[Sandbox] Snippets

[Aethyrium]

[Crash]

 

Character Name: Meena Tor
Date | Time: 10.12.1322 | Evening
Location: Onyx Dorm
Wearing: Black leather miniskirt, knee high black boots, snuggly fitting white turtle neck sweater and long fur coat.
Tagging | Mentioning: Haimehen | Ettinus, Farrah

Meena was positively buzzing with excitement when she followed Ettinus into Gravity's dorm room. Her dorm room. Meena had no idea what to wear to something like this.

How formal or informal it would be, but she knew she wanted to look cute when meeting her new team members. First impressions were important. Meena had spent hours going through her clothing, much of which was in one large pack and the rest tossed in bags tied to said pack, which thankfully had been left outside of the door for now, or she would have looked like the best-dressed peddler Gravity had ever seen. She had spent a solid hour on her hair alone, which curled languidly down her back and shoulders and smelled lightly of raspberry, orange, bergamot, and a hint of cedar and caramel.

She did forego formal dress, going with a leather skirt and boot combo that left her thighs bare to the cold and a snuggly fitting turtleneck sweater. The skirt was made with Silenus in mind and had a buttoned cut out that allowed her long, sinewy tail with its delightful tuft of tip hair room to swish in counterbalance to her hips. Her long coat kept her bare legs warm enough in the cold evening air to make the travel from the Eastern Quarter to the Academy bearable. Hanging over one arm was a large leather satchel with all of her medical supplies carefully tucked into a multitude of pockets and pouches. Out of place, but not out of fashion, the enormous chuck of green arcanite that was Heart of the Mountain was slung across her back.

While her bags were left momentarily outside of the room, she carried five potted plants in her arms, nestled snuggly against her chest: Feverfew, Ginseng, Goldenseal, Chamomile, and her most recent addition, a Leandrin's Rose.

It wasn't until the moment of introductions that Meena had any clue as to the direct circumstances of her and Vesper's admittance into the school. The fact that one student had left was not much of a surprise. It was the very reason Sumina encouraged her to stick around Onyx instead of returning home. However, the fact that one of the team was missing was a revelation that shook Meena out of her self-absorbed elation to really look at the others in the room and sense that her enthusiasm was not exactly shared by all.

Not ideal, but not something she could help either. She was still over the moon being here, even if the circumstances were…unfortunate. When Ettinus paired Meena with Farrah, she gave the solidly built young woman a big grin and a thumbs up, almost losing her grip on the pots in her hand momentarily.

'Hoo, that was close,' she thought.

Ettinus's introduction was short, and in moments, Meena was standing in her new dorm…and the silence was awkward, to say the least.

"Howdy, ya'll. I'm Meena," she offered with a friendly smile before deliberately approaching her new partner, Farrah. However, her new team leader cut her off, and she pulled up short. She looked at Haim's extended hand and down at the armload of potted plants.

"Hold that thought, Cap-ee-tan," she said with a slightly embarrassed look and hustle-shuffled over to the bunk she would be sharing with Farrah, setting the pots down on top of the recently cleared desk, not even realizing how it might look to Farrah, just taking over Mila's space like that. She gave Farrah a quick wink.

"I'll be right back, Marshmallow," she said, straightening her outfit as she rushed back to meet her new team leader. Meena extended a hand down towards the diminutive (to her) Haimehen.

"Thank you. Thrilled to be here. Really. I can't wait to get started."

Despite the tense vibe of the room, Meena's enthusiasm bubbled again to the point of overflowing, and she shook Haimehen's hand much longer than was necessary. 

"Oh gods, I don't think I will get any sleep tonight," she admitted with a laugh before glancing down at his mending leg. " I might have something to help with that in my pack if you would like?" 

[Envious]

Character Name: Farrah Tinkerspan
Date | Time: 10.12.1322 | Evening
Location: Dorm
Wearing: Uniform; earrings as pictured
Tagging | Mentioning: Meena | Group


...continued from...

A hopeful and nervous energy had made Farrah pace while awaiting the arrival at the Headmaster. This had to be to share news of Mila! Had they uncovered more information? Found Crimson Jackals? Had Mila escaped? She wanted to ask her teammates what they thought. Her mouth opened and closed as she fought indecision to include them in her turmoil, but she knew from experience that hope was a fickle thing. Some things hurt worse when named aloud and she knew this would be one of them. The silence that hung in the air after a disappointing answer was suffocating. She knew from experience. The disorientation she had suffered had driven her to the absurd in retaliation against a cruel and unfair fate. She was not brave enough to endure it again. If she didn't ask, she was less invested. If she were less invested, she could dull the impact.

When the door opened, her breath hitched in her throat. She held it as bright, golden eyes followed the Headmaster and two newcomers.

Two newcomers with suitcases.

She could feel something in her brain forever changing as she tuned out Ettinus. For some reason, she couldn't manage to turn her head. It was a full-body experience as she turned fully to Haimehen. Did he see what was happening, too?

Replacements.

She turned back to the trio in time to hear the assignments. “Farrah, you will take Meena. And you will be called squad… MoFeTTe.” Ettinus glanced to Haim, “So Haimehen and Vesper will partner, and become squad… aCHIeVE.”

And here it was. The silence after a disappointing answer threatening to suffocate her. Warmth was leaving her body as she struggled to process what was happening. This felt like giving up. This felt like accepting the loss of Mila. But they were still looking - she knew Ettinus had said it - so maybe it wasn't giving up? But what would Mila have to come back to if her slot on the team was taken? The questions she didn't want to ask and answers she didn't want to hear threatened to pile up. Her brain shut down and she operated on auto-pilot.

"Cool." Her voice was flat and she gave a vacant, mechanical smile to Meena. She moved to her bunk when her new partner moved to the desk. "Top is yours." She pat the mattress. The smile was still frozen to her face. "Welcome to you both. Well, I'll leave ya both to unpack. Then maybe I can-" her smile twitched as she looked everywhere except a person, "show you around campus." It was an offer Farrah would never follow up on.

She gave a full-arc rainbow of a wave and the exaggerated gesture normally would have fit Farrah. It did not at this moment. Were people still talking? She wasn't sure. The headmaster had said they were still looking. She didn't want to tell him to look harder. Look better. Send Meena and Vesper while they were at it. Send the whole damn school! At least send her to look.

Because that had worked so well the last time.

That broke her heart a little, but it wasn't fair to cry here. It wasn't Meena's fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. But it still sucked. She walked out the door.

