MERLIN, NYMUE, VIVIAN

Merlin stood on the rocks near his old friend Vivian, as they watched the boats bringing the new students to the island. His wife stood on his other side. Her hair, which was would, tangled, and dirty earlier in the day was now hanging smoothly down her thin back. He'd helped her get clean after her most recent month of run-away madness in the forests, and on the dead cliffs. "See? I made it back in time."She smiled happily at him, and ignored Vivian, who she'd always thought didn't approve of her.

He only nodded as he watched the students. "This is our last chance to properly teach them. To properly bring back the old ways." He didn't look at either woman, but spoke to both of them.

PUCK, MAEB, FRIC

Puck aka Robin Goodfellow was eagerly babbling to Maeb, the fae queen, about his excitement of teaching potions.

"None of those love potions, Puck."Maeb told him sharply. Her consort, Fric the Gnome snorted at the memory of Puck's last love potion.

"Well I made her stop thinking about how much she hates Merlin!"Puck said proudly to Fric.

"Until you just said something else about it!"The gnome reminded him looking annoyed.

"Oh yeah."Puck said with a sigh.

CASSANDRA

Cassandra of troy had been one of the firsts to arrive. She had left Greece, and all its painful memories, but one of them had followed her. The Greek General, Agamemnon who had helped beat her own father, and Troy in a awful war. No one had believed her except for Agamemnon. He'd believed her, loved her, and taken her away. Away to his wife, and children! She pushed the anger away. This was a new start for her, and she was no longer a prisoner of war. She was now in a place where she would be believed, and perhaps her curse placed on her by a god, would be lifted. She looked about her in great interest.

LAURAINA

Lauraina Estelle,the half/human/half/goblin princess looked about her shyly. She was taller than most of the others, because of the type of goblin she was. Her long black hair hung down her back, and her quiet blue eyes looked about. She had her hands crossed, hopefully hiding her overly long nails. She had on a lot of the family jewelry, and it made her feel a bit more secure.

AND SO LET IT BEGIN

ASHLEIGH AND BILLY

Ashleigh looked on in marvel of the school. The school that would pave his way to being a healer....His future.

Kinda exciting thought, he pondered, and his dolled-up lips curved into a satisfied smile. He looked around at all the other students that were there... and then--

"Aaaa~~shling!!"

"Whaa--"

*glomp*

Billy had already gotten her brother into a headlock.

Ashleigh groaned.

"Billy! Shouldn't you be trying to go meet new people and...that whole

shebang?" He inquired, in a slightly irritated tone.

"Nuh-uh!" Billy assented, smiling with a very strange glint in her eyes. "I'll have plenty of time to do that once the year starts, you know! I'm just saying my *sigh* fond farewells to my darling little brother..."

"EWW!" Ashleigh shrieked, covering his mouth instantly, "Don't you dare, Billy!"

Billy frowned, and let go of her brother. "Honestly!" she huffed, straightening out the collar on her black satin button-up shirt, "What else do you expect me to do? We got separated into different houses, you know!" Billy sadly whined, then kissed Ashleigh's cheek.

"Wha--hey!" He screamed, wiping his cheek, and doing up a button on his off-white blouse that he had noticed was undone, " How do you know that?"

Billy sighed. " I know. I know it's going to happen, that's what. We're just

too different now to end up in the same place anymore, you know."

"Oh....I see?" Ashleigh didn't really understand, but felt a little bit elated that there would be some distance between him and his sister.

Billy was equally unhappy that she wouldn't be able to see her brother off to the world anymore. She pouted.

"I'm determined to make this year great, though, even if I can't see you as often--so don't worry about me!" She grinned, and held close to Ashleigh's arm again, and Ashleigh groaned.

"Look, maybe we can start to get to know faces...like that one!" he shouted, dramatically pointing in the direction of Lauriaina Estelle.

Both Ashleigh and Billy stared for a bit.

*in chorus*

"She's cute."

LAURAINA

Lauraina looked back, trying to keep the shock from her fare face. She didn't succeed, and blushed quite red. Were those 2 girls, or not? Oh hell! She was going to blunder already, and this early in to things! Her mouth was shut firmly for now, so the fangs that came up from her bottom teeth, possessed by her goblin side, were not yet visible.

The 2 new humans seemed to look enough alike to be related. Sisters? or not? Were they being friendly, or thinking her a danger because she was half goblin? Her mother had made sure most humans hated goblins. Perhaps that was why her father had left her to be with his brother? She almost giggled, but held it back, lest everyone think her odd. Well perhaps she was. She sighed.

CHILDREN OF MAEB

Fanoderee sighed lengthily and took a swig from a small bottle. "Look Pucky, you'll get her started again. And we don't need one of her tyraids do we?" As he spoke, the little brats would dive bomb the queen. "Mommy", Hyacinth shrieked. "I can't believe you finally let us out!" "Hush, bratface," hissed Morning Glory. "She is in a bad mood."

DORIAN

Meanwhile, Dorian would enter the school. He would look around in awe. He had never been around this many people except in his vague memories. He noticed what looked like the brother and sister and the shy...goblin? Maybe, but with some human as well. He wasn't feeling chatty at this time but he was very observant. He had not seen Merlin or Nimue yet.

AGAMEMNON

Agamemnon caught up with Cassandra and caught her up in his arms. "My dearest love!" he exclaimed. "I left right behind you and have been having a bloody devil of a time catching you. But now I've got you." He leered at her and then smiled with genuine warmth and love.

MERLIN, NYMUE, DORIAN

Merlin asked Nymue to go and talk to their Dorian. "Make sure he remembers to be good."He reminded her.

"Yeah, yeah. Be good." She muttered rolling her one good, dark eye as she moved away. The other was a fake one of staring blue glass. As she moved behind Dorian, she grabbed his waist, and hissed,"Got Ya!" She then laughed. "The old man wants you to be good."She giggled again. "But really you need to if you want to stay. Maeb is looking for a reason to toss shit." They'd taken the half demon that Maeb had tossed out of the realm of Faerie,because Merlin thought if he were kept good, that his evil powers could be used to keep demon kind under control, and to promote good.

PUCK, MAEB, FRIC, MAEB'S CHILDREN

Puck laughed at Fanoderee. "Drinking already, before the feast?"

Maeb sighed in annoyance when she was dive bombed by her daughters. "Why must you do that?"

Their father picked them up, and smiled a kinder hello. He was teaching illusion, and looking forward to it. The gnome also had no hate for Merlin so didn't share his wife's mood.

CASSANDRA

Cassandra hugged him in return, and sighed. "I knew you were here. I can see all before it happens, remember?"Her tone sounded emotionally tired. "And what of when my training is over? You'll have to go back home then, so why didn't you stay there?" She wasn't sure if she should be angry or cry.

VIVIAN

Vivan watched as Nymue walked off. As usual the girl had spoke only to Merlin. "So do you think we can really bring back the old ways? There seem to be so few these days." She said sadly. "I worry more and more with each passing day that we will continue to fade away."

MORINEGNE, RILEY

As she stared at the school and the small groups of people, Morinegne felt even smaller than she was. As was usual in a new situation, she put herself half behind her brother Riley and peeked around him.

"Would you stop doing that!" he whispered. "You've got to meet new people, otherwise why come here? Surely these people will not judge you or be afraid of you because of your faery blood!"

"Stop berating me! You never know what people are going to do or say. You don't have to worry about it, you look nothing like mother! It's not fair." she pouted.

"Well, there's no use just standing here talking about this. Let's go meet some of the others. I heard someone say something about another brother and sister that have come here together. We might as well get started. You know I'll protect you."

BILLY AND ASHLEIGH

Billy took a scrutinizing look at Lauraina, and concluded:

"She's not my type...buu~~uu~~t.."

Ashleigh knew what was going to happen next--

"She's absolutely perfect for you!!" Billy chimed. She then grabbed Ashleigh by his fair hand and dragged him over to Lauraina--

"Hello!" Billy said, "My name's Billy Strauss, and this is Ashleigh, my darling--"

here Billy blew air onto her brother's ear, which made his skin crawl and he shrieked, "BILLY!"

"--twin brother!" Billy concluded, grinning from ear to ear at

Lauraina. "Won't you be a dear and talk to my shy brother for me? He's so nervous around new people, and you seemed like a very nice person and all--"

Ashleigh, while Billy had been talking, marveled at the fact that it took panning him off to someone else for Billy to meet new people. There was nothing usual about his little twin sister at all--right from the top of her short curly black hair down to her long toes. Absolutely nothing normal.

Billy was still holding his hand, and Ashleigh tried to get it off of him--

"--So I was wondering" Billy continued, ignoring her brother's attempts to escape his (as she deemed it) fate, and Billy caught a look at Lauraina's bracelets...

/Hum? those fingers...part goblin, maybe? Ooo--even better!/

Billy, as a necromancer-to-be, had no problem whatsoever with creatures naturally associated with darkness.

"--If you could talk to my brother for a bit? You know how important it is to find your soul mates as fast as you can!"

"BILLY!" Ashleigh protested, "You're scaring her!" What a pain!

"Am not!" Billy shouted back, "And besides, she understands me, right?"

Billy said, looking at Lauraina, with a smile in her eyes. "You're just cuter than my brother, and that's exactly what he needs!" Billy said with finality, and kissed Lauraina on her forehead.

"BILLY!!! Oh man, I'm sorry--"Ashleigh tried to apologize--

"Bai-Bai, you two lovey-doveys!" Billy said, running off with happy thoughts.

Ashleigh stared back at his sister.

"UGH. I'm sorry about that...um...what was your name?"Ashleigh asked, his face looking at hers--

--and his black-and-blue lipstick certainly didn't help him here.

--neither did his blue eyeshadow

MERLIN

Merlin looked at her. "Well this was half your idea, old friend, so I hope it works." He looked amused, and almost happy for a moment. "It seems we've got a good bunch here this year. It is a good start. That is all I know. I do worry about the young demon/faerie boy that I decided to take when he was young. I thought he could be made good in spite of the demon blood, and this year I'll find out." He looked worried again.

LAURAINA

"Lauraina Estelle!" She managed to choke out around her shock/horror that she couldn't possibly have kept from her face. These two had to be the oddest people she'd ever met! Yes. Definitely the oddest! She had not idea what in the world to say to them. She was usually shy enough, but could hold her own enough in social gatherings.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh sighed.

"Right, Lauraina--Sorry about my crazy sister--she's just a bit...possessive of me at times, you know..how sisters can get sometimes" He implied, not really wanting to scare the girl any further than Billy had already scarred her.

Besides, it wouldn't exactly do much to calm the poor girl by saying, "by the way, my sister's bi", now would it? It didn't work in Ashleigh pragmatic mind, not at all. Then Billy would never get off of him.

"We're fraternal" he immeadiately said, implying as much of a genetic gap he possibly could between him and his sister.

BILLY

Billy, her curly bob bouncing, was walking briskly along through the throng of milling students.

/I wonder how those two are doing/ Billy wondered to herself--

--and those thoughts were instantly dispelled by the sense of someone harboring a dark energy--

"ooOOoo!!"

Billy quickly made her way over to where she felt the source of the sense.

DORIAN

Dorian turned and grabbed Nimue and hugged her planting a big kiss on her cheek. "I am always good dear one". He then smiled. "You taught me well, m'lady and I will honor your teachings. But you know I do have some lingering resentment about that. My mother dear never even tried to come and see me". He scowled briefly.

PUCK, FRIC, MAEB, MAEB'S CHILDREN

Fanoderee laughed uproariously. Of course, Pucky. Here, have some. Morning Glory sniffled at her mother and cuddled in her daddy's hand. She had not known he was her dad all her life but now she did and she deeply loved him. Hyacinth popped her sister. Shut up. Because, Mommy, it pisses you off and you're funny when you're mad.

AGAMEMNON

"Well," Agamemnon sighed. "I may have a plan. I am a renowned general now and I could go anywhere. Who says we could not just disappear into oblivion and I could win another war and we would never have to go back to the shrew and her brats". He smiled. "Then, in annonymity, you could be my wife". He smiled. He had been planning this for a long time.

VIVIAN

Vivane could feel her friend's turmoil. "And I think we were right to start this, old friend. We must do what we can. I think we've got some good ones here too, I can feel their energies. I think your boy will do well. How could he go wrong with your guidance?"

LAURAINA

Lauraina tried to smile. Her mind went to her brother Darken. She never treated him in such a way. She did hope Darken would be good and come here, though. What would he make of these people? She did smile at that thought. "Well it shall be quite interesting getting to know both of you." She told him. "Which world do you come from then?"

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh pondered about that.

"What world?" he asked, quizzically.

/Aw, dangit! Billy's the one that knows all this kinda stuff/ Ashleigh thought in slightly irritated tones. But he didn't let his frustration show through his pretty features.

"Ah..eh. Well, Billy and I come from Rowanoke Island, an island in the atlantic ocean off the shore of the US--I...think" Ashleigh added. Wizarding World Geography was NOT his best subject.

BILLY

Billy closed her eyes as she walked.

She concentrated....

/A line...not too strong, no, so it's not 'pure', exactly....mmm...leading..ah! over there!/

Billy opened her eyes, and snuck up--

"Hiya!!!" Billy exclaimed, grabbing Dorian from behind. "You're another student here, right? Hmm, My name's Billy--what's yours?"

On touch contact, Billy knew.

NYMUE

"Leave your mother in the past,Dorian."Nymue advised. She felt eyes on them, and turned briefly to stare them down with her one mad one. Turning back to the boy she continued,"Make Merlin proud,and try to have a little fun while you're at it." She smiled, and moved away.

DORIAN

Dorian turned from Nimue when he felt the girl staring a hole in his back. He smiled his beautiful smile. "Well, hello there. I'm Dorian." He kept smiling and ruffled his wings. He could really use a good flight. He hadn't had one in a while.

MERLIN AND NYMUE

"Did Arthur not go wrong, or at least romantic?"Merlin asked with a slightly bitter tone as Nymue returned to his side. "I talked to him. He seems to be understanding for now." She murmured, and looked side long at Vivian. "Your sister queen Maeb tossed him out of the faerie realm when she found out that his fae mother had slept with a demon."She told her. "So she'll be looking for him to slip."

DORIAN

Dorian scowled. How could he leave what his own people had done to him in the past when he was reminded of it everyday? She turned, staring at the girl, a flash of anger briefly covering his beautiful features before his dazzling smile returned. "Have fun huh, m'lady?"

VIVIAN

Vivane turned to face both Merlin and Nymue. "We were certainly wrong about Arthur. I think we miscalucated the hold this Christian God has on His people. I do not claim to understand it." She looked at Nymue, "Surely you don't hold what Maeb has done against me? She always did have a different view of things. The boy is welcome here and she can look all she wants, we will be fair. I suppose I should go speak with her, though. I shall see you both later." Vivane walked off, resigning herself to having a talk with her sister. She was not looking forward to it, that was for sure. But she must put forth at least a front of peace if she was to promote it amongst the students.

MERLIN AND NYMUE

"She didn't even give me time to answer her!"Nymue snapped at Merlin. "And you want us to get along." She laughed. Then she shouted after Vivian,"I know the two of you usually don't get along, but she was nice to you when she was in trouble, so if you had any sway with her, DI was filling you in on the fact that she tossed the boy out when he was a young child."

"You told enough people just then didn't you?" Merlin snapped.

"Well she shouldn't have dashed off." She replied in a matching grumpy tone.

MAEB, FRIC, PUCK

Maeb was listen to the others chatter, and staring out at the in coming students. "I don't know how much we can teach them with Merlin in the way."She snapped.

"He can be distracted."Puck grinned happily..

Fric looked as if he were about to defend the old druid again, so Maeb turned to glare at him. "I'll hear none of it Fric."

VIVIAN

Vivane knew exactly where she would find her sister. She would be surrounded by her horde of daughters, and her gnome consort wouldn't ever be found far from her either. It didn't take her long, and as she guessed, her sister was surrounded by her daughters, and the queen herself was talking with the potions teacher, Puck and of course, Fric. And another Fae she couldn't remember. "Hello sister. You are already the topic of conversation as I am sure pleases you."

MAEB, FRIC"What is the old bastard planning now?"Maeb hissed with a toss of her long, white hair. Fric frowned at her again looking worried before giving Vivian a warm smile. He'd always liked Vivian, and was glad to see the sisters getting along better.

VIVIAN

"Planning? Nothing in particular that I know of. He is only concerned about his demon faery boy." Vivane smiled at the thought, she had yet to meet the boy but she was looking forward to it. It would have to be an interesting combination. Noticing the look on Fric's face, she addressed him. "Hello Fric. It is nice to see you. I hope you have been well."

FRIC, MAEB

Fric nodded and smiled back at her. "I've been well enough."He said.

"I can't believe Merlin brings a demon here, or even deals with one. It is simply to spite me, sister. You should know that. When that boy kills someone I hope you're both the happier for it. Demons are evil!"

KID

As Kid got off the boat and looked up at the magnificent building that housed Wolfbanes Academy he was awestruck. -- This place is huge-- he thought -- It's bigger than Tahsis, and Tahsis is almost a town-- He laughed at himself. Ghost, who was clinging to Kids shoulder, muttered in his ear, :go talk to someone and find out where we are supposed to go: Kid gave Ghost's head a scratch and said with a smile "Have a little patience my friend, you know how I am around strangers." He looked up at the crowd of people starting to gather in front of the school and sighed.--Well, here we go--he thought, and started towards the front door.

CASSANDRA

Cassandra pulled away from Agamemnon when she felt her snake shift on her shoulders. Something had gotten his attention, and his tongue was flicking about.

VIVIAN

"That may be so, but the boy is only half demon, yes? I think he felt sorry for the young boy when you threw him out. You know he has a soft heart."

MAEB, FRIC, PCUK

"Soft heart indeed. That is why he ends in so much cow shit, and pulls others in with him." Maeb glared. Puck giggled, and then looked slightly guilty for it.

"Well Oberon is away."Maeb went on, seeming to want to change thee subject. "He's taken up with an elf woman, and so at least won't be trying to sleep with the students."

Fric looked horrified for a brief moment. He had been saying only yesterday that the Fae king had probably slept with his own children/grandchildren, and didn't know it.

Now it was Maeb's turn to giggle, and Puck only looked ill. He hated Oberon as much as Maeb hated Merlin.

RILEY, MORINEGNE

As Riley was looking around at all the students, he saw a boy petting a raccoon. Pulling his sister behind him, he said, "Come on Morinegne. He looks interesting, and he's brought a raccoon. Let's go meet him." As they neared him, Morinegne took her usual place, half hiding behind her brother.

"Hello. My name is Riley Nnnwn, this is my sister Morinegne. It's a very big school, huh?" He said, gesturing towards the building.

VIVIAN

"You sound relieved that Oberon is away. Though I suppose I am as well." The more Vivane thought about it, the more she realized this was so. She certainly didn't need to worry about someone going around flirting and such with the students right at the onset on the year.

Vivane smiled back at her sister. It was nice to see her happy. "You are most welcome Maeb. It is good to have you back. We must band together if we are to keep the Old Ways alive. I can only imagine how horrible your ordeal was," Vivane said sympathically. "Are things as usual in your realm now?"

LOUIS

The beautiful dark haired vampire,Louie De Lac, surveyed the crowded boat, filled with excited students. He couldn't help but smile. Such happiness, such innocence. He loved it!! After all his years of suffering at the hands of his maker, he was now finally free to be happy. He almost felt like dancing for joy, joining in on their roustabouts,but his shyness held him back. He had felt a few of the students pointedly avoiding him. His strange white skin, vivid green eyes. Plus probably fear for what he was. He sighed. It would take a while for them to become accustomed to him, as he would to them. He didn't think they understood that he no longer needed to take life for his sustenance.

All he had known was his coven for all of his immortal life. This was all brand new. He quietly laughed as he watched a brother and sister tussling with each other, shrieking with laughter. It reminded him of his own mortal sister and himself, close in age, and how they had also been this exuberant at times. He fell into a melancholy. Yes, once he had been happy, until he was forced into this darkness. He leaned against the railing of the boat,watching it dock. From there he continued to watch his fellow students. One girl caught his eye, tall with long black hair. Beautiful. She seemed quiet also. He turned away from her, his shyness getting the best of him yet again.

He would have to change his quiet, illusive ways if he meant to get to know anyone here.

As the boat docked, he moved along with the other jostling students, looking forward to his new life.

KID

As Kid started towards the school he noticed a few people turning and looking at him. A few even started to come towards him. he could feel his face turn red and his pace slowed :it will be ok: murmured Ghost in his ear. " I know" whispered Kid, "I've just got to get used to being around strangers until they are not strangers anymore." He remembered this sage advice from his father on the day he left his tiny fishing village home to come here. A young couple came up to him and introduced themselves. --oh my god, I'm already in trouble...what did he say his sister's name is?--thought Kid "Hi Riley...I'm Daniel, but most people call me Kid" he said aloud. He sneaked a look at Riley's sister and was relieved to see that she seemed as shy as he and didn't seem to mind that he hadn't spoken to her. So he smiled at her and said, "It's by far the biggest building I have ever seen. Have you been inside yet?"

