May Event and Intro Log

[magicademymods]

May Event and Intro Log DAWN OF THE FIRST DAY May I Have This Dance? Though Diatu Magicademy has its share of social events, few capture the attention of the student body quite like the Twilight Ball -- that magical once-a-year dance that crosses the change of day into night and is given over entirely to the dance itself. The focus is not on political visitors, rival schools, local government, or hitting up alumni for money; it is entirely about the pleasure that comes from accompanying a charming and attractive person onto the dance floor and cutting the proverbial rug. It is entirely possible the Twilight Ball is beloved because the general student body is aggressively amorous, but no one admits that out loud. With the dance on the horizon, the mission of the day becomes finding a partner -- or asking the prettiest or nicest or most tsundere to the ball before anyone else does. The Sundered are particularly popular by virtue of being new, so students may find themselves fending off invitations or even crowds of people interested in being seen on their arms. Even the younger Sundered have a few people in their age group who'd like to pretend they're just as adult as the older students. To avoid the mob, one strategy is to find someone else in dire straits and agree to be their date, thus giving both of you protection now and then. Another, stranger, vastly more unorthodox strategy is to actually ask someone out legitimately... if you've got the guts. (The third strategy is to go with Headmaster Birony, who has been occasionally heard to bemoan loudly and publicly that she has nobody, HINT HINT. But who could possibly be THAT desperate?) Love Is In The Water Love potions are absolutely, positively, one hundred percent forbidden, on the grounds they tread far too close to the supremely black Curriculum of Dictation. This ultimate and unforgiving ban is every bit as effective as Anastara's rules limiting the speed of carts in the street to a horse's walk. So, yes, there's love potion in the water. Someone spilled an entire bucket in the river. These things happen. Luckily, as diluted as it is, the potion doesn't reach the levels of obsessive compulsion that the worst of them can; a person drinking a unfortunate draught instead simply finds themselves attracted in a weird and sharp sort of way to the first person they lay their eyes on, for a period of about thirty minutes. Diatu Magicademy is an inclusive and progressive institution, and consequently these potions affect and can target all manner of beings, from ducks and wolf-shifters to robots and dragons. They are pretty convenient about failing to bring about really skeevy pairings, though, so don't worry about being Hot For Professor. Special Delivery (aka the Least Embarrassing Prompt, which is a sad state of affairs) A quick, easy, profitable way to make some money this time of year is by delivering messages, packages, parcels, and treats to students who've caught the eye of another. Whether anonymous or gloriously identified, small token of esteem or bristling bundles of roses and chocolates, the population of the Magicademy takes particular delight in letting others know their feelings. Not always positive feelings, either -- glitter-bomb rejections have only recently begun to diminish in popularity, being replaced by Pie-To-The-Face spells. An enterprising student who adds their own spin to this hallowed ceremony of delivery can make bank; singing and performance are popular ways to enhance a message among Valhudor students, and a recent trend finds quartets delivering acapella harmonies to the recipients of love notes. But simple note hauling can still be worth your while... so long as you don't find yourself delivering a creepy confession from a weirdo to one of your dear friends. What are the odds of that happening, though? Research On the Sundered With the arrival of the Sundered come those wizards engaged in research on their presence here, now set to investigate what brought them here and how to get them home. All newly-arrived Sundered students are asked to meet with representatives of the research team, to introduce themselves and relate what they will of their homes. In addition, the team requests samples of blood, hair, and skin -- carefully magically collected, and the researchers will sign in the presence of the Sundered a Glyphed contract that forbids them from using the samples for a purpose they know will be harmful. (They quite understand your reasons to be suspicious of this collection! And they will not compel anyone who refuses even given these conditions.) This month, however, the research team informs its applicants that there is no magic being performed. Instead, they ask you to participate in partnered interviews, in which two Sundered compare their worlds and ask each other questions while the researchers take notes. They explain that they wish to find commonalities and differences between worlds, in the hopes that this will help them identify a larger pattern in how the Sundered were brought here. How is this bad enough to merit earning a reward this month? As it happens, the researchers who sit with the pair have an Intimation Crystal, which shines red every time someone speaks to deceive in its presence. Lie or omit information or cover with half-truths and the interviewer will ask you to go back and try again -- and they encourage you to speak on everything you can. You might end up venturing into dark or unpleasant territory in these interviews... DAWN OF THE SECOND DAY Welp, This Happened A quiet weekend morning is abruptly quiet no longer. With a tumultuous shuddering and an eerie, whistling roar, the first tendril of a far mightier being surges out of a wall on campus, venturing into the cloud-shadowed outdoors for the first time in its existence in this plane. Then, like a cloak shrugged off, the outbuilding it emerged from rises up only to crash to the ground as the Sundered creature rises up to claim it glory. It is a nightmare, a horror. A terrible, indescribable thing as large as a small building —a shapeless agglutination of protoplasmic bubbles, faintly self-luminous, and with myriads of temporary eyes forming and un-forming as pustules of light. For some inexplicable reason, it is colored in bands of purple, black, and gold, and several parts of it sprout white feathers. That's the bad news. The bad news is that this existential threat to reality does not go unnoticed, nor unchallenged. Mere moment after the Sundered creature makes it presence known, a cold wind begins to blow. The temperature abruptly drops thirty degrees, leaving those around in a clammy and miserable chill that feels like they've passed their whole body through one of the ghosts of Makerion Keep. This estimation is not too far wrong, for the pale off-white dragon that emerges from the clouds above is translucent and ethereal, save for the shining eyes of coldest blue that fix on the beast like pinpoints of fire. What a ghost dragon is doing here is anyone's guess, but when it opens its jaw to unleash a withering cone of necrotic energy at the Sundered creature, it demonstrates plainly that it will not brook this interloper on its domain. In other words, Diatu Magicademy is now home to a kaiju fight. That's the bad news. The BAD news is that both these creatures are, by their very nature, incredibly resistant to magic. So even as the professors spill out and split duties of getting students to safety and fending them off, the two beasts barely notice the arcane energy flashing through the air as they begin vigorously brawling. Thank goodness this is a weekend, or else you'd all have some serious trouble getting to class on time. Wonders Await? Diatu Magicademy is open to you in all its glory. But maybe you should deal with that mess first? We're just saying.