[Aethyrium]

Character Name: Marlowe “Lolo” Ashe
Date | Time: October 12th | Evening
Location: Hammer Academy - gRAVIty Dorm
Wearing: Red and black suit
Tagging | Mentioning: Meena, Vesper | Haimehen, Farrah, Lyra
Lolo hadn’t been sure what to make of the summons when they had happened. They didn’t really inconvenience her, so much as she was prepared for bad news. But what she got wasn’t bad news, just… Different news. The headmaster introduced them, and Lolo looked over the two newcomers. When Ettinus’ introductions got to Lolo, unlike her teammates, she managed a real smile and even offered the two new ones a big wave.

She’d have been the first to greet them, but since Haim was moving, she was excited to see him actually take an interest. At least until he started talking. Could he have been any more robotic? She frowned a little, even though what he said about her tetris-skills was grin worthy… And accurate.

Whilst Meena got her plants situated, Lolo got up from the lounge and approached Vesper. “I like your eyes.” She winked, “Feel free not to keep them to yourself.” Lolo stepped out of the way so he could see the bed that Haim was pointing at. Not that she really believed anyone was going to be going to bed right then.

Farrah managed to disappoint her too, with the way she treated them both. Dismissively? Was this really that bad? Wasn’t being short so much worse? Marlowe grimaced, watching the tall elf wander off. Marlowe wanted to make that better, but she didn’t know how. And how would three of four of the new people vanishing on them look to poor Meena and Vesper? Lolo glanced at Lyra. As much as she adored her partner, she weighed the chances of Lyreilynn playing welcoming host to their new teammates being somewhere between ice water staying cold in hell and her wearing sneakers - which was to say, not at all.

“Well,” Lolo clapped her hands, then gripped the inside of her blazer. “Don’t mind them.” She offered both a smile and tugged on it. “You can call me Lolo.” She stepped toward Meena, “I like your plants.” Marlowe shrugged in their direction, then eyeballed the taller-than-Farrah woman up and down, “And the rest of you.” Oh that swishing tail sure gave her thoughts.

Pivoting some, so that she was welcoming both of them, Lolo opened her arms and gestured, “Come on, I’ll help you get your stuff put away.” If they didn’t want her help, so be it, but Lolo wasn’t felt more than a little obligated to be the face that gravity was so sorely lacking at the moment.

[Crash]

Character Name: Meena Tor
Date | Time: 10.12.1322 | Evening
Location: Onyx Dorm
Wearing: Black leather miniskirt, knee high black boots, snuggly fitting white turtle neck sweater and long fur coat.
Tagging | Mentioning: Lolo (Vesper maybe?) | Farrah

Well, introductions so far have been less than ideal for Meena. Maybe it was the pain from the broken leg, but even her team leader's attempts at humor had felt somewhat flat, and the idea that they should all just head off to bed for a class that didn't start until eight in the morning seemed crazy to Meena. 

Her would-be partner, Farrah, had worn such a plastic smile when she greeted her that she might as well have been a mannequin. The woman could not have been quicker to vacate the room. Meena could forgive a pretty face for a lot, but that was just rude. Meena had just watched her new partner retreat from the room, nibbling her lip in concern and consternation. 

So yeah. Less than stellar. So much for first impressions.

Meena thought, turning around to find herself face to face or, more like, Marlow's face to Meena's chest, but that wasn't exactly unusual for Meena. She was taller than most, and she had a great rack. At least the vision in crimson and black that she would come quickly to know as "Lolo" Ashe had a pleasant smile.

"Thank you," Meena replied. It was always lovely when someone complimented her plants, and she rewarded her teammate with a bright and open smile. If Lolo thought her open admiration of Meena would be somehow off-putting, she was wholeheartedly incorrect. 

"Awwwww, Thank you," Meena said with genuine sincerity and a surprised reddening of her cheeks. "Aren't you just sweet," she added, turning a little from one side to the other to let Lolo really appreciate her a little more. Meena's tail swished in delight at the woman's compliment. 

"I absolutely love your hair." Fingers could get absolutely lost in curls like those. Best to let thoughts like that pass. She could always ruminate on them later. However, There was no harm in letting her eyes wander a little…for later. "And the rest of you," Meena added with a teasing smirkity-smirk.

"Oh, that would be amazing. Thank you!" Meena answered, hooking one arm into Lolo's and the other into Vesper's and heading towards the many bags she would need to store. Meena leaned over to stage whisper in Lolo's ear. "He has amazing eyes, doesn't he?" Meena looked at Vesper and gave him a grin. Whether she had heard Lolo's early comment or was playfully making the same observation wasn't clear or important, really.

"Oh. Wait. I almost forgot." Meena dropped their arms briefly and opened the satchel to find her phone. "We have to take a first-day picture! Get close." She directed and held the phone out to snap a quick selfie of the trio. "Give me your number, and I will send it to you," Meena offered before uploading it to her socials.

#Team gRAVIty

[Crash]

Character Name: Meena Tor
Date | Time: 10.12.1322 | Evening
Location: Onyx Dorm
Wearing: Black leather miniskirt, knee high black boots, snuggly fitting white turtle neck sweater and long fur coat.
Tagging | Mentioning: Lyra | Lolo

It took a while for Meena to put all her things away, even with Lolo's help. It would have gone faster if Lolo hadn't been an outrageous flirt or if Meena hadn't been more than willing to reciprocate in kind. She might not be quite as overt as Lolo, but Meena absolutely loved the friendly (and more than friendly) banter her new teammate provided. It was a nice change from the stiff formality and cold shoulders the others had given her. Meena wanted to know why but was smart enough to figure this was not the right time to ask. 

The only problem Meena had was trying to sus out how serious Lolo really was with her flirtations. Some of them seemed downright bold. That wasn't really a problem for Meena. Other than an active imagination and a vigorous finger, it had been…too long since she had someone to share a bed with. Still, it was not something she would press right away or at all. Everything was still so new. She liked Lolo.  Loved the innuendo and the teasing. It was fun, felt natural, and was appreciated. The women seemed to have much in common, which was so much more important now than anything else. 

When she was settled, and Lolo had moved on to see to another member of the team, Meena finally approached the diminutive elven woman who had, for much of the evening, been sitting in her bunk. Lolo's had talked about Lyreilynn a little. Enough that Meena could tell she was concerned about her in some capacity and that she cared for her.   

"Lyreilynn?" Meena had to crouch down to drop to the level of the lower bunk and was thankful Farrah had taken that space to herself in theirs. "Lolo mentioned you had been partnered up. She speaks very highly of you," she said, glancing at the dark-haired woman.