BILLY

Billy didn't back off. In fact, she was a bit delighted--albeit, she had no clue why Dorian had felt a little peeved, as all SHE'D done was show him loving and friendly affection (ooc--she is weird lol bic)

"Yes, yes--Although, you're not quite the morsel like my brother, but you just seem to be someone else of my element, that's all--dark, right?" she inquired, a demure grin on her face, her brown eyes glittering with genuine sincerity. "Oh, right--" Billy quickly released her hold of Dorian, "I forgot--not even my brother's okay with me hugging him...I guess I forgot that I'm repulsive, again!" she replied lightly, almost laughing at herself. "So what's your name? Oops--did I forget to tell you mine? I can't recall..."

HYACINTH

"Hey Mommy", Hyacinth hissed. "There's that little demon brat bastard you tossed out when he was a little kid". She giggled uproariously.

JESSICA

As Jessica got off the ship she stopped dead in her tracks. 'There are so many people here.' she thought. 'Maybe I should leave. I don't belong here. These people won't want a Snape in their school. Why did i come?'

:Move your big arse Jesse: hissed Serena.

Jessica started to walk forward. Aile and Pandora fly over her. They were happy to be out of the ship.

Jessica was looking around when she saw a boy with a raccon. It looked as if he was talking to it.

She started walking his way.

MORINEGNE AND RILEY

Morinegne blushed. "Um...hi Kid...no, not yet. My brother thinks we should get to know others first." Morinegne wasn't sure what else to say but she felt intrigued by him. Not to mention he had brought his raccoon, and she loved animals. "Since you told us your nickname, I suppose you should call me Morine. It is easier than my full name."

"Where are you from?" Riley asked. "We are from Cornwall." He noticed that both the boy and his sister seemed to have a shy way about them and was glad he had decided to start meeting people by talking with Kid.

AGAMEMNON

Agamemnon briefly looked irked but smoothed his face. After the feast would be plenty of time for the reunion. He looked along with her.

FANDOREE

Fanoderee had been listening in on the conversation and giggled uproariously at the mention of Oberon. He threw an evil look out toward where he thought the fairy king was. "Bastard," he hissed to Puck in a very quiet voice so it couldn't be overheard.

DORIAN

Dorian smiled his dazzling smile. "Yes, dear one, you told me your name. I am Dorian. And you are absolutely not repulsive. I've just not been around all that many people that's all." Well, this one wanted to be loving and friendly did she? He smiled even more with the thoughts. He had never been around girls much but there was definitely a first time for everything.

MAEB, FRIC, AND CHILDREN

"yes. Things are fine. If I'm to be helping out here, I do hope Oberon can manage to bring himself back to rule." She sighed, and tried not to smile. "Have you gotten a chance to talk to any of the new students yet?"

Maeb flicked a quick glance to her most annoying daughter.

"Be nice."Her father Fric told her softly. Sometimes he didn't see how Maeb and he together had created such a one as her. "And please don't start with him."He added. He knew his daughter all to well. Perhaps she was the living incarnation of Maeb's temper. He sighed at that thought.

"Awww! C'mon daddy, he'd be perfect to start a good game of bird crap in the hair! OOOOOOH, but it would make fire shoot out of his eyes", she said in that high gleeful tone of hers. With that she flew off to scope out the mischief making. Morning Glory sighed loudly.

BILLY

Billy grinned at Dorian--a grin that betrayed a bit of relief and sincerity in her eyes..

"Well, it's good to hear--Dorian, right? Do you know what house you've been sorted into? I'm a bit curious myself" Billy added, not really trying to hard to make conversation.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh sneezed.

"arg, wha--Oh that Billy!" He sighed, and looked down at Obscure, his sister's black cat.

"I can't BELIEVE she left her familiar with me--hasn't she figured out I don't like cats yet?"

FRIC, MAEB

"She needs to know she'll be in trouble for her actions just like any other student."Fric told Morning glory. "This isn't the faerie realm." Maeb nodded in agreement, but didn't look overly interested.

LAURAINA

Lauraina looked from Ashley to the cat. "Animals don't like we with goblin blood overly much."She said quietly. "We have to even use special horses, but that is the way of it."

VIVIAN

"Not as of yet. I was watching them and speaking with Merlin and Nymue and then I decided I should come speak with you. I suppose I should be on my way to that now. Would you care to join me?" She was in fact looking forward to meeting the students, she had already seen a few that looked rather interesting.

MAEB

Maeb hesitated for a moment. "Very well. I suppose I could." She linked arms with her sister, also a new thing for her, and moved toward a group of students with a ever so slight smile.

Vivane was trying to remember the last time someone had taken her by the arm. It had been a long time, especially since it was her sister that had done it. Things had definately changed. In her mind she was trying to decide which students to talk to first. There were so many that were so different. Who to choose? She decided she would put it off on her sister. "Who would you like to meet first, Maeb? I don't think I realized just how many there were."

ASHLEIGH

"Hum? Really, I didn't know that--"

Then Ashleigh stared at Lauraina for a bit.

"Wait. You're part goblin?" He asked, his face a bit confused. " I mean, I've never actually seen a goblin, but you definitely don't look like..whatever I think they're supposed to look like" he supplied, knowing in his gut that sounded lame.

MERLIN

"Perhaps we should have a receiving line,and meet all of them, giving a welcome." Then she realized that Merlin should be standing there as well. "Or maybe not."

LAURAINA

She laughed. "You're probably thinking of either goblins from another world, or the Etriee. Those are smaller goblins who are servants, and basically dogs to the tall ones which I am part."

DORIAN

"Yes, I'm in the house of fire. Rather apropriate for my kind don't you think?" He had read her mind and knew she had suspicions of what he was.

BILLY

Oho.

"Hmm...Not the shy type, are ya?" She inquired, a fellow-like twinkle in her eye.

/He must be a mind-reader if he can understand my thoughts on him/ She reasoned within herself--

"But that's all good and fun--Shyness is the bane of existence!" She exclaimed, grabbing Dorian again, in a type of headlock style.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh pondered at this.

"I guess that makes sense...kinda like wizards and house elves, huh?" He asked, eying the cat with a glare.

VIVIAN

Vivane was sure that what had changed her sister's mind about a line was Merlin. "You do know that if you are to help out here you will surely run into Merlin. Not to mention I think we should put out a semblance of a unified front to these students. Some will be freightened enough as it is without thinking we are at odds between ourselves. I think you have the right idea, all of us giving them all a welcome together."

LAURAINA

"Wizards and house elves?"She thought for a moment. "That is in the modern world. My uncle Adrian, King of Anteara, and his old school mate Roland have friends from that world. The Snapes!" She smiled at being able to remember there names. "My uncle likes Mrs. Snape a lot, because of what she does with stone enhancement, and their daughter teaches in his school. My uncle's school. Her parents hate her working in another world." She stopped suddenly as she realized that she was talking more than she usually did. Perhaps she was nervous.

MAEB

"Fine."Maeb said shortly to her sister. She owed her this much. She waved to Puck, Fric, and the others, and they came over. "Lets stand at the top of the stairs to the school,"Maeb suggested, and waved at Merlin as well. Nymue stayed back to give the students coming off any boats, directions if they needed them.

ASHLEIGH

"Oh, yeah, the modern world, right" Ashleigh jokingly said, kinda blushing with embarrassment.

He, however, was thinking inwardly--

/The HECK?/

"A-haa, right, Snape--I know him" he continued, knowing at least that name was familiar.

Ashleigh was now extremely suspicious that there was something his parents had neglected to tell him...

LAURAINA

"So what world are you from?" Lauraina asked, noting his odd expression, and wondering about it.

LOUIS

Louie wandered off the boat, Keats on his shoulder. Keats hated being in that damnable crate, so he removed him upon disembarking.

Keats rewarded him by digging his claws an inch into Louis' shoulder "Do you mind? I have skin under there." Louie glowered at his usually sweet tempered little cat. :Too bad, evil vamp. How would you like to be cramped into a box?? Maybe I WILL cramp you into a box for 6 DAMN HOURS: He stuck his claws in deeper. "Ouch!! Keats, enough already." He hadn't realized he'd raised his voice. He looked around, seeing several students looking his way. He ducked his head, a furious blush creeping across his cheeks, and headed for the main building to register. While waiting in line, he observed the others around him. They all seemed to know one another, or were at least becoming acquainted with one another. He sighed. No one seemed to want or care to know him. "Probably because I;m boring and ugly and they can tell." Suddenly doubts started entering his mind. What was he doing this for? He could be lonely at home, he didn;t need to be lonely in a crowd. :Stop it, beautiful one. How many times do you have to be told you're beautiful? Maybe that's why they won;t talk to you. Numero Uno, you're a vampire. Numero Dous, you're damn beautiful. AND you're smart, and kind, and have a heart of pure gold. Give it time. You are NOT going back to Lestat. You are just NOT. He steps on my tail, I will not have that. And he steps on your ego, we will not have that: Louie smiled at Keats, tickling behind his ears. "Well, for now I have you, mon chaton. That should be enough. Now, could you loosen the claw grip, just a bit? I apologize for the crate, but....let it go, okey?" Keats' eyes flashed, he hated to lose. He loosened his grip, wrapping his tail around Louie's neck for balance. He, too observed the others, and their familiars. An owl? How unique. Keats hoped the owl didn;t like catfood, literally. He shuddered. He realized he had to get along here too. Not tough for Keats, he liked meeting new creatures, big and small.

Louie, meanwhile, had found himself behind someone who was also registering for the Healing classes. He caught his name, Ashleigh. "Well, it's now or never." He tapped the boy on the shoulder, "Hi, I see you're signing up for the same classes in Healing. As am I. My name's Louie." His eyes dropped shyly, and damn it, there was the infernal blush again.

ASHLEIGH

"World...ah, well!" Ashleigh started off to Lauriana, but then was (hehe, luckily) interrupted--

"Hi, my name's Louie."

Ashleigh looked at the guy who'd addressed him--

/IS HE BLUSHING????/

"A..ha! Right, Healing classes! Yup, that's me...I'm Ashleigh Strauss--whoah, "Ashleigh commented, feeling something weird, "you wouldn't happen to be a..friend of my sister or anything, would you?" he asked, "'Cuz don't believe anything she says! Oh, this isn't my sister--" he motioned to Lauraina, indicating that she wasn't bad.

Something felt...familiar about this Louie fella, that Ashleigh couldn't place.

KID

"I'm from Canada" Kid replied slowly, not sure if Riley or Morine would even know where that was. "It's in, what some people I've met call, "The Modern World." Although I wouldn't excactly call it that myself." Kid shook his long, shiney, black hair out of his face and laughed. "Look," he said, pointing up towards the school. "There seems to be some kind of line forming. Should we go see whats going on?"

DORIAN

Dorian smiled before she grabbed him. "No, I am a little shy but not really. I just haven't been around too many people my age." When she grabbed him again, he shifted subtly in her grip with his demon strength so their faces were very close together. He had never been this close to a girl. His emotions and blood were running high. He bent quickly and gave her a kiss on the lips and stood up to his full height and set her on her feet again.

LOUIS

Louie moved back a step or two, a little overwhelmed by the youth's excitability. He recognized him from the boat - the one who had been roughhousing with his sister.

"No, I don't know anyone here. I'm usually not so bold, but thought I'd say hello. Where are you from? I;m from Louisiana, in the United States." Louie felt something familiar about this youth. He couldn't quite place it. He chanced a glance at Laurianna, she was the pretty one he had seen on the boat. He smiled shyly at her.

LAURAINA

Lauraina smiled back. She thought animals were probably afraid of this one as well. Ah, but her mother would love for her to make friends with this one, as he could make a wonderful ally for Kylae the goblin queen, but Lauraina was never going to be like her mother, so perhaps she should stay as far away from him as she could. But it wasn't his fault, and she'd not be mean. Not all goblins were mean, and she could show the world that. The goblin lord Asdraikh and his followers were trying to show human kind that as well, and her mother would go round messing it up. She shook herself from her thoughts, and moved slowly toward the forming line.

MERLIN

Merlin slowly went to meet Vivian, and Maeb in the front of the school, nodding a hello to Puck, and Fric.

BILLY

Billy blinked.

She'd tasted the demon on his lips.

She smiled.

"A little shy. VERY MUCH a 'little shy', if you ask me--well, I'm in the house of water!" Billy replied, and then grabbed the collar of Dorian's shirt, brought his head down to her level again and gave him a LONGER kiss.

"Where've you been, then, if not among people your age?" She asked, pulling back, with a confused look on her face.

Billy was completely unfazed.

Well, except for the part where she really thought kissing a part-demon was cool. Maybe her blood was running a little faster than it normally did. But nothing no one else who wasn't part vampire would notice.

Billy tried to not pay attention to her own bloodstream as she looked up at Dorian.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh caught Louie's quick glance at Lauraina, and inwardly sighed with relief

/Good. He wasn't sent by my sister. That's good./

"I'm from Roanoke Island, also the US" Ashleigh responded, and held out his pale and smooth hand out to shake Louie's own. He smiled what he hoped was a boyish smile, but then again, with his makeup, any smile would look girly.

KUMIKO

Kumiko wondered down from her dormitory after putting her stuff away. She went back outside and sat down on the front steps to watch the new students wondering in. She had the bright idea if anyone asked her for directions she was going to give them wrong information, just to alleviate her boredom.

DORIAN

Dorian smiled. Most humans would have been falling at his feet, especially considering what kind of demon his father had been. But there was something different about this one. Ah, yes, he had it! Vampiric blood. That would partly explain it. He smiled again. "Little girl, you know not what you play with." Well, fire and water, hmmm. He thought to himself that opposites definitely attract. "Well, I was raised by a dragon and trained by Merlin and Nymue." He thought the old man would probably shit his pants if he knew what was going on. He laughed softly.

JESSICA

Jessica stopped walking toward the boy when she say the line of people. those must be the teachers. i should go indroduse us. she hissed to Serena. Yesss that you mussst. SSo letss go. Serena hissed back and Jessica went over there. She stood in front of the woman she reconized as Maud. and said " Hello my name is Jessica Isolde James and this," she pointed at Serena, " is my snake Serena , the phoneix up there," she pointed at thesky where her owl and phoneix where flying,"is Pandora and the owl is Aile. Do you know where we are supposed to go?"

RILEY AND MORINE

"Yes, I suppose we should go. Though I have to say I am a little nervous to meet them all." Riley said as turned toward the school. "What house have you been put in? I am in Fire, my sister is in Air. I am here to learn more of healing, she to learn more of herbs."

"I for one am looking forward to meeting them all. Yes, they are imposing in who they are and what they know, but that is what makes them so amazing."

Morine said, forgetting that she wasn't just talking to her brother. As she remembered Kid was there as well, she blushed and quieted.

LOUIS

Louie watched Laurianna walk away from him. "Okey, so girls don;t like me. I can cope, it's only Monday," he thought and gratefully took Ashleigh's outstretched hand and smiled in return. Ashleigh had a very pretty smile. Was the boy wearing makeup? "Interesting," Louie thought. "Should try that sometime." He addressed Ashleigh: "I've never been to Roanoke Island? What's it like?" He sensed some familiarity about this boy. Something about his heritage, his being. A vampire? No, he couldn't be. He felt Keats digging in his claws again :He's part vampire, my oh-so-illiterate-on- vampirism owner: Keats grumbled into Louie's mind. :Part? Only part? Then, um, what's the other part?: Louie mind spoke back to Keats. :I dunno. I'm a cat, not an historian: Keats answered. Louie pretended to brush his hair back, clipping Keats' left ear. "Oh, sorry Keats." He simpered. Keats grumbled. He turned back to Ashleigh. "How come you seem so - familiar to me."

BILLY

"Ah!" Billy exclaimed, clapping her hands. "That explains something, then, doesn't it?" She smiled. "And what do you mean, play? I'm always serious!" She nodded, looking very much the un-serious person--

--Then Obscure bit her toe

"YAA!!" Billy screamed, nearly jumping out of her skin. She looked down at her familiar--

"Obscure! What was that for? Humph, you jealous cat--"

Billy leaned down and picked up her black cat, and held him up and kissed her kitty's forehead (partly to placate him).

"This is my familiar, Obscure--Obscure, meet Dorian, of the House of Fire"

Obscure merely looked at Dorian.

And meowed. In a way that sounded...less-than-friendly

Billy gasped.

"You take that back, right now, Obscure!"

ASHLEIGH

"Roanoke Island? Just mostly full of people who are secretive and stuff like that, who are weird and try to be different. That's all I can think about" he said, not detailing much about his family, who he sometimes wondered if any of them were actually related at all--

"How come you seem so--familiar to me."

Ashleigh eyed him suspiciously. /ookay.../

Ashleigh smirked, and elbowed Louie in the shoulder playfully while laughing (nervously ^^)-

"Heheh--now, do you always use that pick-up line, or is this one just for me?"

/Please let it not be a pick-up line/

MAEB, MERLIN, VIVIAN, ETC.

Maeb looked at the phoenix, and smiled. "Now how did you manage to get one of those to stay around?" She made a chirping sound to both birds. Being faerie, she could speak easily to all animals. "As to where you are to go,"She turned her blue eyes back to the girl,"What hall are you in? You should've have received a letter about it. First, though, we have the feast, and dancing. The classes re tomorrow." She gave a marry laugh. "Dancing is what faeries do best."

"I'd thought it was causing trouble."The old man Merlin growled from behind her, but the queen ignored him.

"Oh, Pandora is a family phoenix, in other words she is loyal to the head female of the family. She was my mother's best friend and now she is mine though Serena thinks otherwise." She lowered her voice to a whisper, "Serena can get really jealous of Pandora." She raised her voice, "My letter said something about the House of Fire, Do you know where the dorm for that House is?" She looked at Merlin and said, "Fairies are best at dancing, or so I've read. They are also equally good at causing trouble but better at dancing. I myself have always wished to see a fairy dance." She glared at the old man.

Here we go again, Vivane thought. Would these two ever call any kind of semblance of a truce? How were they supposed to save the Old Ways when even Merlin and Maeb couldn't get along? She turned to whisper to Merlin, "I realize Maeb has a knack for getting under your skin, but I've gotten her to be in your presence for the sake of the students. Though I wouldn't take any flack from a student, you must show them all strength if you wish to have them respect you."

Maeb chuckled at the girl's defense of Fae kind. "We shall be dancing tonight, and you all along with us, so see it you shall."She ignored Merlin totally. "I understand you're related to the Snapes. The goblin girl over there knows them. Her uncle does at any rate, so if that helps you make friends..." She shrugged nodding to Lauraina, who was standing quietly in line with her long thin hands folded. "There is an oriental girl inside."She went on. "She's one of our early students, and has been here for a few weeks. She can show you to fire house if you ask her."

Merlin nodded to Vivian, and said nothing. Maeb was a dangerous child for all her years, and he wasn't going to fight with her today. His eyes looked over the students, while his mind went down old paths, and older wars.

ASHLEIGH

"Is that a pick-up line, or is it especially for me?" Ashleigh commented.

Louie stared at Ashleigh. "A what? Umm. That's not....NO!!" Dammit he was starting to blush again. "You only seemed somewhat familiar to me....never mind." He shrugged it off. He wasn't sure if Ashleigh was offended or not. He wasn't sure of anything at this point. Even the fact this boy could be part vampire. Maybe he wasn't? And mentioning it to him would be oh so offensive, he was sure. Suddenly he realized it was his turn to register. "I've got to register. Excuse me for a moment."

He turned to the registration desk, suddenly unsure of his decision. "I don't know anyone here. This is very awkward. I think I totally offended this boy somehow," he thought. He held Keats against his chest, his long black hair obscuring his face. He suddenly wanted to go home, even if that meant to his unkind Maker. At least it was familiar. He finished registering, and collected his schedule. He went to turn around, wondering if Ashleigh was still there.

KID

Kid smiled at Morine as they started towards the school. "I'm in Air house, too." He said, "Actually, I have met Merlin before. He has been to my house to visit my mother a few times. She is a High Druidess and he comes to join her when she communes with the whales in the Spring sometimes." He hadn't seen Merlin in a few years and was hoping that Merlin would recognize him as his was the only familiar face that Kid had seen since he got here. "I'm here to learn to be a Healer, too. And I'm studying Herbology so it sounds like we will be having a few classes together." He smiled at Morine and said, "Ghost thinks you are very pretty. He told me to tell you." They were approaching the line of teachers now.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh sighed underneath his breath as the guy turned around in a huff.

/Well, that was pleasant./

Ashleigh smiled.

/At least he's not going to hit on me. Very good./

He then realized how close he was to getting registered..

Registered...

/Wait. Did Billy register already? Where the **** did that girl go, anyways?/ Ashleigh wondered, his brow furrowed, and he looked around-- --and stopped.

/...Why am I looking for her again?/

He refused to answer it as Louie turned back around--

"Yo--glad to know you're not on my sister's side" He grinned

MERLIN

"We may have a whale come here next year. He'll be taking on the form of a man. He's one of the great wizarding whales, so he'll have a lot to teach if I can talk him in to it. Tell your mother." Merlin called out this in a slightly cold tone, but his smile was kind enough as he waved at the approaching boy. "And don't use that poor animal for your come on lines!" He chuckled, enjoying the fact that he'd managed to embarrass them both. He clasped his hands together in glee.

JESSICA

"Thank you for your help." Jessica said respectfully.'how did she know i was a snape? i enrooled as a james' she thought as she turned away. "Look there iss the boy with the racoon. He iss coming thiss way go and talk to him. He might be a good one to talk and become friendss with." Serena hissed. "Fine i will and not because you want me to be cause I want to." Jessica hissed back and walked up to the boy. "Hello my name is Jessica Isolde James and these are Serena, Pandora, and Aile. What is your name and your racoons name?" she said.

