Dangerous Lessons: Entering The Ruins

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

The instructor lead the students down into the ruins. The entrance on the outside looked very unassuming. It was small and made of stone, housing only the entrance to a staircase that lead downward into the ground. The entrance was somewhat ornate though and reminded Ileemi of a crypt. He reasons that is why the ruins went undiscovered until now, people probably assumed it was a crypt and did not wish to disturb those that lay within, or any magical wards that guarded them.

The stairs empty down into a room that is about fifteen feet by ten feet. There is one door leading out of the room, but the instructor moves to the wall opposite the stairs and turns to face them all as if he has something to say, so most the students gather around to listen, Ileemi included.

"These ruins have barely been explored since being uncovered. We have the privilege of being among the first down here. So I caution you all to be careful. A shadow creature was found in here by the team that first excavated these ruins. It was a minor one and they had little trouble with it, but we don't know how big these ruins are or if they're as small as they look. These Ashlikan ruins often have hidden halls and rooms in them."

Ileemi can't help but notice something that used to be a door hangs still from hinges in the only doorway they can see. He wonders if it broke during the fight, or if the diggers just couldn't pick the lock and tore it down.




OOC: The little white rectangle is another door. What is down the hallways or in the rooms will only be shown as your characters see them.

[Paris Shikara]

Paris walked behind Ileemi and the instructor as they walked down into the ruins. He could not help but be very excited, as a lover of history and anthropology this was a real treat for him. For a brief while, after his fall out the window, the Duchess had contemplated not allowing him to go at all, but Paris had been able to pout his way into still being able to come with the rest of the class. He looked around the way illuminated by Ileemi’s torch and Menora’s staff the conflicting colors was slightly annoying to him but he didn’t complain, simply glad he wasn’t walking around blind. He was determined to be extra careful and try not to be very gawky as he tended to be.

He listened intently to the instructor, but like Ileemi noticed the door hanging from its hinges. He was a bit nervous which is how he got when he was excited, it was as if the two emotions had a certain sibilance. Thusly he began to ask chattering questions.

“Was the door like that when they got down here or did their battle cause it? Or were they unsuccessful with the locking mechanism and forced to bash it down? I certainly hope not, they could’ve damaged some things blundering around like that, or maybe it was the shadow monster…”

[Kels]

There are a lot of secret doors in these ruins so as we go, don't forget to be looking for those, some may lead to danger and some may lead to neat little trinkets or artifacts. I will not tell you when you are next to a secret door unless your character actually looks for one. Each room is numbered, I may letter each tile so when you search you can tell me which tiles you're searching for doors off of.

It's a class event, so anything magical found and reported will be studied by Stormshadow Mages Guild and eventually returned to the one that found it.

[Menora Takara]

Menora came down just behind Paris and Ileemi with Rhian just behind her. She refrained herself from laughing at the stream of curses coming from Stormshadow’s direction, the source of which she deduced from the ripping sound she heard. While she wouldn’t say they were the best of friends she was familiar enough with Rhian to know how much value he placed in his wardrobe. The blue light of her staff had remained as she walked down into the ruin. It’s faint blue light competing with the bright orange-red of Ileemi’s torch. She looked around as they came to a stop like Paris noting the door. She might have asked the same question he did. She certainly hoped it wasn’t someone from the academy blundering around like that, there were much more elegant ways to go about things.

[Rhian Stormshadow]

As Rhian, en masse with the rest of the students, made for the entrance his cloak had caught a sharp rock and ripped. The sound had made his cheeks redden instantly and as he moved on a stream of curses came under his breath. They were only travel clothes to be sure but he hated to ruin any of them. For a moment he thought of setting the whole cloak afire right there, but then thought better of it. If he purged the cloak he would then have to purge the rest of his clothing, since the integrity of the outfit would have been utterly compromised. Walking around naked in Ashlikan ruins was never a good idea, since even his under drawers matched the outfit as well.

His train of thought was interrupted only when the class stopped to listen to the professor and of course Paris’ annoying question. He did not dislike the boy, but there were times when his questions were as annoying as Avera. That was a bit harsh, I don’t think anyone could be as annoying as Avera. The thought of the girl caused him to look back and her and the centaur, a derisive curl coming to his lips. Disgusting creature.

[NPC]

"Alright, listen up!" The instructor calls as the last of the students pour down the stairs and into the tight little first room. "These ruins are full of traps and so I'll need you all to group up. No one wander off by yourself. There are plenty of hidden doors to find that will lead to lost treasures, but those same doors might be trapped and just lead to more danger. Form three groups of three. Wait. . . where's Loren?” The teacher looks to the back of those coming in for his missing student. To not show up for this field trip means an instant fail on the class which will reflect on Loren's record across the entire city. Loren had given no notice he was unable to attend. “I guess you guys can pair up instead if he doesn't show. Groups of three or four are better.”

“Let's pair by tables!” Marialy is only too happy to suggest. “I'm with Kione!”

Rineth links her arm around Menora's as if Menora were to be her escort. ”Who wants to be with me and Menora?”

Tristal looks over at Avera and Siwel and indicates by gestures rather than words that he'd like to join their group. While others assume to pair by table, Tristal already knows Avera would pair with the centaur quicker. This way it's more like it was his idea rather then him just being the third wheel in their pairing.