"I just wanted to come by and say hello. I'm Meena of the…" Meena often forgot the shortening of her name that had occurred once she had reached Ruby and its academy. "You need a last name," they said. "We can't register you without a last name," they said.

"I'm Meena Tor, and I am honored to be your teammate," Meena said sincerely. "If there is any way I can help with anything. Just ask." She crouched there momentarily in case Lyra wanted to say anything before he smiled warmly and said her goodbyes, gravitating to anyone who seemed open to conversation.   

[shengami]

Character Name: Haimehen
Date Oct. 12 | Time: Evening (~6p.m.)|
Location: gRAVIty Dorms
Wearing: Sweatpants and white tee
Tagging: CLOSED | Mentioning: Lolo, Meena, Lyra |
Haim plucked at his white tee and rolled over in his bunk. He hadn't pulled the curtain closed, though he'd intended to. It was the view. The view was too tempting. that was it. It was hard to tell who was knocking it out of the park more thoroughly: Lolo or the new girl. From a purely objective point of view, they were both ridiculously attractive. He'd been flirting in a similar manner with Lolo since day one.

He smirked as he recalled that it had been slightly in defense of Lyra back then. The way the smaller woman squeaked and shied from the more aggressive woman, Haim had sort of wanted to provide another outlet for that energy. Except Marlowe had had enough energy to cross swords with him and still fluster Lyra, Namid, Farrah, and Mila. She was insatiable. The new one seemed on par.

He flipped onto his back a bit more loudly than needed and plucked at his white tee. Haim had been laying abed all day. Hard to do more with a busted foot. He recalled that an offer had been made to look at it. The smells coming off Meena's bag had broadcast their contents. he was no expert, but that seemed a useful addition to their group. Namid had been a regenerator, but a team member adept at medicine and healing was a definite plus. She also dressed to Lolo's levels and that made three of them. He was feeling the pressure. Other than his uniform, everything he owned was old, worn, hand-me-down, or sentimental. Haim had always preferred clothes with connections to his past. Subtle reminders of those who loved him. He crossed his ankles, hissed, then uncrossed them.

He sat up to rub at the ankle his cast had abused and then flopped back. The constant nattering on about clothes, plants, and stashing things was annoying. He definitely didn't want to join. He turned his back to the opening in his curtain, once Namid's curtain, and grumped. Getting close was just another mistake. Lolo would sort them out; he needed to keep his distance. He leaned over and snapped his curtain shut and pulled out his phone to surf pictures of his sister and Nici.

[shengami]

Character Name: Haimehen
Date Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, Weapons
Tagging: Vesper, OPEN | Mentioning: Farrah, Meena |
The day had been interesting. It had been long. After that morning's little tête-a-tête with Lolo, Haim had been trying. Last night, he'd been dead set on keeping his distance. Maybe it was a few days' distance from Dazzle and Dust, maybe it was Lolo's influence, but he was trying. He pursed his lips and watched the team move through their practice. His leg itched. He wanted to be out there. He watched Farrah moved through some melee maneuvers and his leg itched even more. He wanted to keep up the practice they had started. His gaze shifted to Meena and he hummed. Perhaps he ought to speak with her about soem herbal treatments? The revelation of the Unity games and the lighting of the spark of participation had been an interesting thing. He wanted it for his team; more, he wanted to lead them to it. Even her.

He smirked and wondered that people he'd met literally two weeks ago had wormed their way into his heart that fast. He grinned and wondered what Connie, or even Nici, would say?

He let his gaze drift to where his new partner was shooting trap and grunted. Swinging the crutches, he made his way over. As a clay pigeon came off the machine, he quick drew Feu and and shattered it with a standard cartridge. Breaking the weapon open, he smirked sideways at the man, "Sorry about all the drama and distance. We're.. we're all coming off a bad day. The worst day. But you shouldn't need to deal with it. And a friend of mine suggested that it might not be a bad thing... anyway, fresh start?" Haim extended his hand awkwardly with the crutches to Vesper. "I'm Haim. Reluctant team leader. And I see that you might almost be as good a shot as I am. Have you used a blackpowder weapon before?" He flipped Feu end for end and offered the pistol to the other man.

[Aethyrium]

Character Name: Marlowe “Lolo” Ashe
Date | Time: October 8th | Afternoon
Location: Hammer Academy - Hallways
Wearing: White ruffle turtleneck long sleeve, black choker, black corset overtop, White and black patterned open front skirt, knee high lace up heeled boots, mid-thigh black stockings, fedora with black rose
Tagging | Mentioning: Farrah | Lyra
With the revelations of the night before with Lyra, Marlowe was finally feeling like she was in a place to try and deal with Farrah. She’d waited until Farrah wandered out of the dorm on her own, and moments later, after excusing herself from Namid and Lyra, followed her out into the halls. “Hey, wait up!” She called.

Intentionally or because she hadn’t heard, Farrah didn’t stop. Lolo groaned a little and jogged down the halls until she was walking in step with Farrah. “Hey! As much as I appreciate your legs, mind slowing down?” She reached for Farrah’s hand. “Come on, we were just talking about having babies like, not even a week ago.” That earned a weird look from another pair of students walking the opposite direction of them. Lolo didn’t pay it any mind. “I know you don’t want to walk away from me.” She turned her head up at Farrah, offering a big grin.

[Aethyrium]

Character Name: Marlowe “Lolo” Ashe
Date | Time: October 12th | Evening
Location: Hammer Academy - gRAVIty Dorm
Wearing: Red and black suit
Tagging | Mentioning: Meena |
Everyone here - and everywhere, really - reacted to Lolo’s admiration differently. The team was mostly cold to lukewarm about it. Lolo hadn’t been terribly bothered by that, but it sure was nice to have someone who seemed to appreciate it more openly. She loved getting those little reactions, like the deeping shade of Meena’s cheeks. She was sure there was a witty response to being sweet, but she couldn’t come up with and gave up trying within seconds. Compliments and flattery went far with Lolo, and her hair was a prized feature, so Meena earned herself a little pose and Lolo grabbing some and twirling it, “Well, I try.” She grinned.

“Absolutely.” She was surprised, but only just for a moment, at Meena’s carefree physicality - no one else on gravity was that free. It was delightful! As if she had never noticed, Lolo turned her head up toward Meena’s lips and then looked back over her shoulder at Vesper, “He does!” That got her to turn back and peer into Meena’s, “And yours basically glitter.” Those little flecks of brown were everything!

No one else had wanted to take a first day picture! It wasn’t something Lolo would have ever thought to do, until it was brought up. She needed a picture with Lyra. And they all needed one together. That went onto the agenda in the back of her brain - where it would probably get lost and forgotten. Marlowe leaned into Meena and beamed as bright as she could, laughing happily once it was taken. It was nice to have some life in the dorm again. “Oh sure.” She rattled off her reception-code for Meena.