DORIAN

Dorian laughed softly at the girl's antics. When the cat growled at him, he simply meowed right back. He does have fairy blood and so can talk to most animals. He stared at the cat with his black eyes. "Kitten, you know not whom you are insulting. If you would like, a little later, I could truly show you that this is a fact." Then he looked back up at the girl. "Oh, don't mind the kitty." He quickly reached over and gave it a quick stroke letting it know that he would be friends as well.

LOUIS

"On your sister's side? I'm not on anyone's side as of now. I just got here." He grinned at Ashleigh. "You have a problem with your sister it seems. Why is that? She seems pleasant enough," he shrugged. "What house are you in? I'm in the Earth House. I should head over there, find out if I have the dreaded roomate situation. I told them I wanted to be alone if possible." He looked apologetic. "I'm not used to mingling with others, I'm used to being alone."

CASSANDRA

Cassandra walked away from Agamemnon, trying not to act so happy to see the man. Would he only leave again, and if not, what would happen when she was free to leave, after her learning was done? She sighed, and fell in to the line behind a fare colored young man...oh...young vampire! Well. She found it hard not to stare, as she watched his future, and past as if it were a book written on the back of his head. He would do great things here, but she didn't see the need to tell him so.

PEEPS

As Kid approached Merlin he heard the old wizard call to him and blushed as he glanced at the white racoon on his shoulder. He saw Ghost's red eyes flash and said, "Please don't tease him, Merlin, you know he thinks he's human and he really did tell me to tell Morine that." Ghost's grip on his shoulder sharpened for a second and he muttered :there is no need to be so insulting. I have never had any desire to be a mere human.: Kid laughed as he shook Merlin's hand, "Is the Whale someone I may have met? at Mom's island or somewhere?" As he was talking to Merlin Kid noticed a girl with a snake approaching him and introducing herself and her animal friends she seemed very interested in Ghost. "Hi Jessica" He hissed a greeting to Serena and hooted and whistled to the birds,Pandora and Aile "I'm Kid and this is Ghost. How did you ever meet a phoenix? is he related to Dumbeldore's friend Fawkes? Oh, yeah, this is Morine and Riley" said Kid, indicating his new friends and turning back to his mother's friend, "And this is Merlin. He is one of our teachers. What are you teaching,Merlin?"

"A mere teacher?"Merlin demanded drawing himself up to his full, thin tall height. "I am still, and ever, Arch Druid of Brittan, Boy. I also am one of the founders of this university, and I'm teaching upcoming druids, earth,and star magic, as well as history. We all need to know our history, because it always repeats itself. Lets try not to make the same mistakes yet again, shall we?" He nodded to the raccoon, and winked

"My, my old friend." Vivane said jokingly. "Maybe the boy has hit a sore spot, Merlin? I'm sure he knows well who you are. I should hope so, in any case." She said, chuckling. I haven't had this much fun in quite a while, she thought. This was seeming to be a better and better idea every minute. "Should we start the feast? It looks like most of the students are through the line now, and I'm sure the boys are very hungry. Not to mention we can address the questions of the students in front of them all so everyone will know the answers."

As Morine heard Merlin's joke, she blushed. Even more, if that was possible. She hadn't gotten a chance to say thank you to Kid and now she didn't know what to say. She saw Maeb standing there and drew up her courage to speak to her, after all she had to be at least a distant relation of her mother's, since her mother had faery blood. "Hello, Queen Maeb, my name is Morine. I just wanted to say how long I've been wanting to meet you. My mother has told me something of the faery world, but I must admit there are many other things I wish to learn. Oh, yes, this is my brother, Riley." She said, pointing to Riley, hoping she hadn't rambled too much. "It is wonderful to finally meet you. All of you. It is a little overwhelming, I must admit." Riley said with what he hoped to be his charming grin. Boy, there sure were a lot of good looking boys here, how was he ever going to get a date? Morine was always telling him he was a pretty boy, but surely he was nothing compared to those two boys that were standing together talking...

JESSICA

"You can speak to animals to?" Jessica asked. "She is not related to Fawkes, though she has met him. Pandora is a few centeries older." She said to Kid then she looked at everyone else and said hello to them. "What subjects are you guys here to take?" she asked them all. "Hello Professor." she meerly said to Merlin who she thought looked like a batty old man who should be living in a museum. Oddly enough he almost looked like her old Headmaster, Dumbledore. "Ssstop looking like a fool and do ssomething, Jessse." Serena hissed at her. "Hello, human boy." Serena hissed at Kid. "Hello, nice looking human boy. How are this fine day?" Pandora sang while Aile just hooted ashort hello.

THE MAGIC ADULTS!!!

Maeb nodded and smiled to the girl, as in turn Merlin nodded and smiled slightly to Vivian in agreement to go inside and begin to eat. He'd made sure there would be lots of cheese dishes, for he did so love cheese!

"You shall learn much of faerie here, and many other things as well."Maeb told her, and nodded to her brother as well. "You are at the best possible place for your continued education." Then she put a hand on Fric's arm. "Come Fric! Let us lead the way in to the dining hall." Her tone was grand, and Fric, the gnome, gave a nod, as he lead the way

BILLY AND OBSCURE

Obscure eyed Dorian warily, and then turned to look at Billy with a look that could kill--anyone else but Billy.

Billy frowned.

"Yes, he passes my inspection, Obscure--now, be friends with him! He's a nice guy, for the whole 3 minutes I've known him" She grinned.

Obscure was not comforted.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh nodded his head in understanding.

"Yeah, I'm kinda 'I-want-to-be-alone' too, because usually, I never get the chance...because my SISTER'S always around" he concluded gloomily.

"Oh, you want to know about her? Well, she's creepy. She's always over-touchy of me, and grabby, and then tries to shove me off on people who she thinks 'I'm meant for'...and usually, they're always guys she's trying to set me up with. I mean, **** it! Just because she's bi, and okay with it, doesn't mean I'm fine with dating people who have the same anatomical structure as me! Honestly..."

LOUIS

Louis blinked at Ashleigh's exuberance. He almost started to laugh, but held back, only gave Ashleigh one of his rare smiles. "So, you're sister fixes you up with boys?" He snickered. "And, I suppose, you like girls. Well, then you should go and find yourself some and tell your sister to leave well enough alone! Believe me, my sister used to do that to me. 'You should marry this friend of mine, or that friend of mine' I swear she was trying to fix me up with every darn friend of hers that ventured near my home. It was very embarrassing to say the least. But, creepy? No, my sister was not, as you say, creepy, but she sure didn;t know when to shut up." He laughed. He noticed Keats staring intently at someone behind his shoulder, his tail slashing circles. "What's up, Keats," he whispered to his pet. :That girl, she just read your mind, all of it. She knows your past. Why do people do that? It's so invasive: Keats tried a glare on the poor girl behind Louis. "Keats, it's the immortal way. And if I'm foolish enough to leave my mind open like that, then I deserve to have it read."

He turned to the girl, and smiled. "Hello. My name is Louis De Lac. Nice to meet you. Don't mind Keats, he's a bit defensive." He couldn't help but stare at the girl. She was definately beautiful, but also very familiar.

KID

Kid had seen Merlin's wink and knew he wasn't in trouble, but still, he wondered what he was supposed to call Merlin...Professor?...Head Master?...High Druid? and then decided not to worry about it."Thank you, Pandora, I'm wonderful and you are absolutely right-it is a nice day."He smiled as he whistled and chirped to the phoenix -- I do feel wonderful -- he thought --I've met three new people already and Riley seems like a pretty nice guy... and Morine and Jessica are both gorgeous. Jessica seems to love animals almost as much as I do.I've got a good feeling about this-- "Well I'm starving." He said as he turned back to see if any of his new aquaintances --hopefully friends-- were ready to follow Queen Maeb and her diminuitive husband into the Dining Hall.

CASSANDRA

Cassandra tried to keep her eyes from popping out. She couldn't help but look behind her at a nonplused Agamemnon. He'd seen men being lovers, as it often happened with his soldiers. Hearing it spoken in such away, surprised the young prophetess, though.

Cassandra quickly composed herself, and smiled a hello. "I'm Cassandra of Troy."She then remembered that this may mean nothing to some of these people. "I come from a land far away that was ravaged by war."She then turned a quick glare at the commander behind her.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh smiled a demure smile.

"Well...it's good to hear that someone agrees with me--and has similar problems to mine" Ashleigh thought aloud.

"Younger sisters can be a bit weird, can't they?--eh?"

Ashleigh noticed the girl--Cassandra--talking to Louie.

"Oh, hey!" Ashleigh smiled, and held out his hand to shake her own. "I'm Ashleigh Strauss--I'm signing up for healing."

AGAMEMNON

Agamemnon sighed. He had not expected this greeting. He stood off to himself watching the students and staff. Had he made a mistake by coming here? No, certainly not. He had had to leave. Life had been utterly unbearable without his princess. And now she was...well...not really ignoring him but not wholly welcoming him. But what, after all, could he expect? He should've tried to do more. He should've thought about all this before now. He had a very brooding, thoughtful look.

HYACINTH

Hyacinth met up with her sister and they hovered in the line. When it came their time to register they gave Merlin venomous looks and smiled at the queen. See, Mommy, Hyacinth hissed. We are defending you. Then they rushed off to find their dorm rooms. Hyacinth then rushed down again to see what mischief could be caused at the feast.

DORIAN

"Oh, he'll be all right, eventually," Dorian said. "I've never had any problem making friends with animals. "For this reason, I could not choose a familiar because I love all animals equally." He moved up in the line and saw the fairy queen. His eyes opened wide and his smiled broadened. When it came his turn to register, he smiled at Merlin and bowed mockingly to the queen showing off all his fairy traits. As they moved on, he softly laughed.

LOUIS

Louis stared at Cassandra. He couldn't believe it!!! "You're-- you're from--Troy?? You---you're Cassandra of Troy?? THAT Cassandra? It's an honor, Madam, a complete honor to meet you." Louis took her hand, kissed it, and bowed to her. He saw the petulant looking man behind her and, excusing himself, walked over to him. "And you must be Agamemnon. It's a pleasure, sir." He held out his hand, smiling broadly. Louis knew of the story of Troy. Boy, did he know about it!!! He had read about it, the avid reader he was. Nothing could get by him, if it was in print. The story facinated him to no end. And here he was, meeting the prophetess Cassandra and Agamemnon, both at the same school. He turned to Ashleigh. "Ashleigh, this is---." he saw Ashleigh had already introduced himself to Cassandra. He smiled. He liked Ashleigh, the boy had no fear or trepidation. He needed a friend like that, maybe some of his shyness would disipate if he spent more time with outgoing people. And Ashleigh seemed to like him, also. He turned his attention back to Cassandra and Argamemnon.

CASSANDRA

Cassandra was surprised that he knew of her. "I didn't know that news of me spread to such far lands. I'm sure traders have heard of Troy, but no one ever believed my words, so I'm surprised that I was spoken of." She gave him a smile thinking that word of her capture as a princess couldn't have spread so quickly. "I was training before the war and during it to be a priestess, and I've come here to finish that training." She moved with Louis, as he went to Agamemnon, and hoped the commander was feeling friendly. He had to be kind to the students if he were to teach them strategy, and tactics as he'd requested of Merlin.

JESSICA, CELESTE, KUSHIEL

"Well shall we go in?" asked Jessica. When the others were about to answer her a streak of silver ran by followed by a centaur. The silver streak stopped when it was about to hit Merlin. It was a wolf. The centaur stopped next to it then they changed. Both of them. The centaur became man and the wolf a woman. "Hello, you must be Merlin. My name is Celeste and this is my brother Kushiel. Sorry we're late. The herd would not let us leave without a proper celebration and I had to pick up some ingredents for a certain potion. By the way isn't full moon in about three days?" the woman said without taking a breath while her brother laughed. When she had changed into a wolf she had forgotten to change her clothes as well so all in all she was standing in front of merlin without a stich on.

ASHLEIGH

Now Ashleigh really wanted to ask, "What the heck's Troy?"--but he felt that doing that would be...well, odd.

So he covered it up by signing up for his classes, and then returning--

"Wow! Troy...haha, cool" Ashleigh stuttered, and then smiled a black-and-blue painted smile at Cassandra.

"Priestess, eh? That's cool--now, if only my sis could do something so normal as that..."

The Ashleigh blinked.

"Not to say that being a priestess is dull and normal, by any means, no!" He covered, waving his hands before him.

BILLY

Billy grinned--

"Oh! Sign-ups, sign-ups!"

She then went up, signed herself in, and waved "Hi" to both Merlin and Maeb, having no clue who they were. She then followed after Dorian--

"So what was that show back there, ey?" Billy inquired, smiling a most intriguing smile, huggin Obscure close. "You know them, right?"

KID

As Kid was about to answer Jessica a silver wolf ran by followed by a centaur and stopped in front of Merlin. Kid gaped as the centaur turned into a man and the wolf into a beautiful NAKED woman. He found himself staring at the woman and glanced at Jessica and Morine to see if they had noticed the direction of his gaze. "Wow," he said. "I've heard of were-wolves but never a were-centaur. I wonder how that happened. Have you ever heard of such a thing before?"

MERLIN

Merlin didn't[t seem to notice her lack of clothes, as he nodded vaguely to her. "We're just greeting the students, and going in for the feast. Then we have the dancing, and classes start tomorrow. I am glad to see you made it today."

CASSANDRA

Cassandra gave him an odd look, and wondered why his face was painted like a woman's, but didn't think it at all her place to ask. With a wave to Agamemnon to follow, she asked him,"What are you majoring in then?" She left the rest of his statements alone, as she didn't know what to do with them.

ASHLEIGH

"Ah," Ashleigh replied, a bit content that this was the second girl today other than his sister who had talked to him, "I'm gonna major in healing...I'm really interested in getting people who are sick to not be sick anymore--it'd be awesome to be like that, respected and loved for the good you can do others with your own two hands..."

Ashleigh grinned back at Cassandra.

In truth, that was only half the reason. Well, maybe more than half. But the sweet smell of Rebellion could not be ignored in this recipe...

/Better than all that dark and creepy stuff my family's into!Honestly, what Pops promotes is downright creepy--Though Billy swallows it down whole.../

JESSICA

"No, I never have." Jessica managed to choke out when Aile interupted her. "Bad bad wolf-woman very bad dangerouse to us could hurt and kill bad bad very bad wolf-woman." Aile hooted in a panic. She looked at Jesssica and hooted her message again. When Jessica just looked at not understanding what she meant because all the words just ran together, Aile look around to find some one who would understand than see saw a fire-demon/fairy. She knew he would understand what she meant , so she flew to him and repeated her message "Bad bad wolf-woman very bad dangerous to us could hurt and kill bad bad very bad wolf-woman." She looked at unable to tell if he understood.

CELESTE AND KUSHIEL

"Ok I'll just go in and put the so funny that my brother's laughing at me not there clothes on then I'll be back." she turned to Kushiel, "Your wand please. Thank you. Now play nice with everyone." With that she went in.

CASSANDRA

"And what is that?"Cassandra couldn't help asking. "But yes! It is good to see good about." Gods knew there had been enough death, and it was good to see some one who wanted to give life.

ASHLEIGH

"Aha, well...my family--especially my father--they put an extreme emphasis on the afterdeath aspect of life" he nodded sagely. "Rather bit of rot, sometimes. So...healing is something that my father is a bit against, really odd. He says, 'That which deserves to get better should do so on it's own merits, not with some confounded magic!'" Ashleigh quoted, mimicking a sourly face as best as he could with his own sweet one. "He also seems against white magic, for some reason. If that's not odd enough..I guess the only person who actually supported my decision was--well, my sister" Ashleigh admitted embarrassedly."Which in itself is strange, as she's trying to be a necromancer. But Pops doesn't like that idea all that much either--I mean, the man can't seem to make up his mind!"

RILEY AND MORINE

Riley was very shocked to say the least. A beautiful wolf had come up and transformed into a beautiful woman. She reminded him of his pet wolf, he wondered if they would get along. He looked around and saw all the men looked shocked, except Merlin, who didn't seem to realize the girl hadn't had any clothes on. He turned to his sister and said, "Let's go inside for the feast now, I have to admit I'm hungry. Merlin, would you mind showing us where to go?" He turned to be sure his sister was following.

KID

As Kid watched Aile fly over and start screaching and hooting at one of the other students he asked Jessica, "What was that all about? She seemed to be terrified of the wolf-woman. Bad-bad dangerous she said. I wonder why." He noticed Riley asking Merlin how to find the Dining Hall and turned to follow, hoping Jessica would come, too. He had heard Merlin mention something about dancing and Kid dearly loved to dance. -Wow- he thought -Ive only been here a short time and I've already met two beautiful girls and seen another one nude.- He smiled as he reached up and scratched Ghost behind the ears where he liked it best and murmured to him :So how are you liking this so far, my friend?: Ghost licked Kid's ear and murmured back :This is wonderful. I have never seen so many strange humans in one place before and I've seen some animals that I can hardly wait to meet and make friends with. I think this dance is going to be fun... I've seen the way you have been looking at Morine and Jessica. I just hope for your sake that they like to dance,too.: Kid chuckled and said "Me too,Ghost, me too."

MERLIN AND NYMUE+EXTRAS

Merlin lead everyone inside hoping the new professors would work out well.

Nymue had hired them, so most would worry. She was always looking for power, and most of it dark.

"Don't fret,Merlin."She snapped, and tugged at his arm as he lead everyone inside to the hall, which was open to the outdoors and full of flowers, and climbing vines. The foliage filled the room with a wonderful smell that blended nicely with the suddenly laden tables, as Puck aka Robin Goodfellow snapped his faerie fingers. There were fruits of all kinds, vegetables, breads, and deer meat as well as the most wonderful cakes, and pies. To drink there was clear, bright water, and the best of wine.

"Eat, drink, and be happy."Merlin called, taking a seat at the head of the staff table.

"Where is the cheese, Nymue? You know I love to have cheese with every meal!" This last was muttered to the thin young woman taking her seat on his right. Maeb allowed Vivian to sit on his left, so she didn't have to.

"Cheese, Puck."Nymue called.

"And real cheese, and not that faerie stuff that will kill you." Merlin added.

"I'm not the faerie what wants you dead,Master Merlin."Puck called cheerfully as he produced a huge slab of the best white cheese for each table.

CASSANDRA AND FRIC

"Your father does sound...ur...confused."Cassandra said not knowing what else would be proper. She smiled to the two young men, and said, "It looks as if everyone is going in to eat."Then she frowned at Louis. "What shall you do? Will that not bother you?"

The faerie queen's lover, Fric the gnome was suddenly behind them. "That has been taken care of. Master Louis will have an old deer waiting beside his chair. This one is old, and waiting to die, and has so agreed to do it today." He was then gone.

"Well."Cassandra said with a small laugh, as she headed in with Agamemnon at her side. "Everything looks, and smells more than wonderful! I've never even imagined such in the grand halls of Troy."She squeezed his hand, as she finally warmed to him again.

LOUIS

Louis smiled and thanked Fric.

"I haven't been called by a title in years. Unless you call 'Idiot' or 'Weakling' or 'Whiny' titles." The smile left his face, as memories came back to taunt him. He tried to smile. "Imagine being called Master Louis. Interesting." He looked at Ashleigh, Agamemnon, and Cassandra. "Well, shall we?" Suddenly he felt glum. He felt himself lagging a bit behind the others. :Louis, don;t go there. Don't start thinking back: Keats rubbed his face against Louis' "I don't know, Keats, what if he comes after me here? What if he tries to take me back?" Louis buried his nose in Keats' fur, sudently feeling a chill. :Maybe that big guy, the one with Cassandra, will beat him with a stick. They all seem to like you. I don't think they'll let him hurt you: Louis hoped not, but he had his doubts, and his fears.

ASHLEIGH

"Yup, my dad's a whacko" Ashleigh blurted, unabashed. He then turned to Louis, slightly confused by his eating habbits--

"Yo--you against veggies or something?" Ashleigh asked.

He was clueless, of course

BILLY AND OBSCURE

Billy stared up at the bird shouting about some nonsense that she didn't understand.

"Hey, Obscure--you know?"

Obscure nodded, and then meowed a bit.

"What? Wolf-girl...bad...whatever? That bird needs an attitude adjustment"

Billy huffed, feeling a bit prickly about the "wolf-girl" put together with the "bad" word. Afterall, she was part vampire, and she was going to be a necromancer--if the owl was talking about a werewolf, that bird was going to get toasted one of these days.

"Hum--Oh, Dorian! The food's coming out!"

Billy pointed enthusiastically.

TITANIA, FRIC AND MAEB

Titania rushed up to the sign-up--

"Name! Titania Brime! Majoring in Magery! First year here! Female!" She added in, hoping she covered all the basics.

Once the register had filled everything in, Titania grabbed up her things and ran like the wind--which wasn't all that hard--for her, anyways.

"Mayday! Mayday! The ship is coming in late, the harbor may be closed, all airlines down, and no inflight movie! We're sorry for the inconvinience--"

Titania rushed into the flowering dining hall, and settled herself (with luck) into a seat.

