his jacket splayed behind, revealing a gold chain looped towards his thigh - and wandered along with the crowd out to the courtyard. He stopped in front of Astrid's table, looking her display over thoughtfully. When she smiled up at him, he smiled back briefly.

"Good evening," he bade in greeting. "So, you can turn anything into a magical artefact?" he enquired curiously. "And can you dictate what magical effect the object will inherit?" Kerr wondered if he was possibly simplifying the woman's - Astrid's, according to her cards - course content and hoped he wasn't being offensive with his uneducated questions.

~*~

Samuel had dressed to impress, wearing a black suit and glossy blue tie because he knew he'd be speaking to Ben tonight. Well, he'd thought it would be Kerr but once he'd heard that speech, he'd stopped trying to manoeuvre his way through the crowd towards the ex-Luminary and recognised the shift in the way of things. The Trophy Wife was moving up in the world and it seemed like he'd be the one to speak to. Sam had seen Dreki in the crowd but couldn't afford to get distracted from his task. He'd catch up with him once he was done stalking Ben.

As soon as Vincent moved away, Sam swooped in to stand in front of Ben, holding out his hand to be shaken. Now that he was here, nerves overtook him, strangling his tongue and making it difficult to speak clearly. "H-hell-lo ag-gain," he stuttered then gritted his teeth, willing himself to pull it together. He wasn't even sure Ben would remember him. "S-samuel Taylor," he reminded him, just in case.

~*~

Jeanne watched the crowd ebb and flow from her position beside Charon, towards the back. He watched Ben; she watched Kerr as the couple splintered. "Well. It is begun, I suppose," she mused aloud. She hadn't been aware it was time to make the public announcement but she hadn't been privy to all the details of Ben's quest. Charon was probably not surprised.