As they passed into the room and put some distance between the immediate arrival, Lolo looked over at Haim’s bunk, which was all sheltered off with his closed curtain. “So,” She looked back at Meena, “I definitely would have noticed someone like you at the announcement ceremony.” Because she was tall? Or because she was hot? Por que no los dos?! “Where’d you come from? Are you and Vesper…” She trailed off, tilting her head, leaving the questions open ended enough for Meena to fill in the details.

[FyreFoxx]

Character Name: Lyreilynn "Lyra" Xyrven Myalis
Date | Time: October 12th | Evening
Location: Hammer Academy - gRAVIty Dorm
Wearing: Long white wrap dress with embellished blue embroidered hems and matching wide cloth belt, white embroidered slip-ons
Tagging | Mentioning: Meena | Haim, Vesper, Lolo

It had been a hell of a few days since last Friday happened. Everything had gone completely wrong, and it ended with an interrogation that was little more than a recounting of the evening’s events. A second hashing of it had been to Marlowe the following evening, after everyone else seemed to be avoiding her. Well, Haimehen excluded, as he was cooped up in the hospital. Farrah had shut down mentally. Namid had retreated in on herself, until she crumbled. They didn’t find out that she had decided to leave until Wednesday, a day after the timid girl had decided to leave the academy without telling any one of her now former teammates.
 
Now, it was Thursday afternoon and the remaining four members of Gravity – Haimehen had returned to the team at last – were gathered by their mentor Shir and ushered back to their dorm, only to be met by the headmaster and two new squires. A very, very tall Silenus woman and an almost equally as tall human male. As they were each introduced to the newcomers, Lyra gave a nod of her head when her name was called, fingers curling into the fabrics of her skirts as she held them up and to the sides, dipping slightly in a curtesy. “Call me Lyra,” she offered with a smile, but the expression did not reach her eyes. “Welcome to Gravity.”
 
Her silvery gaze was first drawn to the woman, Meena, taking in her horns and the swish of a tail behind her, before looking over at the man, Vesper, on the opposite side of the headmaster. What really caught her attention were his eyes, the way the amber reminded her of the sun over the sandy dunes of her homeland. Sure, the sun here was the same one as back home, but there was just something about the way it looked shining over the vast deserts of Unovia. Blinking rapidly once she realized she was staring, Lyra cleared her throat, inclined her head in a short polite bow, and excused herself from the group. Haimehen made been made team leader in Namid’s absence and he was already taking charge of the situation. With his avoidance of her since his return, she was sure that all she’d be doing would be getting in the way if she lingered any longer.
 
Instead, she retreated to her bunk in the far corner of the sleeping area. Haimehen had originally had the bottom bunk next to her, but with Namid leaving and everything else, he had swapped to the top bunk. Likely to get further away from her, with the way he even avoided looking in her direction if he could help it. Lyra wasn’t blind nor oblivious to the contempt he held towards her. The tension was so thick one could cut it with a knife. Still, because of that, she kept her distance from him as well. She had no intention of stirring that pot. Some wounds were better left to heal on their own, after all.
 
So when a shadow fell over her lap, where she had her journal out and was scribbling notes in it, the small elf looked up at the towering figure of Meena leaning down to talk to her with a bit of surprise. “Oh, hello. Yes, Marlowe is my partner. I am sure she has said… a lot of things.” There was a small smile that graced her lips, but like before, it didn’t quite match the look in her eyes. “Lyra Myalis, as you heard earlier. A pleasure. I will be sure to, to keep that in mind. Your offer.” Again, a smile. Again, not reaching her eyes. She was civil and pleasant, but she felt distant. “I am sure you will be an asset to Gravity.”
 
She waved her hand towards the lockers just past the door of the sleeping quarters. “Please, do not let me keep you from settling in.” There was a pause as she let her hand fall back to her lap, placing the ribbon attached to her journal between the pages she was working on before gently closing it, then a gentle sigh. “I saw that you brought some plants with you. Could I ask what they were called? I did not get a good look, but at least one or two looked familiar.”

[Crash]

Character Name: Meena Tor
Date | Time: 10.12.1322 | Evening
Location: Onyx Dorm
Wearing: Black leather miniskirt, knee high black boots, snuggly fitting white turtle neck sweater and long fur coat.
Tagging | Mentioning: Lolo

Little did Lolo know that giving Meena her reception-code would mean an inundation of selfies, texts, and emoji strings. Meena had embraced social media like she had embraced fashion, with the whole-hearted enthusiasm of a child cannonballing the deep end of a pool.
 
Meena shouldered an impressive load of trash bags that held her entire wardrobe as they walked into the area that would be her communal bedroom. Her only other luggage was an old larch wood trunk, a large backpack, and her medical kit.

Meena noted Lolo’s drifting gaze but was not versed enough in team dynamics to know what it meant, so she filled it away for later. Finding her bunk, Meena dropped her trash bags to the floor and found a chair to sit in so she could start polling out clothes and folding them.

“I hear you are a sorceress when it comes to packing. Any suggestions would be mighty appreciated,” she asked. There was a flicker of something across Meena’s face when Lolo mentioned the ceremony, which took away from the teasing intonation of Lolo’s words. She would rather not have to tell her new team that she wasn’t good enough to make the cut, which was why she hadn’t been there.

“Really? Because I definitely notice you at the exams,” Meena said, looking at the cutest little button-down lemon-yellow blouse she had pulled from the bag. She liked to tie the loose ends in the summer to show off her belly.

The follow-up question elicited a wonderful little belly laugh. 

“Are we what? Together?” She asked, looking over to the young man she had only just met recently. “Would that disappoint?” Meena inquired, mischief causing those orange eyes to truly sparkle. She shook her head, and waves of silver danced about her shoulders.

“No. We are not a thing. I mean. I wouldn’t be opposed to it,” Meena answered with a shrug. “He’s delicious. But we are definitely not a thing.” Meena hadn’t had “a thing” for some time, if she was being completely honest, and it was a darn shame.

“Since we are on the topic,” Meena said, continuing to pull out clothes and fold them. She wasn’t even trying to be innocent in her questioning now that they were away from the others. “What is the situation here? Any bunk swapping going on I should know about?” She asked. “I would hate to say something wrong or accidentally steal someone else’s girl. Don’t want to cause any…unwanted…friction.” 