She hadn't noticed the company that she was sitting nearby however, and she only noticed after sitting for a while. Which equates to about 4 seconds in Titania's world.

Fric waved Titania over to him without saying anything.

Titania looked up, and saw--Fric!!

"Oh!" Titania got up, excitedly, and went over to him--

"S'been a while, Poppa Fric!" Titania whispered to him, her stomach still grumbling a bit. "What is it?" She inquired, purple eyes shining.

The old gnome hugged his daughter closely. "It is wonderful to see you. I was about to go looking!" He laughed, and Maeb nodded to her daughter.

"Your baby brother is with his grand parents, but your sisters are all here except the eldest,Marigold. She's keeping watch on the faerie realm while we're away." Maeb's tone was light enough. One wouldn't think that she'd been away from the girl for so long. An odd expression crossed Fric's square, broad face, but he made no comment.

AGAMEMNON

The commander stared hard into the vampire's eyes. He smiled slightly. He always had like people to admire his brilliance. He shook Louis's hand. The pleasure is all mine, Louis. He would probably have to do something at this school but for now he would enjoy watching Cassandra and the new students.

LOUIS

Louis jumped at Ashleigh's comment. Ashleigh didn't know? Could that mean none of them knew? He fleetingly remembered the few students who had avoided him, the whispered word "vampire" hovering in the air. Damn!! So much for friendship, well he had to face it sooner or later.

"Um, I'm- I'm a vampire," he started, and added quickly, "but I don't kill. I don't. Not humans. I don't have to feed daily like some vampires, I only take what we call "little drinks". Most people or animals don't even feel it. They definately live after,with no damage..."he felt his voice wavering as all three of his new friends stared at him. "Excuse me, I'm sorry. Umm." He started to walk ahead now, feeling icy cold. He turned around to them again. "Even that deer in there. I won't kill it." He felt tears in his eyes. He looked to them for some hint of understanding.

BILLY AND ASHLEIGH

Billy walked into the hall (ooc--don't know where Dorian is ;P bic), and just as she was about to sit down and eat--

"Oh! It's my darling little brother--he's already making friends!!!"

Billy smiled.

/Good to see he can get along without me, no matter how weird I am.../

She grinned.

/I'd better say Hi/

And dashed over--

Ashleigh blinked.

"A...Vampire."

/Whaaa??? They allow vampires here???/

Ashleigh was ultimately freaked out.

"Wait, you suck blood...but you're normal, and, wait, I'm confused, 'cuz you seem like a nice guy, and I'm acting weird, and--"

Before Ashleigh could collect himself to say something else stupid, Billy glomped him.

"Ashling!!! Brother dear, I see you have friends!"

Ashleigh grimaced.

"Bill, what are you doing here?"

She kissed his cheek, which sent shivers--not good ones--down Ashleigh's spine.

"Checking on you."

"Aaa, get off me!" Ashleigh started to protest, when Billy noticed Louis--

"Oh! I'm Billy, Ashleigh's twin sister--you're a friend, right?" She leaned over from her hugging position and sniffed Louis--

"Hmm...Vampire? Cool! Our family has been inter-marrying with vampires for a long time, ever since the settlement of the Roanoke community in the 16th century! I'm sure you guys will be great friends--maybe more" She winked, and then nodded towards Cassandra and Agemmemnon.

Ashleigh blinked.

"Since when?"

Billy looked at her brother, who was still within her death grip, and sighed.

"Since...the 16th century, Ashleigh. Just because you tone out father, doesn't mean the rest of us do--it's quite helpful to listen to him once in a while, you know" She smiled.

Ashleigh groaned. More Poppy-praising. Ugh.

Plus, the information she'd just given was more or less...uncomfy.

"And where have you been, anyways?" Ashleigh almost didn't ask, being very aloof and not really caring as long as she went back.

"Oh--" Billy pondered, and then slapped her brother on his back. "With a friend, of course! And he's a good kisser, too! Do you have a good kisser for a friend yet?" She leered, giving her brother a very, very creepy-looking smile.

Ashleigh blanched. Making him look quite the fright of a Madonna.

"WHAT? NO! No no NO! That's wrong!"

TITANIA

Titania looked up at Maeb, and her eyebrows scrunched up into a strange expression.

This was the first time she'd seen her mother--her very capricious, irresponsible and chaotic mother--since she was nine. And her mother seemed to be fine with all that.

/Well, that's fine./

"Hullo, Maeb." Titania replied a little too cooly. "Thanks for telling me about that."

/When you didn't bother to tell me other things, of course/ Titania inwardly grumbled.

MAEB

"Do not call me Maeb. You shall call me mother, as I did give birth to you."Maeb's tone was coldly sharp. "Come and meet your aunt Vivian, Lady of the lake." She turned to her sister, and murmured. "This is the child I allowed the human wizard to think he'd fathered so he'd not tell the secrets of the realm to all his fellow colleagues."

DORIAN

Dorian stared openly at the new arrivals as he was going into the feast. He goggled at the naked woman. Well, he thought to himself. Very interesting indeed.

"Yes, Dorian said. I know Merlin well and I slightly remember Maeb." He was not really feeling telling this girl his story, at least not right now. Maybe later when he could persuade her to be on his side.

Dorian took the owl into his arms making soothing comforting hoots. "It's ok dear sweet one. No one's going to hurt you. I'll protect you. I can drain her little itty bitty souly if she messes with you. Oh don't worry, precious." He deeply loved animals and did not like to see any of them hurt or upset. He thought privately that this was the half soul that he had, not for people but for animals. "Would you like to stay with me for a while? I'll make good and sure that bad thing doesn't even try to come near you." He cuddled her.

SOMEONE??

"Awww! Pucky, that all you put out was wine? This is feast night, my friend. C'mon, lighten up." He hiccuped suddenly when he tried to giggle at what Puck told Merlin. "'Scuse me."

AGAMEMNON

Agamemnon smiled broadly. Now he could take all of Cassandra's warming up that she was willing to dish out. The food did smell nice but she looked even nicer and he told her so in a very quiet aside.

VIVIAN

Vivan pushed her plate aside and looked at the child. Boy, did she look to be a handful, or what! "Well meet and well come, my niece. It is nice of you to join us. Are you enjoying your time here so far?"

MORINE AND RILEY

Morine felt something, a feeling like some deep sadness coming from somewhere in the room. As she looked around she saw a group of students walking into the room. One of them, and the most beautiful one, had started walking ahead of the rest and she could tell from his movements that he was upset. She grabbed Riley's arm and told him, "See that boy over there? Just ahead of that group that just walked in? Please go over to them and talk with them. I think something's upset him and maybe you could help." Riley put down his fork. "Geez, Morine, can't you see I'm trying to eat?! Just because you don't eat much doesn't mean the rest of us..."he stopped as he looked up at the boy she was talking about. He could feel that something seemed to be bothering him as well. (OC they are part fairy and so very sensitive) "Okay, fine, I'll go."

As he walked to the group he went over in his head what he would say. He finally walked up to them and said, "Um...hi, guys. I just thought I'd come over and introduce myself, I'm Riley, my sister Morine's over there at a table. You guys are welcome to join us, if you like."

TITANIA, FRIC, FAE FAMILY

Titania fumed inside.

"Excuse me--I just haven't had a mother for nine years, so it's going to take some time to readjust" Titania remarked, nodding her head. She tried not to cringe as Maeb addressed her to Vivian as "the child I deluded a mortal man with so he'd keep quiet". One doesn't usually like to think of themselves as a method of delusion.

But Vivian seemed, at least, nicer than Maeb. Maybe.

"Well met, um, auntie?" Titania struggled, wondering if that was a bad move. "I only signed up less than a few minutes ago, so I haven't really absorbed the atmosphere yet" she admitted with frankness.

Hyacinth plopped down from a dive bomb on the table right next to her mother. "Hey, mommmmmmeeee! What's this?" Morning Glory sat herself down in a more dignified pose beside her father's plate and snitched a tiny bite of fruit.

Fric put an arm around Titania, and didn't look at Maeb.

"Well she didn't suffer for it, and it was for the realm as a whole. The realm comes first, and she had experiences that most fae shall never have." This was said to Fric, and her sister in a calm and relaxed voice. Then to Titania,"Don't sulk about it. You were happy, and did gain a lot. Be grateful for it,child."

"This is your slightly younger sister,"Maeb said to Hyacinth. "She was doing the realm a service and living with the mortals for a bit."

LOUIS

Louis stared agape at Ashleigh as he heard her sister's words. Keats started to growl. Louis shushed him :Not on the first day, Keats.: He turned to Ashleigh, looking directly into his eyes. "You seemed upset at me being a vampire, but according to your sister here, your part vampire. So, what is it? Why are you so - offended, or afraid of me? My maker keeps telling me I look about as dangerous as a fly caught in ointment, with wings ready to be torn off. So, why were you so shocked? Sorry to be so bold, but you almost gagged when I stated what I was." He almost regretted his words, for he truly liked Ashleigh, but the revelation from Ashleigh's sister floored him!! He looked at Ashleigh sadly. "I'm sorry, please don't be offended or angry with me. It's just - I'm used to abuse, so I get defensive very easily. Please forgive me. We'll talk about this later if you'd like, or now. It's up to you." On entering the dinning room, Louis found his way blocked by a young fairie boy. "Um...hi, guys. I just thought I'd come over and introduce myself, I'm Riley, my sister Morine's over there at a table. You guys are welcome to join us, if you like." Louis liked the boy right away. He finally found himself smiling again. Not wanting to loose his new friends, especially Ashleigh, he turned to them. "Everyone. This is Riley, he's asked if we'd like to join him and his sister."

ASHLEIGH AND BILLY

Ashleigh stared with mouth open.

Billy looked from him to Louis, and decided that obviously she had made things a little complicated with Ashleigh's new friend.

/I seem to do that a lot, don't I?/

She sighed.

As they followed after, Billy saw fit to close Ashleigh's mouth for him, gently pushing the bottom lip to connect with the upper lip.

Ashleigh's face quickly turned to a frown.

"Thanks a lot" he grumbled.

"You welcome!" Billy replied, ignoring the sarcasm. "And well you should be! You now have a chance to make up!"

Ashleigh twitched.

"What...what do you mean by 'make-up'?"

Billy tapped her forefinger on Ashleigh's nose.

"Apologize and explain, of course."

Ashleigh breathed a sigh of relief, and nodded hi to Morine and Riley.

/Thank goodness she didn't mean something perverted again!/

Billy, however, was thinking: /I hope they'll be able to salvage their blossoming relationship!/

She flet a prick on her hand.

"Oh. yes, Ashleigh?"

"Would you get off of me?" He glared at her.

Billy grinned.

"You're so cute when you're mad, Ashling!" She giggled, and kissed her brother's nose, letting off of him in the process---

"Hello, Riley, Morine!" Billy exclaimed, hugging each of them tightly as she greeted them. Ashleigh peeled her off, and tried to apologize for his sister..

Obscure looked at Keats.

:Don't mind the blondie--he's just a confused girly-boy who's trying to rebel against his family. Tends to lead to mishaps every once in a while.:

TITANIA

Titania merely frowned.

"I'm not mad at getting kicked out" she whispered, "I'm mad that she lied to...to both of my Poppas" she said with resilience.

"This is your slightly younger sister,"Maeb said to Hyacinth. "She was doing the realm a service and living with the mortals for a bit.">>

Titania looked at Hyacinth, with violet eyes sparkling with curiosity.

She had been, afterall, an only child for most of her life.

"Hi-yo" Titania nervously blurted, and shook Hyacinth's hand.

/This is so weird...I'm meeting these people, and I feel so alone! I wish Albus were here with me../

MAEB AND CUBS

"I had to lie to the wizard. That was the point of your leaving."Maeb snapped. "From what Fric says, you well know that, and I never lied to Fric. It isn't my fault he didn't know the obvious. He is the father of all my children, and should know that. He was away during your childhood, because he was angry with me, so didn't even know about you. That is his problem, and he'll always want to blame me for it."

"Damn, mommy. You must've popped 'em out real quick cause Rose's only about 2 and a half years younger than me and Morning Glory is about 2." She giggled derisively. Morning Glory sighed. "I'm sorry, Tatania, for our second eldest sister's behavior. You'll just have to overlook her. I'm the youngest of her daughters. Rose is in the fairy realm obsessing over the fairy king who never paid attention to her anyway. Oh, never mind. I'll chatter all night if you let me. To tell you the truth we just found that he was our daddy." "So mommy's done a lot of crap to all of us," Hyacinth interjected. "You're not the only one who's mad at her."

DORIAN

Dorian looked with envy at the siblings and swore vividly in his thoughts. /I had an older sister but was I allowed to grow close and at least know one ----ing soul when I got here. NO!/ He gave Nimue a surrepticious evil look and planted these thoughts in her head. He didn't know if this was a good place for him or not. ESPECIALLY HERE WITH ALL THESE -------ING FAIRIES!!!!!!

VIVIAN

Vivan thought she was going to like this one, the girl had that bluntness she so admired. "I can understand you feel cast off because of what your mother felt she had to do, but I'm sure she had her reasons, right or wrong. I myself have done things in the name of doing good and had only bad come of it." She sighed. "Feel free to go meet some of the others. I'm sure your mother will excuse you."

RILEY

"Hello, Riley, Morine!" Billy exclaimed, hugging each of them tightly as she greeted them. Ashleigh peeled her off, and tried to apologize for his sister..

"Um, that's okay." Riley told Ashleigh, "I suppose she's just a free spirit, huh?" He smiled, lighting up his face. "Unlike my sister, though I am always trying to get her out there more as well. Would you guys care to come over to our table and meet some of the others. There is a boy named Kid and a girl with a snake."

ALIE

"i will stay a little while. my friend jessica does not understand about bad wolf-woman. pandora and serena do though they will look out for her no one can hurt the phoniex and snake." Aile said to Dorian knowing he would understand her. She looked at Jessica standing with Kid and wriggled up to Dorian's shoulder knowing he would keep her safe till she knew why wolf-woman was here and if she would hurt her old and new friends.

CELESTE

Celeste came in wearing a gown of white light weight material that looked as if it was made out of spider webs. She looked of Kushiel and found him hanging by Merlin wishing to talk to him but being too shy. She looked around for some one to talk to. fair, fairy, fairy, fairy/fire-demaon, mortal, mortal, mortal, fairy, vampire,VAMPIRE! How cool. hope he likes werewolves. she thought as she walked over to him and the ever growing crowd around him. "Hello. My name is Celeste. I teach healing and am the guideness counsoler. You are a vampire, right? I myself am a werewolf. I hope you like werewolves. I have never talked to someone you used to be fully human as i was before, or was allowed to. Exept my Brother, Kushiel, he teaches Care of magical Ceatures." she said as she looked at him with hope in her eyes.

JESSICA

As she and the others went inside Jessica looked at Kid and asked "Do you dance?"

Very ssuble jessse, very ssuble. ssso what he my be cute to you but that boy with Aile is more your type i think sso yess i do. Serena hissed. Don't say stuff like that in a big group you know he understands you. and i think kid is my type not that boy so hah. Jessica hissed back at Serena then she blushed at what she just said 'cuz Kid could understand what she was saying to.

LOUIS

"Yes, dear, sweet, precious creature." He stroked her on his shoulder. "Dorian will keep you safe even if he has to hurt that bad thing over there." He knew privately that the were would likely not hurt Aile but he did not express this because he knew how sensitive animals were. He fed her little bits of meat from his plate and talked to her. "Will your owner be upset with you for coming to me", he asked. "Don't worry, I don't mind. I just wouldn't want to get you into trouble."

ASHLEIGH

Louis followed Riley to his table, listening to Ashleigh and Billie bantering back and forth. He was finding it a trite amusing, even though he knew Ashleigh was suffering. He smiled at Morinne and the others, trying to hide his shyness. He was starting to feel overwhelmed with all these people around him. He was enjoying it also, it had been years since he was even allowed to be around other company. And so far the company had been more than pleasant.

"Hello. My name is Celeste. I teach healing and am the guidance counsoler. You are a vampire, right? I myself am a werewolf. I hope you like werewolves. I have never talked to someone you used to be fully human as i was before, or was allowed to. Exept my Brother, Kushiel, he teaches Care of magical Ceatures." Louis blinked at the girl in front of him. "Uh, hi. Of course I like werewolves. Werewolves have guarded vampires during their death sleep for centuries." OOC: (So much for the Underworld theory. Heh)

"And it's so nice to meet one of my instructors. I am studying to be a Healer." He held out his hand to her, smiling warmly. "You weren't allowed to talk to others like yourself, or other beings? Me either. My maker got to the point he wouldn't even let me out of the house."

He jumped as Keats lept off his shoulder and approached Obscure. They seemed to be sharing a secret of some kind. :What are you talking about, Keats?: :Oh, you know, the usual - YOU and all your friends: Keats purred at Louis and turned his back to face his new friend. :Oh, I don't mind. Mine falls into states of mass depression. He's probably going to get better being here, I hope:

Louis sat down at the table next to Riley. "Thank you for inviting us." He smiled at Riley, then turned to his sister. "Nice to meet you, Morinne isn't it?" He noticed she seemed a bit shy, so he smiled as gently as possible and didn't push. He was usually shy also, and hated it when people kept at him that he didn't know. He preferred to sit back and absorb. He got the feeling she was like that. He turned to Riley, but kept Morinne in his line of vision so she didn't feel left out. "So, what are you both studying? I'm studying to be a Healer, as is Ashleigh. I don't know what Cassandra is studying, but that lovely lady there (points at Celeste) is one of the instructors in the Healing course. And Argmenon, the man with Cassandra, is teaching Strategy." Louis felt out of breath. "Sorry, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I haven't been around this many people in a very long time. I get more nervous every step." He stopped. Why was he telling Riley so much about himself. He felt embarrassed. He sat there quietly. He watched anxiously as Billy and Ashleigh continued their stife. He hoped Ashleigh would be okey, and join them.

TITANIA

Titania smiled at her aunt and her sister.

"Thank you" she said, bowing, and smiled to Fric and (begrudgningly) Maeb, and she walked off to find others to chat with--

--Which, after walking for a while, saw a familiar sight.

"Dorian?? Is that you??" Titania asked, speechless.

/Maeb let him in here?/

ASHLEIGH, OBSCURE AND BILLY

"Ah--sure" Ashleigh said to Riley, and he followed with the group over to sit down.

Where he sat down.

Trying to not look at Louis too hard.

/Dude...I feel like crap right now/ He thought, holding his head in his hands.

Obscure nodded, understanding.

:Good luck to him, then. Afterall, it seems that the school is swarming with people who would otherwise be disgusted with and hate you charge and mine..and my charge's brother.:

Billy looked at Celeste-- "I thought so! You smell like one!"(ooc--she didn't mean it in an offensive way ^^)

"I'm part vampire--you might know of Baron von Strauss--he's my grandpa, although you wouldn't know from looking at him--he's almost entirely vampire!" Billy excitedly.

She then looked over--

"Dorian? Is something wrong?"

LOUIS

Sitting quietly for a moment he looked over at Ashleigh. :Dude, I feel like crap now: he read from Ashleigh's mind. He reached out his hand and ran it through Ashleigh's hair, getting his attention. "It's okey, Ashleigh. I overreacted I believe. I'm too sensitive, even for myself. At least you're sitting here with me. Most others would be on another continent by now." He smiled at Ashleigh. "Cheer up my friend, we have a lot to learn about each other, let's not waste it being sorry over what was said. It's been said and it's done, let's move on." He jumped at Billy's comment to Celeste. "Your sister - ummm. She better be careful. Celeste IS a werewolf." He couldn't help it, he started to laugh. He could not believe Billy's audacity. He caught Celeste's eye for a moment: :I'm not laughing at you, lovely lady, I just can't believe Billy's courage: was the message he sent to Celeste. He continued to laugh. He hadn't laughed this hard in ages!! It felt wonderful.

KID

"I love to dance!" Kid replied eagerly, ignoring Serena so as not to embarass Jessica, "even though I have no idea what kind of music this is we're listening to, I've never heard a tune that my body didn't want to move to." As he sat down with Jessica and the others to eat he stared around the great dining hall in awe. It was beautiful. Open to the outdoors with all kinds of plants and flowers (most of which he had never seen before) growing everywhere. He watched Ghost wander over to join a pair of cats that were sitting off by themselves chatting. His jaw dropped as the food appeared on the table in front of him. --this is unbelievable! it's like they knew exactly what all of my favorite foods are...it's even venison and not beef or pork! and peaches and raspberries! Holy Smoke! even blackberries!-- Out of the corner of his eye he noticed Riley going over to another group of new students and bringing them back to join them. As he was acknowledging introductions from this group the woman who had appeared nude in front of Merlin earlier appeared amongst them (fully clothed, now...sort of) and announced that she was a Healing proffessor (his Major) and that her brother was teaching Magical Creature Care (his Minor). --this just keeps getting better and better-- he thought to himself. "So? Tell me about yourself."

DORIAN

Dorian stared. "Ah, lovely princess Tatania. So, the queen casts off her own if it suits her. I'm suprised you remember me. It's been 14 years, hasn't it?" He smiled derisively. And she's sooooooo hipocritical of Oberon because he cast out the bogols. But she's done her share has she not? He laughed softly. These thoughts were planted in her head. "So, beautiful one, don't even know your own mother that well? Well, don't feel bad. Mine never came to see me neither did my dear older sister Meadow Lark. You remember her? The half fairy half human child born of a wizard who went against the fairy realm's will? Neither of them. All I had was the lady Nimue, Merlin and the dragons. Some company for a growing boy. Well, I'll stop chattering."

