Dangerous Lessons: Falling Out Windows

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Class was already in session and the teacher was going on about the mystical powers of the ruins in the area when Ileemi first heard the surprised yells from outside. He sits by the window and so naturally the commotion caught his attention and he looked out to see what was going on. Menora also sits by the window and they were the only two who could look out without having to get up. Rineth raised herself a bit from her seat to also look when the yells and other sounds of commotion did not die down right away. The class they were attending was in the Stormshadow Mages Guild complex and so magical mishaps were not that uncommon. Other students one by one got distracted by the noises from outside and raised up in their seats like Rineth did to try and get a better look. Marialy still could not see the people on the ground below just by raising up in her seat so she got up and walked over to the window. Her courage and boldness only spurred other students on and soon they were all getting up and going over to the window. The lesson was interrupted and would not continue anyway until the problem below was solved and everyone returned to their seats. Even the instructor walked to the window to see what was going on, most likely more out of a desire to know if his help was needed than idle curiosity. Ileemi took Paris by the arm and pulled him from his seat so they could get to the window before the others and see what was going on. He smiled softly and nodded his head to the window with an urgent gleam in his eyes. He wanted Paris by his side during this distraction. He knew it was just that, a distraction. Distractions are powerful tools for thieves and assassins. The students all start to crowd around the window and there is some bumping and pushing involved, but nothing too dire, not at first anyway.

Below a young dragon is in an argument with several wizards. The dragon was probably asked to come and be part of some experiment or maybe a discussion. The voices all yell over one another and the students would not be able to make out exactly what the problem was, but it was starting to get violent and a few spells were being tossed around, not only by the wizards but also by the dragon. The dragon looked to be a young adult, not quite full grown, but no longer a hatchling and very dangerous if angered, which it was. He was a greenish brown color mixed with a bit of gray, like a rocky forest floor covered in moss and fern. His horns stood out on his head like branches from a tree and his eyes were as green as a spring leaf. No fire had been breathed yet, but the anger below continued to grow and it was evident to a few of the students that it wouldn’t be long before the dragon was setting things on fire and taking to the air to destroy the school. Famous is the anger and revenge of dragons.

Almost everyone was completely distracted by this event and even more so when a griffon lands on the ground near the dragon to try and talk him clam again. Everyone knows griffons can’t take to flight, but he’d have to climb something to glide off of, thus it was very dangerous for the griffon to be on the ground. The griffon wore the uniform of a Winged Sentinel, so though his actions might have been viewed foolish by some, it was his job. And the Upper Sentinel, Zander always did his job to the best of his ability. He just happened to be on scene because he’s always nearby watching Kione’s back. Zander may not be in class with Kione, but he’s just as much a part of the mission to find and stop the assassin. The assassin of course noticed how quickly Zander was on the scene and figured out why he was there.

There is a sudden yell from inside the classroom as someone screams Paris’ name. It seems Paris is falling out the window. Ileemi leans forward when he realizes what is happening and reaches out for Paris, but is not quick enough to catch him. Tristal saw Ileemi lunge for Paris and the young noble caught the enchanter by his belt to keep him from falling out the window with Paris. Marialy watches Paris falling astonished and then looks up at Ileemi. She had been standing right next to Paris and seemed to be thinking something wasn’t quite right with the situation. While she was eyeing Ileemi who was being pulling back in the window by Tristal -and not looking all that worried or flustered given the situation- Kione leaps over the heads of the others and dives out the window head first after Paris. He’d not been right at the window, but had heard the scream and knew instantly when everyone was looking out the window what had happened. The assassin had pushed Paris. Kione catches Paris when the boy’s head is only a couple of feet from impacting with the stone pavers below. Kione does some strange acrobatic work in the air which wouldn’t be possible if he wasn’t wearing boots of flying that Matt Shikara had given him. Kione lands with both his and Paris feet on the ground. He received aerial combat training from Matt. He’d often wondered if any of it would be of use and on that day he found out it was. A heavy breath sound caught Kione’s attention and he turns to look at the forest dragon who was no longer arguing with the stunned wizards standing around him.