Comments

Does it mean something? Idk idk

[bearshermark]

Atem's tone shifted Eleven's focus to his shocked expression and wide eyes. If it weren't just on the edge of alarming, he might have found it amusing (or quite possibly endearing?). He followed his fellow student's gaze to the golden object on his bedside stand and shrugged.

This time, he did find his stammering somewhat cute. What was wrong with him? A question for later, really.

"Oh, that? I don't know, actually. It appeared suddenly a few days ago. I think it's a magical artifact of some kind but I haven't had time to research it or ask around yet. ..Do you recognize it?"

It does to Atem anyway XD

[king_of_egypt]

The absence of concern in Eleven's responses indicated to Atem that perhaps it wasn't too late to secure the puzzle before anything could come of it. His words further solidified the assumption.

"Just appeared...?" Just like those night vision goggles that found their way into Atem's possession. "You.... could say that." Swallowing hard, and trying to compose himself. "I do." It was important to explain this properly, so he would be able to convince the other to just hand this ancient artifact over. Atem moved closer, to stand beside Eleven. He folded his arms tightly to his chest, before forcing himself to relax and dropping his arms to his sides.

"That artifact is called the Millennium Puzzle. It's from my world and yes it does possess magical properties." With his free hand he reached forward to cup Eleven's shoulder gazing a bit too intently into his eyes. "We have a long history together, and I hope you will understand that it's important that I am reunited with it. So, please may I have it back? I can answer any questions you may have."

Crying laughing and almost sorry but not

[bearshermark]

Eleven stared, almost transfixed. His heartbeat echoed through his ears.

We have a long history together.

But they didn't, his brain slowly corrected until it finally snapped to the right meaning. The artifact. He had a long history with the artifact, not him. By the Goddess.

He flushed scarlet, stammering. "I- I- if it's important to you. Sorry, I didn't- I mean, I don't need it for anything. So it's fine, you can.."

Ha ha well I will feel bad for Eleven- marginally -because it is amusing

[king_of_egypt]

The only possible way that Atem could have made this worse was if he had clasp Eleven's hand instead of his shoulder. As it was, it was still sending the wrong signals.

This time it was impossible to miss the change that swept over the other boy, his cheeks taking on a hue of red that was a sharp contrast against his skin. "It is. Thank you for being so understanding yet again." Features relaxing a bit, as he drew in an easy breath.

"I don't think you really had a choice in the matter. This phenomenon is not unique." Pulling his hand away, he glanced between the puzzle and Eleven. "Are- you alright?" Finally addressing the elephant in the room. "I.... hope you're not coming down with anything." What other explanation could there be for the flushed cheeks.

It is greatly amusing

[bearshermark]

Eleven stepped back, self-conscious hands touching briefly at his face.