Meena was super thankful Lolo was here.  Her open and flirtatious nature was easing some of the awkwardness of the evening and Meena had a feeling that they would be fast friends. This made Meena feel quite warm and fuzzy inside as she settled in for what she hoped would be a very illuminating conversation.

[Envious]

Character Name: Farrah Tinkerspan
Date | Time: October 8th | Afternoon
Location: Hammer Academy - Hallways
Wearing: Uniform; earrings as pictured
Tagging | Mentioning: Lolo |


Like a gnat in the ear, she heard something buzzing incessantly for her attention. She thought she should turn, but it seemed an awful lot like effort and she didn't know if she had the energy for it. She was too focused on putting one foot in front of the other to get to... she didn't quite remember. She blinked, her vacant expression clearing as she focused on Lolo.

"Never walk away from ya," she said without much emotion. Her tone implied there was more to come and she had started with every intention of making a joke. Hadn't they also spoken about the great songs people would sing of them? Farrah already had some heroic deeds under her belt! The words failed to manifest, but the elf had stopped moving. She somehow looked smaller with her shoulders slouched and her head heavy.

"Wouldn't mean to leave ya behind. Mine head in the clouds." She might not have been aware of her word choice, but it sure seemed intentional. Like something on her mind was going to come out whether she wanted it to or not.

[Crash]

Character Name: Meena Tor
Date | Time: 10.13.1322 | Very early morning
Location: Onyx Dorm
Wearing: Pink romper with cute little strawberries on it.
Tagging | Mentioning: None | Lolo

One long chestnut leg partially dangled over the edge of Meena's bunk, revealing a cute, pink, strawberry-covered butt cheek. She wasn't used to sleeping on something so small as the top bunk of a military-style bed. Add that to her general height and frame, and it was inevitable that some portion of Meena's long limbs would hang out of the bed nightly.

Meena was a light sleeper at the best of times, but her first night in a new place made her extra sensitive to the changes around her, even in her sleep. There were so many new sounds and smells that even the slightest change would rouse her into a space that wasn't sleep but wasn't fully awake either. So, when the smell of sweet orange and sandalwood roused her into that liminal space of awake-sleep, she reluctantly creaked open an eyeball partially hidden in the mass of platinum hair across her face. Meena was not a pretty sleeper. Not by a long shot.

Softly padding feet cause an ear to twitch and focus sleepy eyes on the curvaceous body of Marlow Ashe as she treads across the room on her way to what Meena would come to know as Lolo's morning ritual. The ephemeral nature of her mesh chemise and thong left very little to Meena's imagination (and she had an excellent imagination), but it sure as heck chased any hint of remaining sleep away. Meena tracked her movements across the room with not a little admiration at her teammate's figure. Why was everyone here so gosh darn attractive. She wondered. As Lolo padded out of sight, Meena rolled over and gave a sigh to the ceiling. 

"Well. I'm awake now," she said to no one and sat up in her bunk. Thinking it might be a little odd to follow Lolo into the bathroom. After all, they hardly knew one another, and Meena had found other cultures had particularly strange thoughts on nudity. She hardly wished to offend her new teammates' sensibilities. Things were already so tense, so she took the quiet time to mentally prepare for the coming day. When Lolo eventually returned, she looked up from where she was sitting cross-legged on her bed and gave the woman a smile and a wave. 

So began Meena's morning ritual. She set her alarm to the scents of citrus and sandalwood. Enjoyed the view. Greeted her friend on her return.

There were many worse ways to start one's day.

[Intimate Ink]

Character Name: Vesper Cabello
Date | Time: | Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, weapons
Tagging | Mentioning: Haimehen |
There was no denying that Vesper was uncomfortable. Even in the best of circumstances the transition would be difficult: all his life he had been prepared for one path, and yet now he found his heart set on one that had been intended for his brother. This was not the Crescent Swamp that he knew as well as the brush of his own dark hair against his cheeks. These were not the same faces or descendants of faces that he once believed would define his life; he no longer could concern himself with only research and defense of resources and people, but now was to act first rather than rely on contemplation and reaction.

He'd prepared of course, on some level it was a gradual transition, and yet circumstance brought his attention to it. It was like how one might see a photo of a child from two years earlier and then be suddenly struck with the contrasts of the tween that now stood before them. The tension in the air only aided the sense of disorientation. Vesper didn’t begrudge anyone given the circumstances as he understood them, but it was impossible to escape being thought of as a replacement. Vesper replaced Kato, and now Vesper replaced absent members of gRAVIty.

He hadn’t particularly intended to be stoic to Haimehen; given their pairing, it was the last thing that he wanted. Still, Vesper realized he initially came off that way, feeling that he lacked the sort of elegance with words that would make in-roads with the elf. So, he focused on learning and training, trying desperately to not fall into the old role of researching threats and investing energy in defending the people of a town that were now an entire Kingdom away.

Haimehen offering an ease to tension in the form of a peace-talk brought a hesitant, yet relieved breath into Vesper’s chest. He fixed his eyes on Haimehan’s, ”I don’t know if I shouldn’t have to deal with it, but I’ll confess that I don’t know how to.” He paused, correcting himself as he instantly didn’t like how his own words sounded. ”I’m sorry, what I mean to say is that we’ve been paired together. To a degree we’re going to see each other on good days, bad days, and in between. It’s expected.”

Vesper moved to extend his hand in turn, ”Vesper. Team-member that means well but probably hasn’t been the best at showing it. To that degree I… still don’t know what to say. I’m not trying to replace anyone, and frankly I have my own memories of people that I’m trying to compete with, so I am certainly not trying to encroach upon the memories of others.”

Vesper paused, swallowing once before saying in a softer tone. “I’m sorry for your losses. We both want better days than what’s behind us, though, and I have a feeling that will be more likely if I work well with you than not. So, a fresh start is welcome….”

He reached out and accepted the offered weapon, breathing out particularly heavy by way of a subtle chuckle while smiling at the observation he was a good shot. “I have not before… any pointers?” Vesper asked, looking over the pistol with a caress of his thumb.

[shengami]

Character Name: Haimehen
Date Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, Weapons
Tagging: Vesper, OPEN | Mentioning: Farrah, Meena |
Haim chuckled and watched Feu carefully as the other man took it. He was trying not to let on about the grip of tension letting the weapon go had on him. They were heirlooms of his family, represented some of his own unique work, and were the intruments of his retribution. He'd protected the weapons with his own body not once but twice in the incident.

He huffed a long breath and then nodded, "For a start, they are heavier. The end of the barrle will droop. Use the ironsights, line the one in the back up with the one in the front to correct for that. Second, they kick harder than an Rhistritch. The barrle will want to jerk up. The firing mechanism is, after all, a tiny controlled explosion."