“Nice catch, Partner.” Zander looked up at the dragon who was about four times larger than the griffon and over toward Kione and Paris, only looking to them again after he’d passed the dragon.

Kione turned to Paris, “What happened?”

* * *

“Are you nuts?” Tristal demanded of Ileemi after getting him back into the class room fully.

“I was trying to catch him.” Ileemi replied with a bit of cold stiffness in his voice, a tone that seemed to be reflected in the way he was holding himself in that instant.

“Is that what you were doing?” Marialy asked, putting a hand on her hip and looking accusingly at Ileemi. In return Ileemi cast her a dangerously dark look.

[Paris Shikara]

Paris had followed Ileemi, as he had often done the past few weeks, he was growing rather attached to his classmate. It wasn't every day that one would see a dragon, even a young one, quirrel with wizards. Of course Paris didn't want anythin bad to happen but it was an exciting thing to look at. The Duke's son leaned on the edge of the window-sill, and then quite suddenly he let out a yell when someone bumped into him. He was propelled forward, his entire body going through the window. Those blue eyes widened as he fell towards the ground, a fear-stricken cry expelling through his lips.

He didn't want to die, and as he got nearer to the ground his scream stopped as his breath got caught in his throat. His mouth gaped open and all sounds ceased when the ground was coming closer and closer.

"O!" Was the only sound that came out when Kione caught him, as the pain went through his body from the jerk. Then as Kione placed him on the ground, his breathing came fast and his knees amost buckled. He staggered as he sort of fell and sat on a bench. Then those innocent, deep ocean blue eyes looked up at Kione ashe askd his question. He searched for an answer.

"I-I don't know," he said his voice clearly shaken, tears welled in his eyes at what he was about to say. He remembered someone bumping into him, but who would do that? He certainly didn't want to get anyone into trouble, so he shook his head and then continued. "I-I think someone accidentally bumped into me, or something. B-b-ut I r-r-really don't know."

Menora

"Paris!"

The blonde wizard screamed his name as she saw her best friend fall through the window. Those blue-green eyes opened in horror a she was trying to push those around her away so she could get to the window. There were all sorts of spells running through her mind.

"Get out of my damn way," she said, moving to push Rineth out of her way. Just then Kione flew over their heads and she heard watched Tristal pull Ileemi back in. He had tried to save Paris and she felt a rush of gratitude, however she pushed it away as she went to the window. Her breath caught in her throat as she neared it, afraid she might see Paris' bloody remains. "Thank goodness," she breathed out as she saw Kione place Paris onto the ground safely. It was only then she registered what Marialy and Ileemi had been saying.

She turned, and narrowed her eyes at Ileemi, and then looked to Marialy. For a moment susipcion crept into hre mind, and she bored her eyes into the sorcerer, and then she turned back to Marialy, pushing such thoughts from her mind.

"Don't be silly, he tried to catch him."

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi does not care to either profess or deny his guilt in anything any further. No one saw anything, of that he’s sure. He is in a very bad mood and no wanting to hear the irritating chatter of the other students. He instead ignores both Marialy and Menora. He pushes past anyone in his way, including Tristal and does not offer any show of gratitude to the other boy for having caught him. Ileemi goes to his desk and sits down, his mind racing in thoughts and his heart swimming in anger. He failed and he doesn’t handle his own failure very well. He’ll just have to try harder next time.

“Oh, I’m sure it was an accident?” Rineth asks, not wanting to ignore the situation at all.

“I’m not so sure.” Marialy responds with a shrug and still watching Ileemi.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Tristal snaps at the girls. “Everyone knows how clumsy Paris is. He probably just leaned out too far.”

The chatter only proves to tax Ileemi’s patience even further. “Master Raine, please get a hold of your class.” His eyes glance up at the instructor with a dangerously dark look in them.

The instructor seems to try to respond at first, but his voice catches in his throat. He suddenly seems very nervous and a little flustered. That could be because he just had a student fall out a window and almost die, or it could be because he knows Ileemi’s true nature and is afraid. Ileemi’s group is not one he’d want to cross. “Yes, yes. Quite.” The instructor clears his throat and regains most of his composure. “Alright everyone, take your seats. The excitement is over.” He claps his hands a couple of times as if that were some magic spell that compels his students to do as he asks.