"Sorry, I'm not usually.." Well all right, he was some degree of shy but not usually to this extreme. He didn't usually find people suddenly attractive either. "I don't think I'm sick."

Catching Atem's eyes, he reached for the artifact- the name of it already forgotten, as with many things- and held it out to him.

"I don't really like it, anyway." Woops that probably wasn't the best thing to say. "..I mean, it probably suits you better."

For sure!

[king_of_egypt]

Atem didn't mean to make the other more uncomfortable, but he was genuinely concerned.

He waited for Eleven to finish the thought but he never did. "Well- that's a relief." Perhaps he shouldn't press the issue. Issuing his thanks for a second time, he accepted the puzzle, grasping in one hand by the chain, and cupping the pyramid with the other.

Actually, Atem smiled at that, slightly amused by it. To most the object must look a bit gaudy but he had a feeling the aversion could be stemming from the dark aura it tended to cast about it. "You needn't try to soften that statement, I'm sure it's not to everyone's liking." Regarding the puzzle one more time, he then looped the chain over his head and let it fall freely against him.

"Now- about those projects of yours. I think we've let this puzzle distract us from them for too long."

[bearshermark]

It did suit him though, now more certain than before. Maybe there was a reason for their initial meeting after all.

"Oh, yes." He blinked and reached for the longer box, opening it to reveal a rather plain-looking katana. His expression sobers, though a tinge of red remains.

"..It's meant to be used so I didn't want to decorate it much. Hendrik needs to make sure it's balanced for me before we give it to Yotsuyu, but if the spell I used works right, it should give her an advantage in combat.. It's really just a basic thing I forged from Yotsuyu's design and the first weapon I've made here, so.."

[king_of_egypt]

It was beginning to look as if there was a purpose behind that meeting, there was no arguing with that now.

As things started to return to a sense of normalcy, it was easier to focus on what they had come here for in the first place. Still, there would be questions needling Atem later about the presence of the puzzle but he put that aside for now. He peered over at the box's contents eyes settling on the sword.

"That makes perfect sense to me, it's practical." Decorative swords were more for show, or special occasions. They were more like status symbols. "What sort of spell was it?" Eleven seemed a little hesitant about his work as if the simplicity of it would somehow detract from it. "It looks like you're off to a fine start to me."

[bearshermark]

"It's an intimation spell to anticipate movements. Also a bit rudimentary, but I'm not very skilled with magic yet, and it still seemed like a good enchantment for a melee weapon.. Any small advantage in combat is valuable, I think."

At least the bit of encouragement managed to straighten the line of his shoulders.

"The other one is the opposite of this," he said, setting the box down to gingerly reach for the smaller one. "It's not terribly useful and its very decorative, but its purpose is to help its wielder reconnect with something he lost. ..I just felt like that was important."

It was a dagger shaped like a crescent moon and decorated to match. His thumb brushed over an opalescent stone laid in its hilt. "He had a connection to the moon. ..I'm still working on the spell, but I hope it allows him to sense moonlight wherever he goes. ..I've even been leaving it out at night in patches of it to try to help it along, but I'm not completely sure it's going to work. I'm still just a novice, after all."

[king_of_egypt]

Atem nodded to that, seeing the merit in the concept. "I don't think anyone is expecting you to be a master in any of the magic available here as of yet, but any additional boost would be to the wielder's advantage, yes and the sword itself will provide some defense even if the spell does not."

Growing silent once more he allowed Eleven time to explain the next weapon. "That seems fairly important to me." Given the fact that he had also once needed to reconnect with something he had lost- namely his past.

Looking at the dagger, he took in the delicate details. "I don't think your friend could be disappointed with this." Offering a sincere smile to go with it. "The craftsmanship is remarkable." The spell that was to be placed on this one was unique and unexpected. "I hope you manage to iron out the kinks." Perhaps the professors might be able to offer some guidance on that score.

[bearshermark]

"Thank you," he said, surprised to find himself truly grateful for the encouragement. "It's not that I think he'll be disappointed- rather more surprised. He didn't ask for it; I began to craft it because I was inspired. I hope he appreciates it, though."

Eleven set it back in its box, then bent to tuck them back away. "So they aren't finished, but I'm hoping they will be soon. There's one more detail I want to finish the dagger's blade with.. But that's all I'm working on right now. Once they're done and tested properly, maybe I will take commissions.."

[king_of_egypt]

"Think nothing of it," As previously stated, Atem had no real expertise on forging but he had seen plenty of weapons in his day and these appeared to be solidly constructed. When Eleven had more time to familiarize himself with what was available here there would be significant improvements. "... and you don't think he is the sort to accept gifts easily? Gifts like these, where a person has put their heart, time, and thoughts into it are truly irreplaceable. I'm sure he will be able to appreciate that."