He licked his lips and thought through the instructions. Sighing, he drew Fureur off his other hip and broke it open to load a cartridge. "You're new, so don't try to copy the movies and extend your arm. Don't lock your elbow." Haim switched one crutch to the other side and held them out. He planted his booted boot and stood to aim the pistol. "Pull."

He calmly tracked the object and exhaled as he squeezed the trigger. The pigeon exploded. "Stay, calm. Don't fear the bang. Elbow loose, but arm extended and firm. These things are somewhere between forty-five and fifty caliber. But the barrel is short." He broke the weapon open with practiced ease and put the spent cartrige in his belt for reloading. "These used to be muzzle loaders and less reliable. Kicked more, too. But I modified them for carridge ammunition and to break open. There's a unique arcanite firing mechanism in the handle for special custom rounds of my own design as well as a unique manifestation of my Shimmer. I doubt you can work them though." He chuckled lightly and reholstered Fureur. His finger traced the gem in its butt. He had not designed the guns to anyone else's use, but the idea had him intrigued. There was pride in his voice as he spoke of the weapons.

[Aethyrium]

Character Name: Marlowe “Lolo” Ashe
Date | Time: October 8th | Afternoon
Location: Hammer Academy - Hallways
Wearing: White ruffle turtleneck long sleeve, black choker, black corset overtop, White and black patterned open front skirt, knee high lace up heeled boots, mid-thigh black stockings, fedora with black rose
Tagging | Mentioning: Farrah | Lyra
So it was going to be like that yet, huh? The words stung. As if Marlowe had simply decided she was too busy to get Mila. Actually, the words started to tickle her temper. Where the hell was Farrah when Mila was getting booted? Running scared from a building? It wasn’t Mila’s partner that had taken note that she was gone, or tried to get her despite the futility of it. Lolo squeezed the hand she’d nabbed. “If you’ve got something to say…” That string of words was almost certainly the least peppy, most agitated that anyone had heard since they’d all met.

But Farrah was hurting, she knew that. So Marlowe did her best at something she was naturally bad at - holding back her temper as it got sparked. Planting her feet, she held Farrah in place, not releasing her hand. “That’s not what happened.” Marlowe said, eyes closed.

[Aethyrium]

Character Name: Marlowe “Lolo” Ashe
Date | Time: October 12th | Evening
Location: Hammer Academy - gRAVIty Dorm
Wearing: Red and black suit
Tagging | Mentioning: Meena | Haimehen, Namid, Farrah
Well there was nothing that got Lolo quite as excited as being noticed. She grinned wide, flashing Meena a ‘oh really’ glance. She enjoyed the way that the Silenus laughed. That was sufficient to distract her from pursuing that little tidbit more. For now at least.

“Well, or partners. Or…” She shrugged. Who knew, they had come together, and that seemed reason enough to wonder. Blinking, Lolo twisted her gaze up to Meena then nodded, “Well, a little, yeah.”

Lolo grabbed some of Meena’s things, assisting in the storing of them. She really was pretty good at making use of limited space. Fortunately, Meena’s wardrobe seemed to require less hanging than Marlowe’s. Which was actually a nice thing, now that she was thinking about it. “I have an idea…” She padded one storage thing over to hers and pulled it open. “I need more hanger space.” Lolo explained her plan, about them sharing their two closets so they both had more proper space for the things they needed.

The question pulled something between a laugh and a scoff from Lolo’s throat. She glanced back toward the room. “No, I wouldn’t say that.” There wasn’t really any reason to share the way that she thought Haim was looking at Namid with it not being a factor anymore. “I think Lyra has her eyes on that elf-captain from Mockery.” She rolled her eyes. “Haim seems aloof about it in general. Farrah wants babies though, so she might be down for friction. She was supposed to teach me how elves practice before…”

Marlowe quieted a little and pulled out some of her things to transfer over. “We’ve had a rough week.” Lolo looked at Meena and smiled. “Lost some friends. We’re all still… Dealing with that. And trying to process our roles in it.” Deep breath, and Lolo approached, “That’s why all the doom and gloom right now, but it’ll pass.”

[Intimate Ink]

Character Name: Vesper Cabello
Date | Time: | Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, weapons
Tagging | Mentioning: Haimehen |
If Vesper noticed the tension in Haimehen he did not vocalize it. Then again, there had been a tension in everyone – not just Haimehen – since his arrival. Vesper himself would say that what would truly be the odd sight for him is to walk into a room of perfectly relaxed teammates.

He handled Feu carefully, with enough awkwardness to indicate the truth behind his statement, while also moving with the confidence of someone who has handled plenty of other weapons.

Vesper’s amber eyes drew themselves to a target and soon his arm followed. ”It’s a good weight. I expected heavier, if I’m honest. You must be quite skilled to have managed that.” Vesper made an exaggerated moment of telegraphing his firing with an intake of breath and a twitching eye, less because it was natural to him and more that he wanted  the ‘father’ to be able to read the handling of his ‘children’ painfully easily… nothing unexpected going on.

The shot rang out and barreled towards the target. Unsurprising, given the weapon’s foreign nature it was not a perfect shot, yet much like the hammer students themselves read of potential. The smaller kick still jostled Vesper, albeit the reaction could have been half his expectation of a kick than any true force.

”That was a treat, honestly. Thank you, I have hoped to be exposed to more weapons while I was here, after all. I’d even be up to trying the advanced class some time, even if it is not something either of us are sure would work.” For now, as if not wanting to provoke Haimehan’s anxiety of having given it away for too long, he offers Feu quietly back. ’You should be very proud of your work.”

”Are we the only ranged specialists, then?” Perhaps there was a more subtle question about the missing there, but Vesper managed to avoid directly touching upon it. Instead he waited to see if Haimehan chose to pluck up the cautiously laid sub-question.

[shengami]

Character Name: Haimehen
Date Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, Weapons
Tagging: Vesper, OPEN | Mentioning: Farrah, Meena, Lyra, Lolo |
Haim pursed his lips as he took Feu back and then glanced at the group practicing nearby. "Yeees. Namid was a ranged specialist as well, but could scrap in close. Mila could also do both but preferred melee. We lost a bit of balance with them." Haim felt the deliberate coldness as he spoke of his former teammates. One of which he felt betrayed by and the other he wanted to see safe and sound. "With you and Meena, we lost some flexibility. But I think we gained in raw power." The strategist in his brain was working on the problem already.