LAUREL

Laurel puffed a whisper of air out from between her lips to dislodge a stray lock of hair that had fallen across her face. She'd completely forgotten about the banquet, thanks to burying her nose in a book.

Now she was late...probably the last one to arrive, she thought as she paused just outside the banquet hall and took a deep breath. She wasn't the best at social activities, her mind always seemed to be with one of her classes...with an assignment that was due soon, or trying to read ahead in her books. But she knew she needed to at least put in an appearance, it would be considered rude to not do so after all.

Reaching down she smoothed out her dress, chasing away invisible wrinkles with her hands while attempting to calm her nerves. Then before she completely lost her nerve, she forced herself to step forward.

Just inside the entry she paused, looking around with a wan smile. Her gaze swept over her fellow students, looked around at the decorations. Nice, she thought, reaching up to bat at the lock of hair as it fell back across her face.

She was standing there when her familiar, an orange tabby named Peekaboo joined her. He rubbed up against her ankle in greeting, drawing her gaze down to him.

A genuine, warm smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, decided to cut your nap short to come look for treats I assume." She said with a soft chuckle. Leaning over she picked Peekaboo up, then scratched him beneath the chin as she cradled him in her arms.

She was rewarded with a loud, happy purr.

Sighing Laurel walked further into the room and began to scan for an open seat...

LOUIS

Louis sat back, enjoying this immensely. He still had a watchful eye on Ashleigh. He felt for his newfound friend, and didn't want him being miserable at the first banquet. He wished he could talk more with Celeste but it was so crowded in here... He noticed Keats still off talking to Obscure. He watched as an albino racoon approached the two cats. "Looks like my Keats is going to do well here also," he thought. He observed the others, noting a new girl entering the hall. She looked nervous, shy, such as he had looked when he first arrived. Also, she was carrying a book, that was a good sign, as he himself loved to read.

KEATS AND LOUIS

Keats and Obscure were busy in their conversation, as cats are want to do, when an albino racoon approached them. Keats looked at it, then at Obscure. :I hope it doesn't eat cats.: He got a look from Louis. :It's harmless, Keats, you know it wouldn't be allowed in here if it was dangerous. Try being friendly with creatures other than your kind: Louis scolded the cat. :For example, you could try talking to this snake here, it looks very gentle: Keats answered him with a swish of his tail. :Sometimes, my owner is too open to new experiences: he complained to Obscure.

GHOST

"Well I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm harmless, but I definitely don't eat cats." Ghost meowed as he approached the two cats. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I can speak your language because my master can. He can speak to any living animal, and a few dead ones as well. Because of our mental connection I also have this gift." He watched the cats closely as he spoke, "My name is Ghost. How do you do?"

KID

"So? Tell me about yourself." As kid heard these words coming out of his mouth he couldn't believe he was actually talking like this to a stranger. The man who had been introduced to him as Louis was absolutely beautiful, but there was something about him that disturbed Kid. "How old are you?" He blurted out, "I get a feeling from you that you are much older than you look."

TANTALUS AND SERENACassandra's snake Tantalus moved suddenly on her shoulders, his tongue flicking toward the cats. Everyone else was eating, and he wanted some food too!

Serena was watching the crowd from behind Jessica, when she saw the snake on the seers shoulders. It looked like it was hungry and there was the fact it was staring at the cats and Ghost. She slithered over to Ghost and the cats to hopefully make sure that the other snake doesn't try to eat them. Hello she said to Ghost and the cats how are you guysss? My name iss SSerena. I jusst came over to tell you to watch that sssnake over there. It lookss asss if it wisshess to try to eat you. I mysself don't eat catss and racoonss. I prefer ratss and mice. If you don't wissh to talk to me I understand but i will ssstay here to keep the other ssnake away.

CELESTE

"I'm so very glad you like werewolves and are in healing. Here is were my room is and the password to it. Come talk to me later when you have time. Day and night exept on full moon nights. or you could come to my classroom and/or office. I must go talk to some of the other teachers now. Later." Celeste left because there was no room ther for her.

GHOST

Turning to watch the snake approach Ghost waited for one of the cats to speak first. When niether of them did he said "Thank you for the warning Ssserena. I'll keep my eyes on that one. Is anybody hungry? should we go see what we can find to eat?"

LOUIS

Louis stared after Celeste, opened mouthed. "Wha??" He would certainly take her up on that!! If he had the courage. He coughed nervously. Damn.

"So? Tell me about yourself. How old are you?" Someone blurted out, "I get a feeling from you that you are much older than you look." Louis remembered being introduced to this boy as Kid. "Uh, hi. Nothing much to tell. I'm from New Orleans in the United States. I've come here to put all my book reading and curiosity to good use and study Healing," he smiled, trying to ease Kid's obvious discomfort. "My age?" he chuckled. "I'm immortal, if you must know. My mortal age is 25, my immortal age is 213, I became an immortal in 1791. And you? How old are you? and what's your story." As he waited for Kid's reply, he noticed Keats' discomfort. "Excuse me, cat troubles. I'll be right back. By the way, is that your racoon? He's beautiful!!"

Louis walked over to where Keats was with Obscure and Ghost and noticed Serena had joined them. :What's your problem, old man?: Keats bristled at that comment. :Oh, nothing much, Mr. Know-It-All Owner. 'None of the animals would be here if they were dangerous': Keats stared at another snake, the one Cassandra was holding. :THAT one wants to eat at least one of us: Keats quiped. Louis looked over at Cassandra's snake. :Eat any of these animals, I eat you - slowly: He smiled, showing an edge of fang to the snake. :Thank you Serena, for being so kind and watching out for these guys. Enjoy: He still glared at Keats. Keats didn't have to be so saucy. He winked at Cassandra's snake, showing it he really meant it as a warning, not a threat. He loved all animals, and understood their instincts. For, was he not a vampire, who at times had to survive on instinct himself? He returned to the table, keeping an eye on his Keats, to resume his conversation with Kid.

MAGICAL ADULTS!

Puck was chatting with Maeb about the dancing. He was so looking forward to it, and it seemed that Fanoderee was already quite in his cups. Merlin sat quietly staring out at the hall, as was his wife Nymue at his side. Her eyes looked watchful, though, as if she were looking for something in someone.

SERENA

There iss a sssmall table over there by that ssstatue of the fairy. It hass a whole bunch of food you guysss would like. I myself I jusst ate yessterday ssso I have at leasst two more dayss till I sshall eat again. Serena told them.

CELESTE AND KUSHIEL

"Hello my fellow teachers. Kushiel you started eating without me. As you all must know by know I am Celeste and I am so honored to teach with all of you." Celeste said look at each and every one of them. Kushiel came up to her and gave her a goblet that had smoke coming out of it. She drank it in one swallow.

JESSICA

"There isn't much i can tell. I am a orfan both parents are dead. I went to Hogwarts and was in Slytherin. My major is Dark Arts and my minor is Defense against the Dark Arts. I went to a muggle college for a little bit and am a regestered muggle nurse. What else would you want to know? Jessica asked Kid when she saw a new girl with a lot of books. Jessica waved her over and said "Hello my name is Jessica and this is Kid. What is your name and do you want to sit with us?"

MERLIN

Merlin simply nodded, and Nymue smiled at her. "We have much work to do together I think. I saw it when I last tossed the bones." OC druidic way of divining.

CELESTE AND KUSHIEL

"My foster father told us something big was going to happen this year. He saw it in the stars. Right Kushiel." Celeste said the Kushiel nodded yes to her.

KID

Kid watched Louis return to the table as Jessica was waving over a girl who had just appearred at the enterance. --An immortal? I knew it! I knew there was something about him. I wonder if he is connected to that Lestat guy that tryed to be a rock star a few years ago. I remember my mom telling me he was a real immortal, a vampire, I think.-- "So what kind of trouble were the animals getting into?" Kid asked Louis as he sat back down, "I've had Ghost since he was only a couple of days old. I guess his mother threw him out of the den because he's an albino. He's not usually one to get into much trouble but he's no angel, either. And he's tough as nails, I saw him take on a bobcat once, trying to protect a baby otter, and it was the bobcat that ran away crying!" Kid laughed when he remembered that. "I see that they have made one snake friend and one snake enemy. I hope that doesn't turn into a problem." Kid turned to meet the new girl, Laurel, "Hi there. How are you and what are you here to study. I'm Majoring in Healing and Minoring in Care of Magical Creatures." He grinned, "I'm an Aquarius and I'm in Air House. I hope that covers everything."

GHOST

--Oysters-- thought Ghost, --I hope there are some oysters.-- "Lead on Ssserena. Are you guys coming?" He asked the two cats.

AILE

Just then the door off to the side opend with a creaaaaak....and in stepped what appeared to be a young girl, but with further examination reveiled her to be a young woman. she walked over to the staff table and smiled in greeting to Celeste. "Greetings Celeste, I trust I find you well?"

MERLIN, NYMUE +MAEB

After everyone had eaten, and was now lingering over their food, merlin banged his silver goblet on the table, and stood. In the silence, his eyes swept the hall seeming to take in each and every student with his glance.

"This year is indeed going to be special for several reasons. The first, and least important is the curse of a student who is as new hear as the rest of you. She is of water house, and called Cassandra of Troy. She is the the greatest seer I've ever met, yet she is cursed by one of her godds so that she is not believed. Only one man believes her, and that one still needs to come and talk to me about the job he's wanting." With a smile, he jabbed a thin finger at Agamemnon.

"I have seen in the bones and the fire that there is a student here who can lift her curse. It is not an easy thing to do, and much learning must come first. The student was unclear in the vision, so I can not tell you who it is."

Merlin went on," The second and most important thing is to bring the old gods of our old powers, and old ways back to power! To do this, we must find 13 lost items! I am spending the next year choosing a group to go with me on a quest to find those items. I had them once, and they were stolen by Arthur's queen long ago."

"Slut!"Nymue hissed from her chair. She'd enjoyed her death almost the most.

"One of the items was a caldron that restores life if the one who died is put directly in to it for 24 hours. That gives you an idea of how wonderful the other items are. I'm looking for the best, the strongest, and perhaps the most insane to follow me on this quest." His voice rose slightly on that last bit, and then he finished, and sat back down. "Think long on it, for it is not committed to lightly. The dancing begins soon."

Maeb had been frowning. Would the old man never give up?

KEATS

Keats purred so loud, he was vibrating. :Food!! Delicious food!!: He noticed the fish, fresh fish!!! Unbelievable. He dug in, then turned to the others. :Come on Ghost, Obscure, Serena, dig in. Don't be shy. I'm certainly not: He gave them all a 'cat smile', picked up a mackerel and dug in!!!

LOUIS

Louis blanched as he read Kid's thoughts. Kid knew about Lestat? He was starting to feel nervous again. He knew eventually Kid would ask him about Lestat. Should he lie? He had shortened his name so he wouldn't be blatantly recognizable. He didn't want to dredge up that life again, but what did he expect? If anything Lestat was legendary, and he, Louis, was linked to Lestat in many ways. He figured that sooner or later it would come out.

"Your Ghost is a lovely, well behaved little fellow. My Keats, on the other hand, can be quite, how do I say this, uppity is all I can think of." He laughed. "He's been like that since he was a kitten. He found me, and followed me all over New Orleans. "'You feed me, I need a home, you will provide that for me.' It was the most comical thing I had ever seen. Once I got past the fact this tiny little thing could read my mind, and speak to me through mindthought, I decided to keep him. Les---I mean my roomate wasn't too thrilled, he's a dog person, but eventually he grew to accept the little one." "So, where are you from, Kid?"

He noticed the shy girl taking a seat at the table. "Hello," he said softly, "I'm Louis, welcome to our table. This is Kid, Jessica, Riley and Morrine, and Ashleigh."

LAUREL

Laurel had made her way through the banquet hall and managed to find a seat at the table containing several students she hadn't met yet. As she sat down, Peekaboo rubbed against her leg, then trotted off to go adventuring on his own.

She was smirking as she watched the orange tabby walk away with his head held up sniffing the air when Kid addressed her. She turned to look over at him and offered a faint smile.

"Hi, I'm Laurel," she said, reaching up to brush at the irritating strand of hair still hanging across her face. "Laurel Williams from the States." Her gaze flickered over the others present at the table before focusing back upon Kid. "I'm majoring in Magery." She chuckled softly wondering if all new students felt a similiar surreal moment where they revealed themselves to one another as she was experiencing at that moment. "Aries, so I'm in Fire House."

Her grin grew a bit as set her book aside realizing that he hadn't given her his name...only Louis supplied it a moment later for her.

She looked over at him, having completely missed the part about him being an immortal, and grinned...

"Thank you," she replied, then swept her gaze over everyone once again, now able to place names to the faces. "Nice to meet everyone."

She felt a bit nervous, not wanting to interrupt their conversation, yet not knowing what she could talk to them about. Luckily though Merlin stood up and addressed the congregation of students.

Laurel sat there listening to him, the nervousness disappearing as she felt a sense of wonder move through her that she was here, among legendary wizards and witches. To think, she was actually looking at Merlin, in the presence of Maeb...with the possibility of participating in a quest that had links to King Arthur!

Massachusetts, Oklahoma...the States...suddenly felt as if they were more than another world away. She grinned faintly, the prospect of helping participate in a scavenger hunt of such extreme porportions had piqued her interest...she always enjoyed a challenge after all.

When Merlin finished speaking Laurel looked at the others seated at the table with her. "Do you think any of us has a chance on being on Merlin's group?"

JESSICA

Jessica looked at Laurel and said with fear in her voice, "I have a feeling that we all are going to be involved with this quest. Pandora will be pleased she loves going on adventures. Has any one seen Aile my owl?" as she changed the subject she looked around and looked straight into Louis' eyes and thought He sure looks lonely i hope i can change that about him. Serena would approve I'm sure of that. When he saw she was staring she hurried and started eating her salad she was a vegetarian.

CELESTE AND KUSHIEL

"Aile, my love, you made it. I wasn't sure you would." Celeste said as Kushiel tried to hide for he has had a crush on Aile since his sister became friends with her.

JESSICA AND LOUIS

"Has anyone seen my owl, Aile?"

Jessica seemed worried and was scanning the room for her familiar. She caught his eyes for a moment, and seemed to hover there, as if sensing something. Just as quickly, she dropped her gaze, suddenly interested in the salad in front of her.

"Um, isn't that your owl, over there?" Louis said helpfully, pointing towards what he hoped was Aile.

"Yes it is. Who is she with? Do any of you know him?" Jessica asked as she looked deep into Louis' eyes again. She still had a chill that went up and down her spine when she looked into them. It was not a bad chill but one that said he was going to be an important person in her life for awhile. She had only experinced this chill once and that was to her dead fiance, who as a matter of fact was a vampire now but still he was dead to her. When she looked into Louis' eyes she saw Lucas looking out at her. The Lucas she knew when he was human.

SERENA

I'm not hungry i had a big meal thiss morning. Did you know there were mice on the boat coming here? Serena said and asked.

GHOST

Ghost "dug in" to the large bowl of fresh shellfish that he found on the table, carefully washing each one in the large bowl of water provided for just this purpose, before popping it in his mouth. As he ate he was watching the other snake, the bad one, out of the corner of his eye and noticed another cat wandering in their general direction. An orange one. Ghost grabbed one of Keats mackerels when Keats wasn't looking and meerly grinned, with a mouthful of fish, when Keats was looking again. After Merlin's announcement he said to the group that was gathering around the Familiars Table :Well, if I know my master... and I do... we are going with Merlin on his Quest. No matter what it takes. Kid wouldn't miss this for anything.It's his dream come true!:

TALANTALUS, CASSANDRA, AGAMEMNON

Tantalus, Cassandra's large snake, stayed on her shoulders at her command, but hissed a warning to the cats that she could not understand. "Some day, you shall be my lunch. Would you like to know how you'd taste?" She allowed herself to be fed meat, from the table, but looked as though she hated it.

"She wants to hunt, but I want her to get to know the place better so she won't get lost."Cassandra said to Agamemnon.

Agamemnon looked at the snake. "You'll have to make sure, my princess, that he doesn't eat any of the other creatures here. That would not be too pleasant. Excuse me for a moment." He rose and walked over to Merlin, making a very deep bow. "I am the commander Agamemnon and you are the greatest wizard of all time, Merlin. I am so pleased to be in your presence."

DORIAN

Dorian saw the students looking his way. He said to Aile, "I believe your mistress seeks you. If you wish though I will go with you over there and explain your absence. I will make her see that you should stay with me for a while if that is your wish. I'm very persuasive, sweet precious one."

VIVIAN

Vivan waited until Merlin had finished speaking. "Old friend, I think you've done a good job of getting them stirred up now, that's for sure. But I think you should've waited on the quest thing, they must learn their studies come first." She hated even the mention of Gwen, as she supposed everyone at their table did. She knew her sister had spoken with Merlin on the day they were married and she wished she could turn back time and stop the marriage. Things would be so much different now. She sighed. Hopefully the students they had now could help bring back the things that had been stolen, but there was so much to do. Her head was starting to spin, she wondered if it was from the meat or what was going on. She looked at Merlin, "perhaps we should discuss these things before we announce them?"

KEATS AND LOUIS

Keats saw the beautiful orange tabby approaching. He gave a nod in it's direction, and turned back but not too late to see Ghost snatch one of his mackerel. He smiled :Ghost, my friend. May I call you friend? All you had to do was ask. I would gladly share with you, with any of you.: He narrowed his eyes at Cassandra's snake, yet again. :Would you like to know how my owner would remove every damn drop of blood from that body of yours??: He turned in Louis' direction. :Louis, that snake - I mean it!! Don't be nice, he's threatening us yet again. I swear, if I were a panther-: Louis glanced away from Jessica for a quick moment. :Keats, you're not a panther, so get over it. Also, it's Cassandra's snake, she knows how to control it. It's probably only playing with you. Behave!! And no more threatening remarks to it, I heard you.:

Keats: :He makes me nuts!!!: He snarled as he bit into another piece of codfish this time, eying Cassandra's snake, his green eyes blazing.

MORINE

Morine looked at Louis. She could tell something was really bothering him, but she didn't think he would appreciate her mentioning it in front of everyone. Perhaps her brother could help him; she had caught the little slip he made when mentioning his roommate. Perhaps his roommate had been his lover and something had gone wrong? But she didn't really get that vibe from him, there was just something, well, different about him. For some reason she thought he had been dangerous but again, she didn't really get that vibe from him either. She shrugged and pushed her plate away. "Well, I think I need to use some of this nervousness up. Would anybody care to dance?"

KEATS

Keats:Yes, Serena, I did see all those delightful little mousies, but I am a lazy housecat. I couldn't catch a mouse if I read the book.

:Did you get any? I mean, snakes love mice too, don't they?:

RILEY

Riley noticed all the animals gathered together. Oh my god!! he thought. He had left both his wolf and Morine's cat in their cages by the boat. Oh no, now what was he supposed to do? Morine hadn't mentioned it, but he knew she was so nervous, he was surprised she remembered her own name! He was going to have to go get them, but he didn't know if he should leave the banquet. Merlin had finished speaking and the teachers all seemed to be speaking to each other so he didn't want to bother them. He decided he would just go out and hopefully they'd still be there. He looked at all the people at the table and said, "You guys are going to think I'm a horrible person, but I was so concerned with getting my sister calmed down I totally forgot about our pets. They are still in their cages by the boat. I'm afraid my wolf is going to tear me apart, and I'm sure Morine's cat isn't going to be too happy either. Please excuse me for a few minutes. I hope I don't miss anything. I will be right back." he said, getting up, blushing. He went out the doors, trying to be as quiet as possible. He walked outside and sure enough, the cages were still down by the boat. He ran down to them, apologizing to both animals the whole time. He hoped Oz (oc, his wolf) and Angel (oc, Morine's cat) weren't too upset with him. He opened their cages and told him what had happened. They were upset, but once he explained to them that all the other's animals were together at the feast they ran off, leaving him to run after them. As they all re-entered the banquet, the animals wondered over to the others and introduced themselves and Riley returned to his table. "So sorry about that everyone, I feel horrible."

LOUIS

Louis returned Jessica's gaze, feeling very weak in the knees. If he had been standing up.... He caught a name from her - Lucas. "Who is Lucas?" he wondered. He sent the message to her, wondering if she had the Mindgift. (OOC: Telepathy, reading minds etc.) He found himself getting lost in her gaze, not wanting to let go. If it wasn't for the other people sitting in between them... He got another message from Keats, regarding Cassandra's snake again. He answered as quickly as possible, not dropping her gaze. Another boy appeared at their table, Aile with him. The contact was broken as she turned to Dorian. Louis felt shaken. He hadn't felt drawn to another since Lestat. He wasn't sure how to handle these feelings. He had read from her mind that he would be important to her. In what way? Was he misreading her feelings? That could spell disaster. He sat,trying to compose himself. He glanced at the others around him, had they noticed anything? He waited politely as Jessica spoke with Dorian.

AILE

She seeks me not. She needs to change the topic of with they where speaking but you should go meet her. I believe she has a need of someone like you. Aile said to him.