So essentially it would still be some time before Eleven's schedule would allow for more work to be lined up. That was certainly fine with Atem since up until this point he hadn't thought about the possibility of having something commissioned here. He had finally accepted that his stay at Diatu would be a prolonged one, so it was high time to make some preparations for it. "It's fortunate that you already have found someone here who will be able to aide you in testing them." Now that the weapons were safely tucked away once more there was a natural lull in the conversation that followed.

In an attempt to fill that void Atem turned to the subject that seemed to be on everyone else's lips. "So, has anyone asked you to the Twilight ball?"

[bearshermark]

Eleven shrugged, not really too close to Isa to say. He hoped it wouldn't be like what he imagined trying to give Xion a gift would be like.

He took a seat on the edge of his bed, hands folded in his lap- only to tightly grip them together as the topic turned.

"Ah- yes, I'm.. I'm going with Isabel. Are you..?"

[king_of_egypt]

If you had mentioned that this recipient was related to Xion in some fashion, Atem would have seen the need for concern. Although that wasn't entirely fair since her friend Lea had been reasonable.

When Eleven seated himself, Atem looked for a chair.

"I don't believe I've met an Isabel yet.. and to answer your question I haven't decided to go with anyone yet." The student body hadn't been short of invitations, but they were given out indiscriminately. Atem wasn't looking to partner up with someone just to avoid any presumed embarrassment that would stem from being there alone, if he attended at all.

[bearshermark]

Eleven willed his expression under control as he followed his gaze and gestured to a desk next to the door. Though he wouldn't mind if Atem chose to sit with him, perhaps for now it was better he didn't.

"I hope you find someone," he said, nearly wishing he could ask him himself while also equally relieved that there was a reason he couldn't. "I wasn't sure I wanted to go at first, but now I think it might be fun. ..Do you know how to dance?"

[king_of_egypt]

"Thank you." Said with a nod as he pulled a chair over from the desk to sit a bit closer. Atem wouldn't have had an issue sitting on the bed but he would have waited for an invitation first since the last time he'd just.. appeared there.

With a bit of a chuckle he waved off the notion. "Oh don't worry, I won't be upset if I don't." It was silly how some of the students were scrambling to find someone to go with, just so they wouldn't be alone. Being there single wouldn't stop someone from mingling with the other people who were attending.

"It should be." Ha, there was a good question there. "..... I think the only way I can answer that is.... not... really." Sounding a bit unsure. The dances he was more accustomed to seeing would not be the styles present here. When he'd been in modern Japan, he had witnessed some of Téa's dance moves- but he couldn't imagine imitating those.

[bearshermark]

In all honesty Eleven didn't originally have plans to attend, but for Isabel's invitation. Now he found himself hoping to see the friends he'd made so far there. Atem possibly wasn't quite a friend yet, but they felt closer now than they were. ..If only he could look at him properly.

"Oh, well Hendrik is adamant that I take lessons in place of sparring. If you wanted to learn, I'm sure he could teach you too."

[king_of_egypt]

Atem was still teetering between whether he was attending or not. This was only the second time they had spoken, but he was already starting to think of them as friends. Though hopefully there would be more opportunities to solidify that in future that did not involve spontaneous spells gone wrong.

"I hadn't considered taking lessons beforehand...." Should he? "Also I wouldn't wish to impose on him." It was one thing to ask someone you already knew for help but he'd never spoken to Eleven's Hendrik.

there's an open log up if Atem does decide to come along :)

[bearshermark]

Eleven turned a half-smile, half-grimace on him, then picked at a leg of his pants.

"Well, Hendrik imposed these classes on me, so it would only be fair. I don't think he would really mind, though. ..Plus, it would really be easier to practice dancing with you than him-- if you wanted to, I mean."

Ooooo thanks for the heads up, perhaps he shall

[king_of_egypt]

Atem couldn't help himself, he smiled at that the amusement evident in his features. "Well, in that case I suppose there's no harm in it." The worst that Hendrik could say was no. Besides, if he decided to go it would be best if he knew what he was doing.

"Oh would it be...? Is he considerably taller than you?"

[bearshermark]

"Yeah." His smile turned a bit rueful. "He's a whole head taller than me and twice my size otherwise."

Maybe three times, if he was being honest. Hendrik was like a wall in comparison to his own lighter build. He wasn't as slim as Erik, but held few delusions about ever matching the knight himself.