Haim then twisted back to the firing range and loaded Feu with another round, a Wave round, "The range of our shimmers is... interesting. Mine is passive and more oriented to assessment and information gathering. It plays some role in my aim... Pull!" His eyes flashed bi-colored and he fired from the hip with Feu. The bead of blue formed and then the line of water shot forward to smash the pigeon and send it flying backwards. "It's a strong ability and I can focus and control it deftly, but passive. Farrah, Lolo, and Lyreilynn have much more active shimmers with some oomph to them. Meena's sounds very useful. Keeping teammembers active and operational is an exceptional resource. Yours, I struggle to understand and incorporate into tactics. It depends a lot on the enemy's reaction." Smiling, he motioned for Vesper to take the next shot. he wanted to see how the bow worked against harder target like the pigeons. He'd already seen the man could hit a moving target and adapt to strange circumstances. His thumb caressed Feu stock gently, happy to have the weapon back.

"Though my main contributions to the team lie in my weapons more than my shimmer as well as my mind. I've a tactical mind. Whether from my military family or my engineering background, all situations are just puzzles asking to be solved. I just need to find the resources and plan of action to solve them in the time alloted. I'm getting better." He frowned down at his free hand and clicked his tongue. That sounded like something his father would say. He returned his gaze to watch Vesper take his next shot. Speculating on ability was fine, but Haim would avoid the interpersonal speculation. He was still trying to parse that kiss from Lolo the other night. And his feelings about Namid. And the teasing that seemed to go back and forth between Meena and Lolo when Haim had used to be the one that gave Lolo as good as he got back. Was he feeling slightly jealous? He shook his head and refocused on the matter at hand.

[Intimate Ink]

Character Name: Vesper Cabello
Date | Time: | Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, weapons
Tagging | Mentioning: Haimehen |
Vesper nodded his head, thinking trading too many thoughts on what was gained and lost in the swapping of teammates was too sensitive of a subject to speak much on, even if he could be speaking purely from aptitudes. He and Meena had seemed the best fits among the non-selected to someone – multiple someones most likely - and he had to have some faith in that judgment. He was willing to concede some of his own virtues and failings openly, ”As I’m sure that you’ve seen I’m not much of a melee defender. I can get through standard recruitment needs well enough, but my less formal training prior to here was about excelling where I was needed. Close combat was not it.”

Vesper let loose an arrow at the motion from Haimehen to do so. There was familiarity and skill in the archer’s moves, and beyond that a subtle resonance of more arcane power: Air bent and shifted around the projectile in subtle ways, perhaps even setting off Haimehen’s own passive shimmer with visible manifestations of the whistling wind. The arrow smashed with the pigeon, Vesper tilting his head on impact, ”Though my shimmer may not be involved my aim’s not aided in it’s own ways… much like your own weapon quirks, I’m not quite sure how it would translate to another hand, at least not one of my own families… you are always welcome to try, though.”

Inhaling sharply, Vesper nodded his head, ”As for my shimmer, that will be a test we both will have to explore. There’s much different here than my time in Kantos… rural Kantos, no less… and confidently saying how that will all translate is a flex I’m not willing to make.” With a slight flicker of playful amusement on his mouth and eyes – not something he had been willing to show too often so far  - Vesper added, ”I will say from personal experience it can be a useful one against those who have too much faith in themselves. A punishment for brazen overconfidence, as it were….”

Vesper added, ”Not that a certain level of confidence is not beneficial at times, even needed, but like with everything else moderation makes a useful shield.” Vesper’s relaxed expression flickered for a moment as Haimen continued, ending with an almost solemn statement about his leadership getting better.

He paused a moment, and looked down, ”For what it’s worth, when the time comes you have my trust and loyalty. If it aids in trusting that, know we might have been weaved from some of the fabric, even outside our taste for range. I might as well have grown up in an outpost even if it wasn’t that by name… When the dinner table is rife with talk about securing trade routes for basic food and clothing, population control, and trying to understand the movement patterns of Hollows… well, let’s just say that it beats some things into you while driving others out.”

Vesper pauses, turning his attention and letting several more gracefully placed arrows fly.. followed by one that definitely was not particularly aimed or graceful as it soared aimlessly past his target. “See, as I was saying, even without a shimmer, getting cocky costs you.” He scoffed at himself before once again lowering his weapon.

[Envious]

Character Name: Farrah Tinkerspan
Date | Time: October 8th | Afternoon
Location: Hammer Academy - Hallways
Wearing: Uniform; earrings as pictured
Tagging | Mentioning: Lolo |


"I know what I lived," Farrah said. "Me standin' right there and still missin' what's important. Close 'n never close enough. I never make it in time." She looked at Marlowe. Her golden gaze was filled with guilt. Guilt over Mila and so much more, but it seemed to bring some life back to her. She returned Marlowe's grip, holding her hand firmly. "Thought I was fearless. Won't nothin' gunna stop me from tryin' to make my team safe, but... I did hesitate. I was lucky to make it out the first building. It was hard to chance it a second time. Was scared and didn't make it to Mila...


"But you was right there. What happened? Whole team up there without me and it still won't nuff for Mila? Don't blame me fer bein' disappointed. Might not like mine method, but the team is mine first priority! I didn't stomp that man into the ground 'n I coulda. I coulda! Him layin' there after the first boom out to the street lookin' mighty sorry. But it won't wanted so I didn't! I went back for you! For Haim! For Mila! 'n what did Lyra 'n Namid do? Not follow they own advice 'n leave well nuff alone!" Tears welled up into her eyes, but they didn't fall. "I'm scared for Mila."

[Aethyrium]

Character Name: Marlowe “Lolo” Ashe
Date | Time: October 8th | Afternoon
Location: Hammer Academy - Hallways
Wearing: White ruffle turtleneck long sleeve, black choker, black corset overtop, White and black patterned open front skirt, knee high lace up heeled boots, mid-thigh black stockings, fedora with black rose
Tagging | Mentioning: Farrah | Lyra, Shir, Lyra, Namid, Haim
Farrah probably couldn’t have realized it, but Marlowe understood that feeling. Maybe not beyond this situation, but certain in it. After all, she had really been right there when Mila got hit. The guilt that Farrah was feeling didn’t seem fair - how was she responsible for anything that had happened? “You made it in time for me.” Lolo said, trying to console her. She wasn’t about to forget Farrah coming back for her. No one was fearless, she thought, nor was it fair for it to be solely her responsibility to save Mila. Lolo wasn’t even sure if she had been there that it would have mattered - the elf had disabled her and Lyra in a single action, who was to say he wouldn’t have done the same to her.

Maybe she wouldn’t have hesitated at Lyra’s behest, though.