SELENA

Worry not my friendsss, if i may call you that, if that ssnake tryss to harm you i will make it change it mind, if you get my drift. Serena told them.

JESSICA

For some reason the words Who is Lucas? apeared in Jessica's mind. She was startled she shot a glance at Louis for the voice in her haed sounded like his. She turned away and spoke in a small whisper to Pandora "Pandora please give this to Louis. I wish to talk to him alone later." she handed Pandora a note which read 'Louis if you wish will you please meet me after the feast i wish to talk to you. Jessica'. If you wish me to, Jesse. Pandora relied and went to Louis and handed him the note.

DORIAN

"Yes, sweet one, she does seek you. She was just thinking where were you. She seeks me not. Maybe so, but I don't much about relationships and all that. I'm much more comfortable with animals." But he walked over anyway with her comfortably on his shoulder.

MERLIN AND OTHERS

Merlin leaned back in his chair, and laughed softly. He took a long drink before answering. "Well. Now that you've stated the obvious, did you want to say anything else?"

He glared at her. "Well,Vivian, I did say after this year was over. They are off in the summer after all, and you did never consider the gods as important as Nymue and I did. With them shall come great power, and we shall be blessed with it."

"Well, er, sir, I thought that since I am here at your school, I should be useful. Is there anything you would like me to do or teach or anything? Agamemnon wasn't usually like this but this was someone special after all.

"Who said you were staying here?"Merlin asked trying hard not to laugh. He enjoyed knowing he could shake up this commander of armies. He wasn't the first one, though, but the old Druid always liked the feeling.

AILE

"She herself is like an animal. She needs more reneshiance than i do just speak to her and you will know what I mean." Aile told him.

LOUIS

Jessica's Phoenix, Pandora approached him, carrying some sort of note. "Hello, beautiful creature!" he smiled, taking the note from the bird. "And will you await my response, my friend?" He opened the note, from Jessica asking to meet with her after the banquet. 'It would be my pleasure. Thank you' he wrote, handing it back to Pandora, who returned to her mistress. Then, Louis remembered Celeste. "Uh oh. Now how do I deal with this?" he thought. Well, Celeste didn't say WHEN, just whenever. And Jessica.....she intrigued him immensely. He looked forward to talking to her later, and getting to know her.

JESSICA

Jessica read the answer Louis wrote then she put the piece of paper into her pocket and looked at Louis know that this conversation my be one of the most important when the boy who had Aile aprouched her.

KID AND MORINE

Kid felt a spark of jealousy when he noticed the look that passed between Jessica and Louis, but dismissed it when his mind finally got wrapped around what Merlin had just announced. --A Quest!! A Real Adventure!-- He sat there stunned. This is what he had been hoping for...no, dreaming of ...his whole life. This was what he had spent the last two years of his life training for. And he hadn't known! But his mom had! She'd known about Merlin's quest. It was the only explanation.They must have spoken on his last visit about it.That's why she had been giving so many lessons in Defense Against the Dark Arts during the last year or so of his schooling. And Merlin knew of his Talent.Other than his family and teacher Merlin was the only one that knew. That's why his mom had insisted that he had to go to Wolfbanes when he had had other choices. That's why... Kid's spinning thoughts were finally distracted by Morines voice:

"Well, I think I need to use some of this nervousness up. Would anybody care to dance?"

Kid leapt to his feet, held out his hand and said "I'd Love to dance."

GHOST

Ghost smiled at Keats : I apologize for that. Kid has been telling me not to be such a thief all of my life. But it is the nature of a racoon to be a thief and white though I may be I am all 'coon.: Ghost smiled to himself and thought --If I hadn't wanted to warn you of my nature you never would have seen me do it-- :Thank you Ssserena, I would be honoured to be called friend by one so lovely as you. I will not worry as long as you are near.:

AGAMEMNON

"Oh, er, sir, I'm so sorry. He gave a deep bow. Do you wish me to go then?" He looked longingly at Cassandra but kept his mouth shut. He had taken this remark as a chastisement.

DORIAN

"Hello, I believe your name is Jessica. I am Dorian and Aile came to me for comfort." He stroked her lovingly. "I sort of have a way with animals you see. In fact I can talk to them because I am half fairy. She is rather scared. Do you mind terribly if she stays with me for a little while?" He looked into her eyes with pleading in his.

JESSICA

"No of course I don't mind. Aile has a mind of her own. You could swear she was almost human with the way she acts. My name is Jessica. You're half fairy? Whats the other half?" Jessica asked. "Never mind those questions answer this one 'Do you know this dance?' and 'Will you dance it with me if you do?'"Jessica said for she wanted to talk more with this boy because she could fell he had a dark side like her and if she stay sitting at this table with Louis she might burst in to tear about how much he looked like Lucas.

AILE

Aile ebraced her long time friend warmly and turned an eye to her brother to whom she flashed a brilliant smile. her head then turned to the other professors. "And pray tell, whom are all you and what are your subjects, mine, is transfiguration"

LOUIS

Louis watched as Morinne and Kid left the table to dance. How he loved to dance!! As he turned to ask Jessica to dance, he noticed her ask the boy - Dorian. He sat back, feeling foolish, watching as other couples got up and danced. His eyes wandering around the room, and settled on Celeste. Dare he? He didn't want to get up and walk over there, if she rejected him in front of all those teachers....He sent a mind signal to her :Would you care to dance?:

MERLIN

Merlin sighed. "I wish you to go if you have nothing else to say, but somehow I'd thought you did." He was now glaring. Nymue laughed suddenly wondering if the great man would shit his pants. Merlin's glare could do that.

DORIAN

Dorian smiled. "Thank you very much. I'm also half demon. And of course, I know this dance. I'm a fairy aren't I?" He led her out onto the floor the owl still on his shoulder.

CELESTE

Celeste was listening to her friend Aile when she thought sh heard someone ask her to dance. She looked up about to answer and there was no one there. She looked at her brother who she though might of sent the thought in to her head like he normaly would but he was engolfed in what Merlin was doing. So she looked around the room wondering who sent the question to her then she saw Louis looking at her. Of course she thought vampires can send messeges with their minds too. She smiled her yes to him and got up and went over to his table and held out her hand.

JESSICA

"Aile would you please go see what Serena is up to I wish to dance this on alone with him." Jessica asked the white owl. Aile flew to where Serena was. "How did you get to be half demon and half fairy? Normaly the two don't mix, do they?" Jessica asked Dorian.

LOUIS

Louis continued to watch the dancers when he felt a presence at his side. He looked up to see Celeste, holding out her hand to him. He smiled. "I see you got my message. It's great, the Mindgift, it saves going over and interupting conversations." He rose and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor. "I thank you, for accepting a dance with me." "So, did you reside with your family before coming here? From what I know of werewolves, they are very family oriented, are they not?" he inquired kindly.

AGAMEMNON

Agamemnon straightened up. He had not come all this way to be so turned. Well, sir, he said, his voice firming with a reservoir of determination from deep within, I know I am not a magically inclined person like yourself. But your charges might find themselves in a situation where their magery will do them no good. I, on the other hand, could teach them strategy and tactics to go along with their magic. He looked around the room at all the innocent faces and frowned. And if you're wanting to go on this quest, they may need it.

DORIAN

"No, I'm one of a kind. My mother, a fairy, did her duty to the fairy realm by providing them with 2 children. Unfortunately, my father, a demon, slipped by the screenings unnoticed. Therefore, you have me."

MERLIN AND NYMUE

Merlin smiled ever-so-slightly. "Fine then. All good druids must know of war, and that will be one less thing I've to do." He then turned abruptly away, and Nymue had to fight not to snicker.

CELESTE "They probably are but my brother and I was raised by centuars. I was bit at a very young age. My parents were writing a book on werewolves and the one they were studying bite me." Celeste told him as they danced. "What about you?"

JESSICA

"In a way you are like me but my mum was the one that slipped in unnoticed. My Dad was the kindess most gentle man and my mum was a murdering Death Eater." Jesica said to Dorian.

LOUIS

"Mine?" he laughed softly, "It's a long story. I'll make it short for now. My maker was a young vampire himself, made by a mad one when he was very young. He came upon me in what was the New World at that time. In the 1700's. He claimed he fell in love with me, and took me as his mate. He didn't exactly force me, but we didn't discuss a lot of things, such as killing." He shuddered. "My strength is such now that I don't have to kill, even that deer they graciously offered me is still alive. I can survive on what they call the 'little drink'. With immortal age comes power, plus I have shared blood with another more powerful vampire in order for me to overcome my nightly kills. Those kills made me ill. I hated myself and what I was because of it."

"So, you say you were bitten by a werewolf, and you were being raised by centaurs. What were you before you were bitten?"

CELESTE

"I would have been normal, human. Traveling with my rent while they wrote books about odd things. So now I'm who I am and I am happy with my life. I have never known any different." Celeste told Louis as they twirled around the dance floor.

MORINE

Morine was so glad someone had answered so she didn't feel too big a fool. "Great! Let's go then!" she said, taking his hand. "So how do you like it all so far? There are so many more people than I imagined. I'm not so good around a lot of people, I get so nervous. The people I've been around before have always seemed a little standoffish towards me. I always thought they thought I was ugly, or afraid of me because I look like my faery ancestors, but my brother says they just don't like anything that is different from the norm." She realized she was rambling and blushed. "Um...how about you?" she asked, falling silent.

VIVIAN

Vivan sat back and watched as Merlin spoke with the general. She knew the old Druid was messing with him, but she kept silent, knowing that he had a good reason, one she agreed with. She was starting to wonder if the man was ever going to stand up to Merlin. Didn't he realize what Merlin was trying to do to him? Surely he did. She herself always felt a little contempt at those people who shrank back from her when she had to do this same thing. Though hers was more a priestess-taught Goddess trick. When the man finally did take his stand up to Merlin, she relaxed a little. After Merlin spoke to him telling him that he was welcome and then turned around she looked up at him and said, "that was well done my friend. I think he'll be a great ally. We will have to protect Cassandra and I think he would in fact lay down his life for the girl. And I'm sure he can teach the students much."

LAUREL

Laurel watched as the others all began to get up and disperse into the dancing crowd. She sighed and leaned forward, putting her elbow on the table in order to prop her head up into an upturned hand.

A faint smile tugged at her lips as she watched everyone up having fun as they danced. But like at her old school, she was still at the table, merely watching rather than participating.

Sighing again she looked down at her book...and just like at Gilesford, she was about to burying her nose into the boring pages of a text while the rest of her classmates experienced the party.

Reaching out, she tugged her book over before her, opened the cover and found her place amongst the text once more...

MERLIN AND NYMUE

Merlin nodded, and smiled to Vivian. "Yes, and besides, I'm tired of teaching war. I'm tired of war in general, but it shall never die, for the hearts of most men need to hate and kill."

"Some people need to die,Merlin." Nymue said sweetly as she leaned to kiss the old Druid.

VIVIAN

Vivan couldn't stop a small chuckle from escaping her. "I second that thought, Nymue. Though I hope I am not one on your list." She said, smiling. She realized she hadn't really said anything to Nymue all day, something that wasn't really intential, though the woman probably thought so. She was important to Merlin and Vivan accepted that. Sometimes she wondered exactly why he put up with some of the things she did, but that wasn't her place.

VIVIAN

Nymue looked at her for a long moment. "And why would you be on that list,Vivian?"She asked with a small shrug looking at the other more lovely woman with her one good eye. The marble glared unseeing as well on the other side of her face.

LOUIS

"I'm glad you are not disappointed in who and what you are. I have never met a werewolf in my life, believe it or not. I didn't have much of a social thing going for most of my life. But, even so, a werewolf? They are rather rare ,I believe. Can you change at will or only under the moon's affect?" He hoped he wasn't intruding, or being too nosy. He was curious, as well as thoroughly enjoying her company.

RILEY

As the others started getting up to dance, he looked around for someone to dance with himself. He was still shocked Morine had gotten up on her own, his sister must be really nervous. He noticed a girl at another table that was watching the group of dancers longingly but as if she was used to sitting out. She sighed and went back to her book, but he decided to go try to engage her in the party. He walked over to her table and sat in front of her. "Hi there!" he said, "good book?" he asked her.

VIVIAN

That eye never failed to send a shiver down her spine. She had seen all sorts of things, both in person and with her Sight, but for some reason she couldn't fathom that eye. "Oh, I don't know. We haven't been the best of friends, though nor the worst of enemies. One can't always tell." Vivan said with a slight smile. She hoped Nymue stuck around most of the year, at least that would help keep Merlin occupied with something other than the students.

NYMUE

"I learned from you as well, and shall not forget that. Being what I am, I have my own power, but you do as well, and I respect that."She sighed, and looked away at last. Merlin smiled, glad to see them friendly. Nymue was the only mate he'd ever had, the only woman he'd ever loved, and her causing trouble with his friends and enemies alike, had caused him grief. He was glad to see she wasn't going to do it today.

VIVIAN

Vivan smiled a full smile at Nymue. So she was going to behave today. That was good. She supposed the joy of the occasion had spread to her as well. She looked and saw that Agamenon was still standing by them. She turned to him and said, "So, General, do you like to dance? Or would you prefer only to dance with Cassandra?" she said with a half smile.

CELESTE

"Well actully right now I am experimenting with that. I am trying to find either a cure or mayhap a potion that will prevent the change. So many young children are affected by this. I hope to find a way to stop it but I will not change myself beack to what i never had the chance to be. I can actully change on will sometimes. I have to concentrate on it but I can do it. The silver wolf thing this morning was not my werewolf form but my animagi form." Celeste smilled as she answered his questions it felt good to put this out in the open.

LOUIS

"Animagi form? What is that?" Louis asked, terribly curious. "I didn't know there was a way to stop the Changing. You see, with vampires, the only way we can change is to die. Or somehow become mortal, but I kind of enjoy my immortality. So, you wish to change yourself. What did you mean by effecting children?" Louis was fascinated to be talking to someone who was like him in a way, but completely different.

CELESTE

"An animagi form is an animal form which a witch or a wizerd can take. There really is not a way to stop the changing yet but I am working on it. I almost have it done. I don't wish to change myself I actully like being a werewolf. And being a Werewolf can affect childern because they are the weakest of the human speices and the strong always go from the weak. So more children become werewolves than adults. The Ministry makes you register if you are a werewolf so alot of children with magic can't attend the same schools as those who are as the Ministry refers as normal." Celeste explained hoping he understood what she was saying.

KID

"Me? Well, I don't think you are ugly at all, quite pretty in fact" Kid said with a smile, teasing her, and watching her blush. "Actually, I agree with your brother. People seem to fear what they don't understand. As for me ... well, I don't know who my blood parents are but I was adopted by a very loving couple. My Dad is a doctor, that's like a muggle healer, and my Mom is the Ministry of Magic's Ambassador to the Whale People in the Pacific Ocean. I grew up in a small Native fishing village called Tahsis." Kid sighed, "I kinda miss them. This is my first time away from the Island for more than a few days at a time before." Kid held her closely as they twirled around the dance floor, his long black hair, usually in a ponytail or a braid, but loose now, was flying around his head, his black eyes sparkling in the light of the candles and lanterns, his dark copper coloured skin glistening from the exhileration of dancing to the wild fairy music that the band was playing. "So, enough about me, tell me about you. I love your accent...Scottish, right? and fairy ancestors?...sounds pretty interesting to me."

GHOST

Ghost stayed at the table with Serena, Keats and Obscure, eating and chatting. They were soon joined by another cat, Angel, and a wolf, Oz. Ghost noticed some of the others were watching Oz uneasily, but having met wolves before he knew that they were usually pretty friendly and asked, "Where have you two been? You almost missed the food." As he was speaking Serena's partner Aile joined them.

LOUIS

"So, if you are an animagi, you are a witch then. That's a very powerful mixture, a witch and a werewolf. With such a mixture, I find it interesting that you decided to teach Healing, as opposed to necromancy or socery. Why healing?"

"Do werewolves travel in groups? Such as clans or Covens? Some of the vampires have gathered together to form groups, extended family, and Covens, but we grow weary of each other and wander off on our own. It seems wer're loners for the most part. Are you and yours social or more of loners?"

KEATS

The orange tabby introduced herself as Angel. :Charmed, madamoiselle: Keats bowed to her, as cats do, with front paws extended. He watched as Oz approached. Being used to his master's ex-lover's dog, he immediately approached the wolf, purring and rubbing under his chin. :Hiya!! What's your name? I'm Keats, this is Obscure, Ghost over there, Serena the sweetest snake alive, and of course the lovely Angel: Just then Aile approached. :Hi. Your mistress was chatting up my master. Hope she keeps it up, he's lonely and I don't want him to go back to that meanie boyfriend of his.: He wandered over to Ghost. He whispered to him :Think we could hide some of this fish for later? I'm into late night snacks:

CELESTE

"I was always hurting myself when i was younger and could not control myself so I would have to heal myself and I just liked healing things from rats to Centaurs I improved myself. I studied and workrd hard. I don't really like hurting sohealing the hurt is what I do. I don't know if werewolves travel in groups as i was raised by centaur the Stallion of my herd said that wizard werewolves are loners but the muggle werewolves are pack creatures. I have always been mainly a loner." Celeste told him. She wished she knew more but she did not. She was a loner but she loved being around people she was just afraid she might hurt others.

PANDORA

When Pandora saw that Jessica was busy talking to the odd young man she looked around for her friends, Serena and Aile. She saw them sitting (at least Aile was siting) with a group of animals. So she flew over and landed next to Aile who as sitting next to Serena and said hello to everyone and introduced herself.

LAURAINA

Lauraina found herself dancing with Puck, and then the other little drunken faerie. She knew she should try more to mix with the students, and she would, but it was hard when she was shy. She wished her brother Darken were here. He had no problem making friends. At least here she was not princess Lauraina. She was just Lauraina. It also didn't feel odd being half goblin, with all these other types of races around. Now if she could just stop being horrified by the poor vampire! It wasn't his fault after all. But for now, she'd become lost in the dancing. She tossed back her head, allowing her black hair to tumble down her back, as she danced with her much smaller partners.

BILLY AND TITANIA

Billy listened with interest at Merlin's speech, but then her face fell--

"A cauldron that brings people back to life if ya put 'em back in within 24 hour? How cheap! That thing completely devalues life! And death, too! What does life mean if you can get it back by being dumped into a bowl? Humph!" Billy crossed her arms in frustration.

Titania hadn't said anything since Dorian had so nicely rebuffed her, and she heard Billy talk.

"Do you think so? I think it's just...magic, I suppose. I wouldn't really say it devalues anything--afterall, people value life, so they want to bring them back, right?"

Billy turned on Titania.

"No! What happens if the person died of sickness, then? They get back to life, only to die again and again and again, and there's no point! It's worthless!"

Titania frowned.

"I still disagree--it's not worthless if the person died because someone shot them or something...It can be good, too!"

Billy harrumphed.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh was still sitting next to Louis...talking to Celeste...

In all honesty, he was still freaked out about being part vampire. He was partially dealing with the shock.

OBSCURE

Obscure nodded.

:Yo-lo, Angel. The fish is spiff, and such:

She let the comment go about the meanie "boyfriend".

: Your mistress sure is a looker, ey?: Obscure smiled a catty smile.

LOUIS

Louis read what Celeste thought: That she was afraid she would hurt people. He slowed his steps, but still kept time with the music. He took her chin in his hand. "Chere, I don't think you should be so hard on yourself. I don't think you would intentionally hurt someone. You have a very kind heart. Give yourself some credit. You're wonderful, you shouldn't be afraid of being around other people. I, too, am a loner by nature. I'm beginning to think it's not a healthy way to be." He suddenly realized he still had her chin in his hand. He dropped his hand. "Uh, I'm sorry. Terribly sorry. I hope I didn't upset you." He smiled at her as they continued to dance. "I think healing is a way for creatures such as we to make amends to ourselves in a sense. And like yourself, I want to help others, not hurt them. I've seen enough hurt in my short vampiric life span. So, what is your brother studying? Or is he an instructor also?"

KEATS

Keats dug into the little chicken pieces. "Man, I'm going to get fat here" he thought, but didn't stop. A sudden movement beside him made him skittle a bit. :Uh, hello, pretty bird!!: he said to Pandora. :Welcome. This is Angel, Obscure, Serena, Ghost, and Aile: He nodded at each animal as he introduced them (Keats doesn't know that Pandora knows Serena and Aile). :And what's your name, and who's friend are you?:

MERLIN

"I do believe it would heal the illness,girl."Merlin told the girl as he danced by with his wife in his arms. "It has before, and I highly doubt it would stop because you think it is not of value."He raised a brow, and moved on. He kept his glare in place for a while.

CASSANDRA

"I don't think he likes his treasures put down."Cassandra chuckled. "I'd be surprised if you go on the quest."Her tone wasn't nasty or rude, only amused.

PANDORA I am Pandora and I already know Serena and Aile our friend is the Lady Jessica. Pandora repied to his question.

CELESTE

"My brother," she said. She looked around for him and saw hw had given up on talking to Merlin and was approaching her friend Aile. "He teaches care of magical creatures given that he is one." She was very touched ay what Louis had said and could see herself getting close to him in the near future.