[Kione and Zandyr]

Meanwhile back down on the ground Kione feels really bad when Paris starts to cry. Kione didn’t do anything to make Paris cry, but he fears suddenly he was too brash and informal when he asked what happened, but that’s just his training. He gently guides Paris over to a bench so the young noble can take a seat and catch his breath. “It’s alright. I’m sure it was an accident.” He’s sure it’s not, but he doesn’t want to worry Paris. “Nothing will happen to you while I’m around.”

Kione then looks up to Zander. “Will you walk with him back to the class? See if he remembers anything else once he’s calmed down. I’m going back up there to see what I can find out.” Zander nods to his partner and Kione looks back at Paris one more time with a soft smile before flying back up to the open window Paris fell from.

When he gets there everyone is starting to make their ways back to their seats, but haven’t yet and so Kione lingers for a little at the window to read expressions, body language, and pick up on anything else he might notice. He notices Ileemi’s anger and a few accusing glances toward Ileemi as well as a few among the other students to indicate they had discussed and disagreed on something.

Rineth sits back down in her chair next to Menora and casts Menora a look that suggest she believes fully that Ileemi pushed Paris. She glances back over her shoulder to Ileemi and then toward the instructor.

Kione doesn’t like this turn of events. He had hoped other students wouldn’t start guessing and accusing each other. A push out a window might seem like a crime of opportunity to them. They don’t know how much danger they are really in and how dangerous this assassin is. He makes a mental note of what’s going on and thinks he’ll have to talk to Ileemi about it later. But he could just be jumping the gun, maybe they’re all mad at Ileemi because he didn’t manage to catch Paris and they just don’t believe he tried hard enough. Kione doesn’t need to accuse the wrong person again, that’d just be messy and slow down the progress.

[Menora Takara]

Menora took her seat beside Rineth, looking at the girl as she stared accusingly at Ileemi. A few moments before, she would have thought it was rediculous. Ileemi did seem to be in quite the temper, but was that because he had pushed Paris out of the window. Or was it because he was rather close with Paris and his feelings were hurt because they were accusing him. Menora knew Paris had a bit of a crush on Ileemi and the Duke's son felt these feelings were reciprocate, but how could Paris know that? In the end she decided to reserve judgment. Nevertheless, shecouldn't help but feel sucpicious.

"My, my Tristal most guilty people like it when the blame is shifted one someone else," Rhian, whom with Loren Dupree sat at the back of the class room, said in a tauntingly arrogant voice. Loren, however, whom usually had a witty back up for his friend, merely gazed at Ileemi and then Tristal.

[Avera Yenis]

The commotion in the class was indeed sometime. Avera was surprised but the events that had transpired. But to turn and start placing blame upon someone when they did not know the facts. For all it could have been was that Paris was clumsy, it was possibly that a Duke’s son had such an infliction. Avera had been standing with the others, more so in the back then up front. So she too did not see Paris fall or being pushed as some were starting to speculate upon. She was certain that all eyes had been upon the pair quarrelling below and not what happened to Paris. Which only left it open to place blame to those near Paris.

Kione had been a great lifesaver for Paris. Driving out the window with no regard for his own safety, and managed to save Paris from hitting the ground. He had done a great service to Paris and would be noted for it, as most heroes were.

Avera watched as the few next to Ileemi started to look at him in a different light. A few placed him at the centre of this accident, if it was in fact an accident according to those in the class. She could not help but note the dark look upon Ileemi’s. It was a little startling to see when she did not think it was possible that he was capable of such a look. She bowed her head and stepped back while a few of the students started back to their desks once the class was called back to order. Ilemi had already sat down, and then the others filled their places once more.

Avera glanced out the window down to where Paris was now seat upon a bench. Her gaze drifted from the obviously rattled Paris to Kione. She still felt uneasy about him after the little run in they had in the arena. Something was going on here. Reflecting upon Kione cornering her in the arena with a truth orb. Asking her if she were an assassin. Something was going on here. She turned from looking down at Kione and disappeared to her desk. Taking her seat next to Tristal, who was busy blaming or trying to blame Ilemi as a few others tried to displace blame.