“If you had, what about me and Mila?” This was, she was understanding, exactly why Shir had said what he did about not knowing actions not taken. It was a rabbit hole, and it’d be easy to get lost down there.  She wasn’t about to go digging.

Seeing those tears pool, Marlowe’s heart sank. It wasn’t accurate, the blame being put on Namid and Lyra. Not in that moment, anyway, because the responsibility of that moment was clearly Haim’s. But she didn't know that, she was too busy saving Mila. “Farrah…” Lolo murmured gently. Stepping around the elf, Marlowe got infront of her and then quickly pressed right up against her. She released her hand and snaked her arm around Farrah, coiling the other to meet it. Farrah might have stood over her, but Marlowe had no issue pulling her into an embrace. She nuzzled dark locks into Farrah’s chin and slid forward till their cheeks were touching. “I am too.” She admitted.

[shengami]

Character Name: Haimehen
Date Oct. 13 | Time: Evening (5:17p.m.)|
Location: Onyx gRAVIty Self-Directed Sparring Room
Wearing: Uniform, Weapons
Tagging: Vesper, OPEN | Mentioning: Farrah, Meena, Lyra, Lolo |
"I haven't the foggiest idea what over-confidence would look like." Haim grimaced at his own self-effacing comment. But he plowed forward, "I struggle with normal confidence. But the vote of support is encouraging." He focused again and quickly reloaded Feu with normal ammunition. His fingers tucked the spent cartridge into a pouch at his waist. "I don't think anything as dire as starvation was a dinner table topic for us. Not that we ever sat down to dinner together. Mother was usually off on mission somewhere and Auguste is a workaholic and tactician. I doubt he's held a rifle since basic training; I know there is more dust than memories in the family table. Steadfastly middle class upbringing." He called for the pigeon and took a calm bead on it before blowing it apart. A chaotic or turbulent environment could throw his aim off, or trying a tricky shot, but Haim rarely missed.

He twisted in place, balancing carefully on his crutches, and gazed across the training room to the other four members of his team. Rarely but not never. "And speaking of moderation. I expect I should be keeping my weight off this accursed leg." He sheathed the weapon on his thigh and then leaned onto the crutches again. It had felt good to fire a few rounds and to talk to his new partner. The pair felt good. Trust, but at a reasonable level. They got along but were not bosom buddies. This was what he should have done with the others from the start. It was too late with Lolo and Farrah. Lyra had fixed it for him. Meena and Vester he could keep at elbow's length. Close enough for work, far enough that he would not be betrayed again.

He eyed the bow and considered it carefully. His own weapons relied on arcanite mechanics for their effects, but he did not sense a similar design in the bow. His shimmer did not interact with his weapon directly but aided in his aim universally. He wondered, "So, the bow assists in..." He squinted, focusing his shimmer on it,  "Channeling? Focusing? Hmm. But it's not of new construction. Not that I can see. The grain in the wood is... yes. I see. Can you draw it for me, full draw?" He watched closely. He suspected the weapon was much more similar to Lyra's weapons. Something older and more mysterious. He watched closely to see if he saw a similar sound to what the elf had used or not. That mystery still nagged at him. That rush of wind had not made the right sounds.

[FyreFoxx]

Character Name: Lyreilynn "Lyra" Xyrven Myalis
Date | Time: October 11th | Afternoon (~12:30pm)
Location: Hammer Academy - Courtyard
Wearing: blue embroidered blouse, golden skirt, tawny wedge boots
Tagging | Mentioning: n/a | Mila, Namid, Haimehen

It was such a nice day outside that Lyra decided the best course of action today was to take her lunch to the courtyard. It had a beautiful scenery, with plenty of benches to perch upon and that giant fountain in the center. Things had been tense in the dormitory, what with Mila being missing and finding out that Namid left. In fact, ever since Haimehen returned from the hospital, it felt like their team had been on a downward spiral in morale. Sure, having him return was good news, but it only made the guilt more real. The distance between the remaining members of Gravity grew by the hour. Just how many four-man teams had Hammer had in the past?

With a deep sigh, Lyra found herself an unoccupied bench, beneath the shade of a tree, and made herself as comfortable as one could on stone. From her satchel, she unpacked three items – a rather thick looking book, a slimmer leather-bound journal, and a paper-wrapped parcel. The textbook was set to one side of her, the journal resting on top, while the paper parcel was gently set to her other side. Rummaging around for a writing utensil, she snatched up the first one she came across before setting her bag down by her feet.

Unwrapping the small package revealed a rather colorful looking sandwich, sliced diagonally across. Picking up one half, napkins were wrapped around it before Lyra took a bite out of it, then returning it to the paper wrapper. Her attention shifted to the textbook and journal on her other side. Crossing her legs at the ankles, they were tucked politely under the bench, laying the journal flat in her lap, open to a fresh set of pages as she flipped open the textbook to her left.

Reaching up to run her fingers through her hair, she used the motion to tuck some of the loose strands behind a pointy ear, silvery eyes downcast as she skimmed over the textbook, jotting down notes as she went. Every now and then, she’d reach over to her right and snag her sandwich, taking a bite before replacing it from whence it came. Fingers flicked another page of her textbook, tracing along the lines going across the page. “Why is this so hard to study?” she mused quietly, narrowing her eyes as she quickly flipped a half dozen pages, skimming each one briefly before moving on to the next.

Angry scribbling commenced as Lyra continuously went back and forth between reading her textbook and taking notes, but the more she did so, the more displeased she seemed to become, scrunching up her delicate features into a frown. “This is going nowhere… Does Hammer really have such limited books?” She let out an irritated huff. “Vere, sunt non magis libri ad opus est?” The elf closed her eyes, leaning back slightly as she tilted her head back, letting her hair fall over the backrest of the bench. She had been leaning forward so she could focus on the journal in her lap, so she decided to give her back a moment to rest, stretching her arms above her head.

Another sigh passed her lips, deeper than the last. She stared into the branches overhead, a gentle breeze making them sway as sunlight filtered in through the gaps. Reaching a hand up, she shielded her eyes from the glare, closing one as Lyra tried to get a glimpse of the sky through the shifting holes. It really was a nice day outside, a far cry from the cold atmosphere of the dorm. The sound of voices nearby drew her from her thoughts. Another group of people had entered the courtyard, which had mostly been empty since the start of lunch. She still had plenty of time remaining, and needed to make the best of it. Lyra would have to stop stalling and getting distracted and focus. Really focus. “Ego iustus opus ad focus. Possum id facere.” Another page turned; another note scribbled. Another defeated sigh. “Even if these books are lacking… There must be something relevant in here!”