KEATS

:Oh, you are the one who passed a note to my master from Miss Jessica. I hope she likes him, Louis needs someone new in his life, his old boyfriend was, well, not nice.: Keats, being loyal to Louis, didn't want to elaborate. :Well, it's a pleasure to meet you. What do Phoenix's eat? There's tons of food here, I hope there is something here for you.:

LOUIS

"Magical creatures. I'm taking that as my minor. I love animals and have a way with them. I would like to learn as much as I can about different spieces and how to interact with them. My mind reading capabilities may come in handy in that area also." He sensed from Celeste that his recent "closeness" to her was not offensive. He had worried about that. Most creatures and mortals would shun a vampire. Louis felt they watched too many movies. Vampires were as harmless as the rest of the creature population. Himself, as well as many others, insisting on feeding from evildoers, if they had to feed at all. Louis could go for weeks without any more than a little drink. And those little drinks never affected anyone, maybe made them a little listless for 10 minutes. He only did that with another's consent of course. And of course there were animals, but again, he wouldn't just go after any animal that crossed his path. Only the sick and dying. He held Celeste closer to him during a slower dance number. He still felt a little uncomfortable. After all, she was an instructor here, should he be getting close to an instuctor? Wasn't there rules against that?

CELESTE

When Louis held her closer Celeste sort of melted into him. She never felt so close to anyone other than her brother before, but she was worried that it might affect her. He was a student and she his teacher. Should she be getting close to him? She decided it did not matter what happened after all did she not say what was meant to be will be. She would have to ride this out and see what will happen. She knew that she would have to have two sides when it came to him, in the class she will be just his teacher but outside she will be as the fates desire. "Who made you who you now are, Louis? That is if you what to talk about him." She asked him

PANDORA

There is nothing here I will eat but thank you for asking. And Jessica needs someone to help heal her though oddly enough you master looks like her dead fiance, doesn't he, Serena, Aile? Pandora said and the other two agreed.

LOUIS

:Dead fiancee?: Keats shuddered. :What happened to him? Should I worry about Master Louis?: Keats looked at the 3 animals, nervous. Even though he was a small cat, he was very devoted to and defensive over his owner. If he thought anything was dangerous around him, he would certainly defend Louis. He glanced at the pretty cat Angel "Now, I hope she doesn't have any dead fiancees," Keats thought.

LOUIS

Louis felt Celeste move closer to him. He read her thoughts: Let the fates decide. "Okey, I'll let it be. After all, I am probably older than what they consider students here." He did glance nervously over to Merlin, wondering if he noticed anything. "Louis, grow up. Your not a child and neither is she," he thought.

"Who made you who you now are, Louis? That is if you what to talk about him." She asked him. Him? Louis wondered how she knew it was him. He dismissed it: "I meet him, Lestat, in 1791 in New Orleans. At that time New Orleans was still a French colony, I had moved there with my mortal family, my parents and younger brother and sister, all of us from France. My father passed away when I was just 18, and I inherited the plantation we lived on. I literally grew up overnight. In 1791, I was 25 years old, and my brother had a tragic accident. My brother was striving to join the Priesthood. I showed him my support as did my mother, but soon he started claiming he saw visions. One night he came to me and announced he had been told by these heavenly visions that I was to sell the plantation and give the money to the church. We fought for hours, I was upset at my brother's madness. He left my room in a rage, tripped and fell down the stairs, breaking his neck. It crushed me. For all his insane ramblings he was my brother, I loved him. After that I became very melancholy, depressed, even suicidal. I took to drinking and gambling, not the best thing for a gentleman to do. One night I met Lestat. I had noticed this man seemed to be everywhere I was, watching me. I really took no notice until one night he started a conversation with me. I thought him mad, claiming he was a vampire and could make me invincible, I could live forever." Louis laughed, "Even for the 1700's those were bad come on lines." Eventually I became drawn to him, became friendlier with him, and one night allowed him to change me. I hated it. He had not mentioned to me about the nightly killing I would have to do. Our relationship, or what there was of it, was and has been up and down for over 200 years. Lately, he wouldn't even let me out alone, kept me locked away. Literally. I got away from him and came here. I hope he doesn't come after me. God knows what he'll do." Louis sighed, with relief, it felt good to unburden himself of his fears. It also felt good to be free, meeting new people, getting an insight into other lives, and hopefully moving on with his own. "Sorry I didn't mean to talk you ear off. I needed to get that out. Bad relationship woes, even we have them." He held her closer, his cheek against her hair. "Thank you for listening, Celeste," he whispered to her.

CELESTE

"If this Lestat comes I'll chase him away for you. A werewolf can be a good thing to be some times. At least you had a relationship. I never am able to get any one to trust me enough to get that close. BTW anytime you what to as you said talk my eyes of do it I will listen." Celeste said to him than gave him a quick kiss on the check.

PANDORA

Don't be worryed about your master he is a vampire already. Now Lucas was turned in to a vampire by some guy who kind of looked like a white marble statue. He tried to get Jessica but her being a wich and all she managed to escape him. Pandora said to him not wanting to tell more than needed but this cat might know who this immortal statue gut was and your her fiend was so afraid of him.

BILLY AND TITANIA

Billy merely huffed.

"It takes power away from Death--the idea, anyways--it defies the cycle of Life and Death--what's there to think so highly of it? It's destructive--I'd rather not go on a quest like that.." She grumbled out the last bit to Cassandra.

TITANIA

Titania grinned.

"You're a stubborn one, that you are...but your spirit certainly is intriguing."

Billy glared.

"I thought you disagreed with me."

Titania huffed.

"I do. But all people have a level of disagreement, and sometimes that can bring people together...So let's agree to disagree, hmm?"

Billy sighed.

"Sure--I'm just...I'll be a Necromancer once my training is complete. I have to think about these kinds o' things, you know! No one else does".

CASSANDRA

Cassandra looked amused at the other 2 girls. "So you're worried that the caldron shall take your place?"She asked in her light Greek accent. "There are 12 other items, you know." She smiled, and shrugged.

MORINE

Morine was trying not to blush at his attention but she knew she wasn't doing a very good job of it. "Well, thank you for the compliment. We're from Cornwall. And yes, we have faery ancestors though it's from fairly long ago, none of our family right now show it except me and my mother. I'm sorry you don't know your blood parents, but it seems like you had very loving people to raise you. I miss my parents too, they have pretty much been the only ones I've felt comfortable with. I am hoping things here will be better than in the past, since there seem to be so many others who are 'different' according to the world's normal perception." She tried to keep her breath as Kid spun her around, boy was she having a good time! "I think I'll really like it here, don't you?"

OX AND ANGEL

Oz growled, "you wouldn't believe it! My master left us in our cages by the boats! Angel here is Morine's, but she's usually gets so nervous that it's common for her to forget, so it's Riley's job to look after us until she feels more at ease. Once she does she's a wonderful master, as she can understand us better than Riley can. But I guess he got so into everything he forgot us too! I thought I was going to starve!" he noticed that some of the others were looking at him uneasily. "Don't worry, I don't attack tamed animals. I have hunted with my masters in the past, but that is all." Angel came up beside him, purring. "I will vouch for him, he is quite safe. I have often teased him and it doesn't faze him."

KEATS

When Keats sent Angel the message about worrying about his master she knew right away that she liked him. 'Don't worry, I'll help you keep an eye on her if you wish. I am very picky about my master as well, she seems to have problems with other humans picking on her. With Oz on our side it'll all be okay.' She sent back.

BILLY AND TITANIA

"Huff" Billy pouted, "If those other twelve are anything like that first doozy, I'm sure they're all just as destructive as the first one."

Titania patted Billy on her head.

"There, there now--I'm certain that there's a reason why the total ends up being 13..."

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh was still numb. And lonely. And...strange enough, not knowing what to do! What a miracle!

OBSCURE

Obscure slurped the dish with great zeal--

:I think I've given up on picking partners for my owner--she does it so often herself, you know: Obscure sighed.

:You know, she hangs all over her brother, attatches herself to just about anybody, and then showers the whole lot with affection without discretion? I worry so much about Billy, honestly: the black she-cat shrewdly remarked. :I just wish she'd have more control over that love-bug of hers.:

Obscure then continued to dig into her dish.

CASSANDRA

"Don't you think one such as the Great Druid Merlin would know how to help rather than destroy with such things?"Cassandra asked. "He'd make sure they were used for right, after all." She watched the girl with interest.

BILLY AND ASHLEIGH

Billy blinked.

"Well, from what I heard, he goes backwards. Merlin, I mean--he gets younger as times passes, because he lives the day after before the day before. I suppose...he knows what's to happen and all" Billy replied, then huffed again, "But 'still doesn't make any sense to me."

Ashleigh finally snapped to his senses.

"Ah, don't mind her" he began to Cassandra, "She just doesn't respect anyone other than our Pa."

"Not true"

"Yeah right"

LOUIS

Louis blushed at her kiss. Would he ever stop blushing??? He turned his face from her for a moment, embarrassed at his slowly reddening face. He noticed Ashleigh, looking a bit out of sorts. :Ashleigh, dance with someone: He prompted. :I'll be back there, sooner or later: He smiled at Ashleigh. He turned back to Celeste. "Thank you, cheri, I would be most obliged. I honestly don't know what Lestat will do if he finds me here. I just hope he doesn't, at least for now, I'm clearly enjoying my freedom. And I'm enjoying meeting special people such as yourself." He held her closer, feeling less shy, as they turned around the dance floor. He was glad he had found someone who liked to dance as much as he did!!

CASSANDRA

Cassandra laughed. "Merlin getting younger?Hardly. It seems you read too many myths." She shrugged, and thought as this was a fact, rather than a psychic reading, she should be believed.

ASHLEIGH, BILLY, AND TITANIA

Asleigh then jumped in his skin.

/What the??? Louis???/

Billy looked at him, surprised, as Ashleigh suddenly swiveled his head in Louis' direction, like a confused deer.

"...What's wrong with you?" Billy prompted.

"I heard--I mean" Ashleigh flubbered, and then whispered to his sister--

"I heard a voice in my head--Louis's...and...er.."

Billy smiled, and clapped her hands with glee. "Telepathy! Of course, dear brother--he's a vampire, and you're part vampire yourself! It's only natural!"

Titania blinked. /Vampire? They're part vampire?/ She though with wonder.

Ashleigh was confused.

"What's so natural about that?"

Billy merely ignored him, "What's he say?"

"Er..."

"Don't make me kiss you." Billy warned, knowing her brother hated it when she did that.

Titania blinked. /Kissing her own brother??/ He past awe over the vampire bit was erased.

"FINE!" Ashleigh consented, and then blushed...

"He...he told me to..to.."

"To what? What, Ashling?" Billy asked, poking her bro's cheek.

"...To dance with someone" he muttered under his breath.

Billy's eyes glittered.

"Well, then you can dance with this nice girl here, what-did-you-say-you-name-was?" Billy asked Titania.

"I didn't" Titania said with bewilderment, "It's Titania."

"Splendid!" Billy clapped her hands together, "You can dance with Titania, Ashleigh--"

"Hey" Ashleigh began, "I never said I was actually going to dance--"

Titania held out her palm.

"I'm sorry--I only recently broke up with my boyfriend...and I must say, I rather prefer my guys to actually look their gender" Titania spilled, giving Ashleigh a cautionary glance.

"Yeah, listen to what--HEY! What was that, you BI--"

Billy swerved Ashleigh around to Cassandra--

"Then you can dance with Cassandra! You don't mind, do you, Cassandra?"Billy asked, pleading with her eyes.

KUSHIEL

Kushiel had stopped tring to talk to Merlin so he went over to Aile because he wanted to dance with her. "dance you Would me with?" Kushiel asked Aile. When he reliazed everything came out wronge Kushiel turned a very bright red and turned and ran out. I the middle of his running out he changed into his Cenaur form.

CELESTE

"If he does the school will protect you...." Celeste started to say when her brother ran by and out of the hall. "I'm sorry Louis I have go see what is wrong but I'll be back to dance with you in about a half hour. See you in a bit." Celeste kissed his cheek and went after he brother who does this every time she is having fun.

JESSICA

Jessica had finished dancing with Doren and she went back to her table. Louis was left on the floor when the teacher ran out after her brother and everyone else was talking about the quest Merlin was going to have. As she was just sitting there she started to think about Lucas and the man who changed him the man who looked as white as a statue. She reached up to her neck were there were two bite scars that this man had given her. A tear came out of a coner of her eye and........

AILE

As Kushiel ran out Aile watched him depart with a puzzled expression on her delicate face. "Love," she said to Celeste, "Why does your brother act so strangely around me? Do I scare him?" she asked, turning to her long time friend with a bewildered look.

LOUIS

Louis was taken by surprise as Celeste fled after her brother. He seemed to be - changing form? Louis almost went to follow, quietly behind the others. He wasn't sure if she or her brother wanted an "audience". He moved over to the door and silently watched. He found it fascinating how Celeste and her brother could change from human form to their werewolf and centaur forms. He had always been what he was - a vampire. No changes to that for over 200 years. He smiled, turning from the door as someone excused themselves to get past him. He noticed Jessica had returned to their table. He avoided her gaze. Somehow he had offended her. He remembered how suddenly she had grabbed the strange boy who had Aile and took off to the dance floor. As if wanting to get away from him. But, he did want to talk to Ashleigh. He thought he would wait. He turned again to the door, heading out after the others, to be sure that Celeste and her brother were all right.

KEATS

Keats was now grappling with the chicken, purring as loudly as can be. He heard Angel telling him not to worry, he looked up at her. :Thank you, it's very much appreciated. People misunderstand my master also. He's the gentlest soul I know. That's why I picked him. Lots of humans around that I could have followed, but I read purity in him, sweetness, kindness. So, I did the old cat manipulation of You will love me, feed me, and take me home.: He winked at Angel. :It worked: He went back to the chicken, making room for Angel. He listened as Oz defended himself, saying he would never hurt any of the animals here. :See, guys?? He's nice. It's only that snake (he glared at Cassandra's snake) that we have to worry about: He cat-grinned up at Oz. He noticed over Oz's shoulder that Jessica had returned to the table, a bright tear running down her face. She was watching Louis who was slowly making his way after the others, something about Celeste's brother. Keats jumped up on the almost empty table. Walking up to Jessica, he reached up his paw and patted away her tear. :Jessica, Louis is not used to being around a lot of people. He's not used to being around anyone besides the beast that made him. And all that one did was cut him down to size. Go and talk to him, he's afraid he offended you. Don't sit here miserable, talk to him if you want to.: Keats rubbed up against Jessica's arm in a comforting gesture, then returned to his friends at the familiar's table.

MERLIN

Merlin watched the centaur getting more upset, and moved to his side,layinga calming hand on his shoulder. "Calm yourself. You are a professor here now."

KID

"I think this place is awsome! The school, the grounds, the teachers, the other students,you..." Kid smiled down at Morine and then looked around the room. "You're absolutely right. There isn't a "normal" person in this room. I think we are going to have a wonderful year here and I can't wait to find out more about Merlin's quest. There's no way I'm going to miss out on that." Just then he noticed the teacher, Kushiel, heading out the door, turning into a Centaur as he went,looking quite upset. Then his sister followed and some of the teachers and students were right behind her. "Come on," Kid said as he grabbed Morine's hand and started to follow, "Let's go see what's going on."

GHOST

Ghost sat quietly eating and watching the other animals chatting and eating, thinking to himself -- This is great! I have never met so many other magical creatures all at once before in my life! This is going to be fun -- he gave a wink and a nod to Keats indicating that he had been able to put away a few things for a late night snack. He watched his master dancing with Angels'.Then he noticed a commotion over by the doors and some of the people heading out that way. :I think I'm going to go see what's going on.: He said to the others :Does anyone else want to come?:

OBSCURE

Obscure looked up from her dish.

...A dish of food that had been basted with alcohol.

:Myaaa, go 'head and: *hic*: see fer ye'selvz wot's wraaaaaang: *hic*

Obscure wiped her face with her paws, and then teetered and landed on Angel--

:yer' mighty: *hic*:purdy, y'knew?: *hic*

KUSHIEL AND CELESTE

"Have you ever been so good with people and then not been able to talk to someone who might be very important to you?" Kushiel asked before he went in to the garden.

A few monents later his sister Celeste came out after him. "Oh Kushiel what happened now?" she asked when she noticed people coming out after them.

MERLIN

Merlin gave him an odd look. "it is probably just simply a case of nerves,boy, and you can learn to control that with calming exercises." His tone was brisk as he waved some of the quickly gathering group away.

AILE

Aile wondered what she did to upset him so she followed him out of the chamber along with a few others who were curious. "Kushiel? Kushiel! What is wrong? I did nothing! Why did you storm out like that?" She asked with a profound hurt look on her face as she glanced at Merlin.

LOUIS

Louis stood at the door of the banquet room, watching the exchange between Celeste and her brother, Kushiel. Merlin was suddenly at their sides, trying to calm the young centaur, as well as waving everyone back. Louis decided to obey the schoolmaster. He headed back into the banquet, looking for Keats. He knew his little fellow would probably be out socializing with every animal or being that would have him. Louis smiled. He knew Keats insisted that he chose Louis, but Louis felt he had chosen Keats. For his spunk if not anything else. He spied Keats, sitting on the table with Jessica. He made a move to collect his pet, when Keats suddenly leaped off the table, going to the other animals at what was considered the "familiar's table". Keats had looked worried. Louis walked around the tables, just in time to see a very drunken Obscure fall into Angel. "What the??" he kneeled down by Obscure. "Young one, where did you get, alchohol??" :It's from that dish, it's lacing with bourbon or something: Keats informed Louis. "Damn, who would be so irresponsible? I'll find out. This is NOT going to go unnoticed. You are small animals, one of you could have been very ill, or worse. If the snakes..." Louis felt disgusted. He knew it took snakes several days to digest their food. If they had touched this alchohol ladened dish, they would be sick for days!! He picked up the drunken Obscure, as well as the offensive plate of food and slowly carried Obscure to his table. He sat there with him, gently stroking the cat. He placed the dish on the table. "I will speak with Celeste, or even Merlin if I have to. This cannot happen again." Louis thought. He looked around for Ashleigh, figuring he was with the other students at the door. He would wait for him, Obscure seemed alright. But, if cats could turn green...."Poor kitty. It's okey." He kept an eye out for Ashleigh or Billy. He finally turned to Jessica. "Umm, sorry. Umm. Please keep an eye on your animals. Some idiot put out a dish of food on their table (he waved at the offening dish beside him) that had alchohol in it. I worry especially for your snake, Serena." He dropped his gaze to the floor. He wished he knew what he had done to offend her.

JESSICA

"Don't worry about my friends. They all ate before coming here. Sides Serena eats every 3 days. And after you talk to them could....." She started, "could we talk?" she said shyly.

OBSCURE, BILLY, TITANIA, ASHLEIGH

Obscure hiccuped.

:Mreaowuuu, the fish swim in the sea, and I am their fishbowl, myaa, myaa...:

Billy suddenly grabbed her stomach..

"...Obscure?"

Billy stood up--

"Hey, what's wrong?" Titania inquired.

Billy's eyes widened.

"OBSCURE!! S**T!"

Titania "meeped", and Ashleigh did likewise.

"What? what's wrong with your cat, anyways, other than normal?" Ashleigh bluntly commented.

Billy was already gone, and was on Jessica--

"Obscure! You silly kitty, how do you manage to get drunk at every single party I go to???"

Billy gently took Obscure from Jessica, nodding a "thank you" to her--

"Um...What happened?"

LOUIS AND JESSICA

Louis gratefully handed the poor Obscure to Billy. "She's okay. I hope. She gets drunk at every event?" Louis almost laughed. He tickled Obscure under the chin. "Now don't you go teaching Keats that, I have enough problems with him. Billy, I'm going to report to someone about this. This dish was put on the animal's table with alchohol in it. It could have caused a lot of trouble." Billy thanked him and moved away from the table with Obscure. Louis turned his gaze to Jessica. "You wanted to talk to me?" He gave her his full attention.

"Yes I do but could we go some where more quiet?" Jessica asked.

Louis looked around, noticing there was still some action going on at the front door.

"Well, we could take a walk outside. We just have to get through the crowd. Poor Kushiel, they shouldn't stare like that." Louis got up from the table, allowing Jessica to walk ahead of him. He motioned to Keats, who leapt to the table and to his shoulder. "I'm bringing Keats if that's all right. I don't want to leave him here in all this confusion." He carefully wrapped up the offending alchohol ladened food and left it on the table, still planning to report it. He followed Jessica and they left the scrambling mess of the front door and headed out into the warm night.

"So, do you want to walk and talk? Or do you prefer to sit somewhere?" he asked her politely.

LAUREL

Laurel blinked and lifted her gaze up from the pages of her book, watching as Riley sat down across from her. Surprise registered across her features for a moment, only to be replaced with a gentle smile as he spoke to her.

"It's alright," she replied with a soft chuckle. "For a textbook." She lifted the heavy tome from the table to show him the cover..."History of High Magic".

"I don't believe we've met," she added, as she set the book back down upon the table. "I'm Laurel." She grinned, reaching across the table to offer her hand for a standard, all-American handshake.

JESSICA

"I don't mind if Keats comes cuz Pandora and my other animal friends are going to come with us also. Lets go sit down over there." she pointed to a bench in a moonlite garden. "The reason i wanted to talk to you is so you don't think i am advoiding you or ignoring you at any point. You see I was engaged to a nice man about two months ago. His name was Lucas and he looked alot like you." she paused to let what she said sink in.