Avera’s gaze came to rest upon Ilemi, wondering if Kione will blame him and use the orb on hi to gain the truth. She took her seat and remained silent, waiting to be done with class today.

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi sees the conversation isn’t going to drop and he knows he doesn’t need them all still in a group setting pitting each other against anyone, least of all himself. He looks up at the instructor and makes a subtle gesture to let Master Raine know it’s time to dismiss class early.

Master Raine does indeed notice his order and follows it, mostly out of fear. “Attention, class! We will be going on an overnight field trip to some ruins just outside the city, the place of an old tower called Seideh. Because of this we will not have class tomorrow so that you can pack and prepare for the field trip. We leave the day after tomorrow. This is a large part of your grade, so make a point to go. In light of the window incident class is dismissed for the rest of the day.” Master Raine starts to gather his things up, as this is not his normal class room and is only his during the time of this class.

Ileemi also starts to gather his things, but does not stand right away to leave, he likes to let the others get out first so they won’t be in his way. Normally Paris stalls with him and that’s just fine.

[Kione and Zandyr]

Kione stands still in the window and watches everyone sit down. He does not return to his seat because the teacher calls for attention before he can and since he sits in the front row on the other side, going to his seat would only distract the other students. The class gets dismissed and they students start to leave. Rineth and Marialy walk out whispering to each other in low voices that only their elfin ears can pick up but the tone of their voices and the way Marialy nods and then glances back at Ileemi let Kione know what they’re talking about.

He hops off the window sill to land next to Ileemi. “We need to talk.”

[Menora Takara]

Menora gathered her things and lagged behind a little so she wouldn't have to hear Marialy and Rineth talk, and waited even longer because she didn't think she could bear Rhian's eternal arrogance. Putting her bag over her shoulder, after they had left she made her way to the door. The wizard did turn to look at Ileemi and Kione, who was asking to speak with him. She was sure that Ileemi didn't push him, why would he? He seemed rather taken with Paris, just as Paris was with him. Marialy had told her how he had been very angry when they had all gone to see Riley Dupree's duel because Ileemi really wanted to be alone with Paris.

That migt have been odd, but isn't that howsome relationships came about? It's just rediculous. For a moment she almost turned to tell Kione she was sure Ileemi hadn't done anything, but she stopped herself. It wasn't her place to interfere with the Winged Sentinels. As she walked out of the classroom Menora muttered a spell and then whispered into the wind.

The wizard's whisper would soar throuh the air right into Paris' ear, as if she were right beside him. It was a very useful and practical used by some wizards to communicate from great distances.

"Wait for me."

[Avera Yenis]

Avery had taken her seat much like everyone else. The whispers seemed to really flee now. Whether Ileemi had tried to catch Paris or had pushed him. She did not know what to think. She repeated the conversation she had with Kione, or more like his questioning her in the arena over in her head. Something was going on. Not that it was Avery’s concern by Ilemi was a classmate and she liked him. Not liked him, she just felt he was friendlier. But then she had thought Kione was cute.

She looked down at her book as she opened it. Class would start and things would quiet down. She glanced over to Ilemi thinking to offer him a smile of encouragement, but he was too busy looking at that teacher. She had to admit that she had not seen such a look come from Ilemi ever. She was always pleasant. This look that he gave the teacher seemed to have a large effect. Looking at Master Raine who now seemed rather nervous and wanting out of the classroom more then the others.

He surprised Avery by dismissing the class. ~Great now what am I to do all day.~ she was more concerned about being forced to find something other them class work to do. But with the announcement of a overnight trip had her stomach doing notes. But then a fabulous thought. She could sleep outside and chart star constellations. The day was starting to look up already. She followed suit like the others in the class and gathered her books to leave the room. Her bright blue eyes regarded Kione as he approached Ilemi. A serious expression upon his face as he told Ilemi he wanted to walk to him. More then liking he would ask him the same questions as he had fired at her in the arena.

She shrugged and headed for the door.