LOUIS

Louis sat down on the bench Jessica had spotted. He noticed what a nice, peaceful spot it was. "A nice place to get away from everything," he thought.

He turned his full attention to the girl beside him.

"The reason i wanted to talk to you is so you don't think i am avoiding you or ignoring you at any point. You see I was engaged to a nice man about two months ago. His name was Lucas and he looked alot like you." Jessica looked at him, as if for an answer. "He looked like me?" Louis answered, "And you say you were engaged. Am I correct in assuming you're no longer together?" If not, he could see why she would have felt a little uncomfortable around him. He waited for her reply, but something told him there was a lot more to what she was going to say.

JESSICA

"No I am no longer with him. You see he was ..... I should start from the beginning. Lucas and I met in a muggle medical school. I was studing to be a muggle RN and he a docter. We started dating and a few months later we were engaged. He looked like you and acted so nice and sweet but he was fasinated with the parinormal likewitches and vampires. He started to go to clubs whith practicly asked vampires to kill the people inside. Once i went with him and a strange man with dark hair and very white skin called out to him. I was odd because he called Lucas by your name Louis. This man was cold and unfeeling I made Lucas leave almost immerdantly but Lucas kept seeing this man if you could call him such. Soon Lucas changed he became cruel and cold like that man. Two months he changed for good. You see this man we had met was a vampire. Lucas brought him to our home so this monster could change me in to what he was. He almost succeeded." she pulled the scarf of her neck revealing two small scars on her neck, "He bit me and iI freaked I cursed him and apparated back to England. I have ran for two months to get away from Lucas and the monster that changed him and i ended up here. I think the monsters name was Les something I can't really rememder. That is my story. I thought you needed to know." She ended before she started to cry.

LOUIS

Louis listened carefully to Jessica's story. A dark haired vampire? Named Les? Louis wondered as he listened. Jessica broke into tears after telling her story. Louis gathered the girl into his arms and held her. "Let it out, Jessica. It's okey. Just let it all out."

He could imagine the girl's pain. The man she loved, turned into a vampire, then he and his maker set themselves on her!! Louis wondered: The only dark haired vampires he knew were Khayman, who wouldn't turn a mortal into a vampire any more than Louis himself would, and.......Santino. Louis shuddered, remembering Santino. The dark prince himself. The Coven Master, he had been called. Many more centuries older than himself or Lestat, Santino was cruel and vindictive by nature. But, she had said the name "Les". 'Les' for Lestat? But, Louis' maker was blonde. Unless someone was posing as him. Could he have been an unknown vampire? Louis worked his way into Jessica's mind. He hated doing it, but needed to see the images there. He saw this Lucas, and yes, he did resemble Louis. Almost exactly!! He saw others, teachers, friends, family. Then he saw him...Santino... Santino approaching Lucas, in his madness thinking it was Louis. Louis left Jessica's thoughts. He shivered even though it was warm. If it was Santino, she could still be in trouble.

"Jessica, cher. Please,listen to me. Does this man have long wavy black hair, black eyes? Does the name Santino mean anything to you?"

JESSICA

Pandora flew down next to her Mistress and nuzled her. Jessica looked up into Louis' eyes and said, "I have heard of that name in passing or perhaps in a book. I wish I could tell more but I ran the monent I met this monster and i will be running until he or I am dead." She had fear in her eyes after she said this because she thought that she would be dead first in the end.

JESSICA

"Jessica, you will be alright. I know enough about Santino, and I'm pretty sure it's him, to be able to sense his presence. If it makes you feel better we can take this to Merlin. The school knows not to let my maker, Lestat, come here without my permission. They will certainly do the same for you especially in regards to someone as dangerous as Santino. Lestat is not dangerous, we're just....at odds right now and if he follows me here, it will be back to step one."

Louis held Jessica close to him, trying to comfort her. He sent a 'Thank you' message to Pandora, who was also comforting Jessica. He vowed to himself to protect this girl. How dare Santino take her fiance like that? And try to force her also? What was he doing, what was his point? Louis fervently hoped Santino was not building another "army" or "coven". That would make him a formidable enemy. Louis wondered if he should contact Lestat. "No," he thought to himself. "I need to be on my own, if I contact Lestat he won't do a damn thing unless I return to him." He thought of the others he knew, Marius or Armand. He could contact them, if this Santino even found Jessica. He felt Jessica's pain, her loss, she had truly loved this man, Lucas. "Jessica, I'll be here for you. For anything." He kissed her forehead, holding her warm body closer. He hoped his cool skin wasn't bothering her.

SERPENSORCIA

Serpensorcia Snape walked slowly in to the banquet hall. It was horrible to be late! Her harpy Morig flew behind her, trying to remember not to swear. The girl was glad of the harpy's presence, as she knew no one else. She couldn't believe that she was about to actually get to see Merlin! She saw several faeries as well as humans and other creatures, and had no idea where to sit. She was in water house, but all the tables seemed to be mixing for the day.

JESSICA

When Louis held her she felt safe but she know to feel safe was to open her self up to an attack. She was taught never to do that. She pulled away even though she wanted to sit that way with him forever. "we should go back with the others they might know we are missing." She stood and led the way back to the Hall. When she got there she saw a harpy following a girl. Jessica looked at the girl. Some how she knew her. Jessica thought hard then she rememdered who this girl was Serpensorcia Snape, an old friend from school. Jessica forgot about Louis behind her and hurried over to Serpensorcia. "Hello Serpensorcia. What in the world are you doing here?"

LOUIS

Louis watched as Jessica got up and moved away from him. He shrugged. Well, if she didn't want his help....He followed her back in the Banquet Hall and watched as she excitedly approached another girl, one he hadn't seen before. It was like their conversation hadn't even happened. He walked away, baffled. "These people are confusing me." he thought, looking for Celeste.

SERPENSORCIA AND JESSICASerpensorcia looked at the other girl, and gave a wry smile. "The same thing you're doing I suppose. It is good to know some one, though. What sorts of people have you met so far?"She asked in a lowered voice, as her green eyes moved about the room. Serpensorcia, like her father, didn't have very many friends, but this girl was a distant relative of sorts.

"Well there is a vampire here namede Louis in fact is is behind me," she turned around and Louis was no where in sight. "Well he was here. What have you been up to and how is your 'boyfriend?" Jessica asked.

Serpensorcia sighed. "So everyone knows about Hessan? Do they all know he's a muggle assassin as well?"Her eyes looked a challenge at the other girl. "My how people talk!"

LOUIS

Louis couldn't for the life of him find that dish that had been sitting on the familiar's table. He had wanted to take it to Merlin, or someone, but they had cleared the table in the meantime. "Okey, I'll just have to keep an eye on their table tomorrow night." He gathered Keats to him and began to head for the door, needing some air when he heard Jessica. She seemed to be looking for him. "Uh, hi, I'm here. I went to take that dish---oh never mind." He smiled at the dark haired girl with Jessica. "Hi, I'm Louis."

JESSICA

"Oh, Serpensoria, you know I would never tell anyone about him that is why I did not say his name. I have a question for you though. Have you told him about you? I was engaged for a while and I never told Lucas about me." Jessica said when Louis came up to them. "Louis this is my cousin Serpensorcia Snape. Serpensorcia this is Louis my.....friend."

BILLY

Billy cradled Obscure, nodded a "Thank you" to Louis, and then sat down.

She grinned at Ashleigh--

"He's so nice! See, you two would be perfect compliments--nice looks, conflicting personalities! It's perfect"

Billy elbowed Ashleigh in the arm, still holding Obscure

:The butterflies....They swim in the ocean like butterbeer...*hic*:

TITANIA

Titania blinked.

"Huh?"

LOUIS

Louis excused himself for a moment, with a quick smile to the dark haired girl. He approached Billy and Ashleigh who were holding Obscure. "Is she okey? Are you both okey? I'm just over here with Jessica and I believe her cousin. Join us if you choose." He went back to Jessica. "Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. You're Jessica's cousin?" Louis smiled at the new girl. "I didn't see you earlier, so allow me to welcome you." He looked at Serpensorcia. He liked her name, very unique. "I recognize your last name. Snape? As in Severus Snape?"

SERPENSORCIA AND MORIG

Serpensorcia looked sharply at him as she said hello. There was something odd about that one, though she couldn't be sure just what.

"You look odd, don't you?"The harpy asked him with a bubbling laugh like water over smooth river rocks. "But so do I, so who gives a fuck,right?"

"Morig! Don't swear so much." Serpensorcia told her sharply.

"How about fuck off?" The harpy sounded almost pleasant.

"Friend Huh."Serpensorcia looked down her long nose at her cousin, trying not to smile. "And as for does Hessan know about me? Do you mean the magic bit? Well of course he does! I couldn't very well pretend to be a Muggle could I?" She looked horrified. "We're talking about doing some traveling to his time, and working on mixing magic with science." She shrugged. "But Daddy isn't really feeling it, so."

The harpy roared with more laughter. "feeling...it...like...that... Sounds like her father's fucking owl. She's started talking like her Daddy's fucking owl." She doubled over with howls of amusement.

ASHLEIGH AND BILLY

Ashleigh would have protested.

But then, he was alrady in a deep pile of guilt.

So he really was actually okay when Billy enthusiastically dragged him over to the table to join Louis' friends.

"I recognize your last name. Snape? As in Severus Snape?"

Suddenly Ashleigh was, not only in guilt, but regret.

/Snape?? Another one? I thought I was free!!/

"Oh! Are you related to Proffessor Snape?" Billy inquired, smiling buyontly at Serpensorcia.

SERPENSORCIA

Serpensorcia glared at the students wondering if they were before or after Potter time. "I'm his daughter, and said by most to be just like him."She smirked happily, enjoying the expressions that would surely follow this. "Daddy is precious isn't he?"

JESSICA

Jessica saw the smirk on Serpensorcia's face and smiled. "I thought that Uncle Snape was the best teacher at Hogwarts. I wish he could be teaching here." She smiled knowing she had just started playing the game Serpensorcia had begun and was loving it.

BILLY, ASHLEIGH AND OBSCURE

Obscure hicupped.

"Yes! Snape was such a good teacher, you know--a bit tense and all, but he definitely knew his stuff!" Billy smiled, grinning from ear to ear. "I mean, sure, nice teachers are always cool, but not when they're total ditzes who don't know anything! Especially not like that Umbridge lady, or that proffessor that the older years talked about...Hum, what was his name.." Billy snapped her fingers in frustration, trying to remember.

Ashleigh frowned.

"Lockheart."

"Lockheart! Right, that guy...ew, yuck. He sure is not as pretty as you, darling" Billy kissed Ashleigh on his cheek--

"Stop that!" Ashleigh tensed up, backing away-- "

Aah, ah, coy--my twin brother is always so modest, don't you think?" Billy asked, turning to Serpensorcia. "I think he admired Lockheart--"

"HEY! NOT LIKE THAT!" T

TITANIA

Titania blinked.

/Hum..those weird twins left./

She cracked her knuckles, and looked over at the lady they were talking to--

/Eh? That's Proffessor Snape's daughter, isn't she? Albus always said she had the good points of her father.../

Titania flushed, suddenly feeling depressed.

/No! I can't think of him right now! He's in France! Not here!/Titania thought to herself, knocking her head with her hands. /I have to make new friends now.../

Titania sighed. She stood up from the table, and looked over to where the proffessors were....

*twitch*

Titania still could NOT believe that her mother was here. Of all things...Ugh.

She frowned, and folded her arms over her chest--

"Huff...I refuse to get sidetracked! I shall have a splendiferous year, jsut to spite her! Hah!"

SERPENSORCIA

Serpensorcia laughed. "Daddy wouldn't leave that blasted school of his. Mum still doesn't know why, and sometimes I think neither does he."

LAURAINA

Lauraina had become tired. The feasting was long past finished, and the dancing had been going on for quite a while. Merlin and his lady wife had long left, and most of the only ones left dancing were the faerie folk. The goblins were creatures of the night as well, but Lauraina had done with the dance for now. Getting away from the 2 kindly faerie males had been hard, but now she was finally sitting alone watching Cassandra being held in a close embrace by her Greek commander as they watched the water. She tried not to feel alone. This year would be busy after all, and many things would change for her.

FRIC

"And where is your giant friend,Titania?"Fric asked from behind her. He still held Maeb in his arms from their most recent dance, but reluctantly let her go to bow to his daughter. "I did tell you to give him an invite after all. Shall you give your old father a dance then?"

JESSICA

"Its getting late and we should really be getting to bed. Serpensorcia what is your house? I'm in Fire." Jessica said as she yawned. She looked around and saw everyone was leaving.

BILLY AND OBSCURE

Billy hugged Obscure closer, and looked around. Indeed, people were beginning to leave--

"Hum...I'm just sad that I couldn't meet the proffessor for Necromancy ahead of time. Where were they, anyways?" Billy asked, pursing her lips with disappointment.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh groaned.

"Whatever--I'm off to find someone else in the Air House...'cuz I don't know how to get to where I need to go" He nodded, and then brusquely turned to Louis--

"What house are you in?"

This was his first attempt to talk to Louis ever since he gave him the cold shoulder earlier. One could tell that Ashleigh was trying really hard to be...ah...not the arsehole he was earlier. It was all written on his face.

UBBILLY AND OBSCURE

Billy looked on in happiness...

/Finally, he's getting somewhere!/

:The shidderwinks...the shidderwhumps...and the foambats are razed...:

Billy frowned once again.

/Obscure, you are no poet./

TITANIA

Titania jumped with surprise, and then turned and looked at her father.

Her eyes started to feel...itchy. Yes, itchy.

"P..Poppa...Albus is in France, with his mum..."

Titania wiped her eyes, and sniffled.

AILE

Just as Jessica finnished her narrarative, Aile, her close friend and fellow Educator came rushing up to her, out of breath and dropping to her knees infront of her. "Oh dearest...friend..." Aile panted, out of breath. "Where is that accursed brother of yours? I MUST speak with him at once!" she sputtered angrily, glancing at Louis with an airy look.

LOUIS

Louis turned to Ashleigh when he asked which house he was in. "Earth house," he smiled at Ashleigh. He leaned over to him "And you were not being an asshole, ever. I consider you a friend and I hope we can build on that - friendship." He gave Billy a stern glance when he said the word 'friendship'. "Okey, Ashleigh? I mean, I'm finding it a bit confusing here also. I'm not used to having any company besides Keats and my maker,so I;ve been making mistakes all night!! But, so far, at least I hope, no one hates me." He glanced at Jessica, still not understanding why she had fled from him. He noticed another girl with Jessica, looking at him curiously. He smiled at her. He turned to Jessica and her friends. "Well, I'm off. Just going to collect Keats. Ashleigh and I have to first find our houses." He waited to see if Jessica would walk with him, or say goodnight.

SERPENSORCIA

"I ended up for some reason in water."Serpensorcia sighed. "I'd wanted fire, and I hope that water has not to do with divining, as I'm not that good at it." She chuckled. "Not as bad as Mum and Dad, but nevertheless, not so good. I'll have to try to find the water house then."

"Should be easy enough."The harpy said taking to the air.

FRIC

"OH, Dear!"Fric hugged his daughter, and pulled her in to the dance, so she would not have to be embarrassed by her tears.

"Well can he not see his mother in the summers? I mean look at the opportunity he'd have here! Not every wizard is allowed here."

JESSICA

"Well I'll see you tomorrow. By the way what is your Major?"

BILLY (AND OBSCURE)

Billy had already stood up to leave, but after hearing that Serpensorcia was in water...

She sat back down.

She hardly thought that water did much with divinations--afterall, she was entering Necromancy.

Billy merely grinned at Louis as he glared back at her, and stuck out her tongue.

:Ouwoah, my SUN-Shi-hine, on a murrkey day-yay...:

Billy winced, but ignored Obscure for a bit to listen to the two girls.

ASHLEIGH

Ashleigh smiled.

"Thanks, Louis--I'm warnin' ya right now, though, that I'm not swappin' vampire stories" he bursted, and then slapped Louis on the back--

"Cuz who needs to hear those, anyways?"

TITANIA

Titania took out a hankie and blew.

Oh, Poppa--he *sniffle* wanted to *sniff* go...'cuz he *hic* gets to work with his *sniff* father and mother toge--*hic*-ether, you know...they're setting up a *sniff* reserve in France for all *sniff* sorts of beasts that are usually *hic* too dangerous for normal wizards...But the three *hic* half-giants are *sniff* perfect for the job, and Albus *sniff* has always loved animals...*sniffle*"

Titania wiped her eyes again, and blew her hankie again.

"I...it just hurts me, I *hic* guess.."

LOUIS

Louis laughed at Ashleigh's comment about swapping vampire stories. "The only ones I know are already in books, come on my friend, let's get some sleep. And poor Obscure really needs some attention, I can see."

Louis whispered to Ashleigh: "Is Billy in your house? We should walk her if she's not."

Louis gathered up Keats in his arms, and started heading out of the banquet hall. He wondered who was in his House. All he knew was he had a room of his own, which was a blessing in disguise. He looked around for Celeste, as he wanted to say good-night to her.

ASHLEIGH

"Errr...no, actually. I missed the Water bandwagon by a few hours, so I'm in Air" Ashleigh said, a bit put out by having to walk his sister to her house. "Besides, I think she's found someone else--"

Ashleigh pointed at Billy...sitting down...listening to Serpensorcia and the other girl.

...

"Um, what's that other girl's name again?" he whispered into Louis' ear, "I'm never good with names"

SERPENSORCIA AND BILLY

Necromancy."Serpensorcia told her. "Unless I find myself better at something else. Work with the dead, can be profitable, though, and Mum taught me about bone magic." Her harpy was moving off in search of water house, and she moved after her.

Billy followed after--

"Hey, Miss Serpensorcia? We share a house and a Major! My name's Billy Strauss" Billy stated excitedly, still holding Obscure close

Serpensorcia stopped, and smiled slightly. "Then do you happen to know where it is?"

Billy smiled, and Obscure hiccuped.

Sure do! It's located on the East side of the campus--it's the cardinal direction that Water gets its influence from, afterall" Billy supplemented. "We just have to make a turn that way"--Billy pointed down a different hallway, "And that should lead us to the Water House."

MERLIN AND NYMUE

Merlin knocked upon the man's door while the moon still hung in the sky. He had a potion from the greatest Potions master in the land that would allow the vampire to walk in the sun in order for him to learn here along with everyone else. He'd made it with the assistance of his daughter, and Merlin had faith that it would do its job. One sip a day, the man had promised. Nymue stood behind her husband in the shadows, her one eye staring at the vampire's door.

LOUIS, KEATS, MERLIN, NYMUE

Louis groaned,he was just getting to sleep after tossing and turning for hours. :Ya, no kidding. I got kicked off the bed so many times I've taken it upon myself to make this chair my home: Keats mumbled, curling around with his back to Louis. "Sorry, Keats," Louis mumbled, snuggling back down under the covers. He heard an incessant banging. "Who is doing construction at this hour?" he thought, then sat up quickly. Someone was knocking on his door? Jessica? He hoped so, she hadn't even said goodnight to him. "Yes?" he said, scrambling out of his bed, smoothing out his nightshirt. Holding his tangled hair out of his face, Louis looked around for his slippers. "Damn," he swore. The voice that answered his was not Jessica, but Merlin. Louis froze. "Oh, no, I'm dead. Somebody said something." he worried to himself. Then felt even colder. What if Lestat had come for him? Would they let him in here? Celeste had told him they would not, but Lestat had his ways....Still holding his hair back from his face, one slipper on, Louis cautiously opened the door.

"Hello, sir. Ma'am," he nodded to Merlin's wife. "Come in, please. Is s-something wrong?" He noticed Merlin was holding a bottle in his hand, Louis looked at the bottle, then at the Head Master. It didn't look too serious, for Merlin didn't look at all angry. Louis was still nervous.

"Just a potion from one of the best potion masters around that shallow you to see the sunrise and set. Otherwise keeping up with classes shall be quite the challenge." He smiled slightly, but Nymue smirked at the vampire.

Louis accepted the bottle gratefully. He was impressed that Merlin had considered him at all. "Thank you most kindly, sir. Thank you. I can get through the days, but it does cause me pain, and discomfort. This will certainly help." He looked to Merlin with awe, still overwhelmed that he had taken the time to speak to him at all, no matter look out for his general welfare. "Thank you, sir." Keats wandered into the hallway, winding around Merlin's ankles and trilling. Anything kind done to his master was always noted from the little black cat.

"You look guilty, what have you done?" Merlin's wife, Nymue, addressed him, looking scornful.

Louis stared at her, the moment gone. "Uh, I don't know. I always look, out of place, kind of - off. I don't know. To my knowledge I have done nothing, but I'm not used to being around others." Louis stared at the floor, confused.

Keats looked at Nymue :He's done nothing, leave him alone! Ask the other students if he's done anything, I can guess what the answer will be: Keats growled and returned to sit by Louis' feet.

"Keats, leave it alone." Louis mumbled.

Merlin rubbed the cat's head before he returned to his master.

"You've a true friend there, and those are rare." The old man smiled slightly.

Nymue's sharp eye looked at the vampire for a long moment before nodding. "A bit of advice for you. Leave your personal life and its issues when and if you are truly seeking to learn." With that she was gone.

"Are you needing anything else?" Merlin asked. "If you've any questions about the potion, go to Serpensorcia Snape, and have her deal with it as it came from her father."