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

“Not now.” Ileemi gives Kione a determined smile, one that suggest Ileemi isn’t at all afraid of crossing swords with the Winged Sentinels. He’s not, his group has the power to make Kione go away if Kione gets in his way too much. He nods out the window. “Maybe you should walk the Duke’s son home? Ask him what happened.”

Most the class has already left the room, or is in the process of leaving, but Ileemi lingers still. When they’re all gone he intends to speak to the teacher. This mission may be harder than he first thought and he needs to make sure all his runes are in place.

[Kione and Zandyr]

Kione opens his mouth as if to argue with Ileemi, but then stops himself. He thoughtful for a second or two and then looks back out the window to Paris below with Zander. Ileemi is right, he needs to find out from Paris what Paris thinks happened before he starts accusing classmates or anything rash. He does not need to be rash again. He points at Ileemi, “We’ll talk later.” Then he turns to fly back out the window down to where Paris and his partner are.

[Paris Shikara]

"Wait for me" Paris might have been startled by the sudden whisper in his ear, but he recognized Menora's voice and she often used that particular spell to communicate with him.

Paris looked up as Kione flew down from the window, he was not quite so shaken after having a few minutes to gather himself. He was trying to remember what had happened. He knew at times he could be clumsy, but he had never fallen from a window. He'd been leaning on the edge, to be sure, trying to see the commotion between the young dragon and the wizards. Had someone pushed him? The thought was incredulous to him, why would anyone do such a thing? Being someone who looked for the best in everyone, it just wasn't something he could fathom.

He had only said a few things to Lysander while sitting on the bench, explaining he didn't feel like going back up to his class. After a second Paris realized that, since they were Winged Sentinels they would probably hover over him until he went home or back to the classroom.

"Don't worry about me, Kione, I'm alright," Paris said, "I'm sure Master Raine has an interesting lesson today, I wouldn't want you to miss because of me."

[Avera Yenis]

Avery had followed suit and started to leave the classroom. Gathered her books and started for the door. Her had been a question in regards to the overnight class trip she had wanted to ask Master Raine. Seeing as the class was emptying out she approached him. She could see Kione approach Ilemi from the corner of her eye, as she continued toward the front of the class. She could not hear them, and she was not trying to hear them. She approached master Raine’s desk. Cleared her throat and smiled pleasantly at him. Curling her books tightly against her as she looked at him.

“Master Raine I was just curious bout the overnight trip.” She started, her gaze locked upon Master Raine. She could see that he was troubled by something. Perhaps due to the fact that a student of his was almost killed. He might even get in trouble simply due to that it almost happened. “I was curious as to how much of our mark this outing was to be.”

It was a stupid question. She had wanted to ask if they were staying in tents or cabins. Not liking snakes all that much she was hoping for cabins. She almost chuckled and knew that Master Raine would just frown at her and wave her on.

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

“Oh, did I forget to say?” Master Raine replies to Avery. “We’ll be having three of these outings, together they total to half your grade. Don’t miss it. We’ll probably only stay one night, unless someone turns up something interesting. Pack accordingly.”

Ileemi says nothing, but he waits for Avery and Raine to finish their conversation. He took wants more information on this outings, wants to be fully prepared before they get there. He stands in silence, listening, as if Avery was asking questions he was waiting to ask as well. He glances out the window at Paris and the others below and can’t help but frown. Next time, I won’t fail.

[Menora Takara]

Menora walked up just behind Kione, her form first slightly translucent before becoming obviously solid as she came to a stand still. She had teleported herself down from the stairs once she realized how much time he would have wasted in taking te time to actually walk all the way down.

"It's fine, class was cancelled," she said as she took a seat beside him, looping her arm into his. "Are you alright?"

[Paris Shikara]

"I'm fine I guess," he said quietly as Menora sat down. Her sudden appearance didn't surprise him, it was Serenity and he knew she had her license to teleport within the city. He was not as shaken as he had been at first, now he was a bit calmer and began to think. He didn't think anyone would push him, he had befriended most of the class and he didn't think there was a murderous person among them. The fact remained that he had fallen, and he knew that it wasn't of his own doing. He had not fallen from the window because of his clumsiness.

"I think I'd like to go home."