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi has no problem with the idea of pairing by tables. He was actually annoyed at the teacher's suggestion they group into three, but realizes the teacher did that for safety and because there is supposed to be nine of them. It's better not to have anyone else hovering around Paris anyway, it'll allow Ileemi to do his job. “Paris and I don't want to share credit for our finding anyway.”

He had been thinking that after the long trip they'd set up and sleep for the night, but now he feels the excitement over being the first to explore the ruins and the thoughts of what wonders they may find there. He has to remind himself he's on assignment, but he knows the other students are probably ready to get started rather than sleep as well. It's going to be a long night. Would be easier if they'd all just go straight to sleep.

[Menora Takara]

Menora laughed as Rineth put her arm around her. She was an amusing person, to say the least, along with Marialy. Despite how they amused her though she could not help but be annoyed when Marialy claimed Kione. The Takara would have much preferred he go with Paris. In fact, just before the others had begun to indicate whom they wanted to pair with Menora had intended to gather Kione and Paris into a group with her. Her eyes grazed over Ileemi as he spoke. She could believe he wanted to be alone with him, and she knew Paris would not object. He had confessed his crush to her.

Even still, she spoke up quickly, not wanting Paris to be alone with anyone. “Oh Ileemi,” she said with a laugh as if he were joking, “Rineth and I will join you and Paris.” She then looked to the instructor, “Four would be safer in any case, as you said.”

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi doesn't smile, nor does he frown when Menora offers to join his group. He knows one or more of the others in his class is in his way and isn't sure about Menora. She seems close to Paris, but people make friends for all sorts of reasons. He only has to look at himself to confirm that. He wouldn't have made friends with Paris if it wasn't part of doing his job. He finds Paris nice enough of a person now, but all that needy naivete gets annoying. He wants to argue and push the desire for himself and Paris to be alone, but to sell it without being suspicious, he'd have to act like he fancied the boy. He's not sure he's that good of an actor. In fact he's not sure they don't see through him right now. “What about Rhian?” Everyone is teaming up, but Rhian is getting left out. He will now either have to join Kione and Mari or Siwel, Tristal, and Avera, but everyone knows how he feels about Siwel. It wouldn't seem too odd for him to join Kione and Mari, but Rineth had seemed to show interest in Rhian outside when they got here. There was talk of showing each other their rods. Ileemi is hoping he can at least talk his group down to three instead of four by encouraging Rineth to join Rhian with her cousin.

“I get both the handsome ones!” Marialy suddenly exclaims and waves Rhian over toward herself and Kione.

[Kione and Zandyr]

Kione frowns. He's not sure this will work at all. He wishes Menora had offered he join with her instead of Rineth. Mari may have claimed him first, but he's not a prize to be won. He can make his own choice. “I need to be on Paris' team.” He doesn't have to explain himself or pretend to be anything he's not. He's a Winged Sentinel and Paris is the duke's son. Even those that don't know Paris is currently in danger will just think that Kione is trying to further himself among his ranks. His tone was frank when he spoke, but he does offer an apologetic smile to Marialy and Rhian as well if the other boy had showed interest in joining them before Kione spoke. Either Menora or Rineth will have to go for him to join with Paris and Ileemi.

[Paris Shikara]

Paris had not minded in the slightest when Ileemi said they did not want to share the credit with others. He didn’t care if he had to share credit though, but didn’t speak out against him. For a moment he wondered if Ileemi wanted to be alone with Paris just like he wanted to be alone with Ileemi. That was dashed when Menora proclaimed she and Rineth would join the two of them. He likewise didn’t mind that, Menora was his best friend and cousin after all. Most of the time he would not have minded Rineth either, but for some reason he didn’t want anyone he didn’t really know in his group. After the fall his parents and others had not wanted him to come as there was speculation that he had been purposefully pushed from the window. Of course he did not believe it, truth be told, but still with that suspicion he supposed it wouldn’t be a bad idea for him to be with others. Even still he was far too polite to object.

“That’s fine wi-” He had begun to voice his consent to the group, but before he could finish Kione had declared he would need to be with Paris. It did not surprise him, or bother him. He’d harbored a slight crush on Kione much like he currently did for Ileemi.

[Menora Takara]

A light breath was let out when Kione said he would need to be with Paris. She wished she’d had a better vantage point. With what Azure had told her forefront in her mind she would have liked to been able to see everyone’s reactions to that news. Kione was a Winged Sentinel, and had been there when the Duke’s son had gotten into trouble before. She wondered if Ileemi were the other eyes that Azure had spoken of. The woman had not elaborated as to who else they had in the class. He had always at least seemed receptive to the lordling. Though since he was going she decided she would not insist on her joining them. The secretive agent had also told her of another possible assassin.

She had not had time to look too deeply into her classmates. Some she had known for years like Rhian and Paris, others not so much. But who could the others be? She was fairly sure that Rhian was neither the other set of eyes or the other assassin. What would he have to gain from killing Paris? She knew Master Stormshadow, and while Rhian was a bit viler, she did not see him doing that. Then again, she could not be sure. Someone had pushed him of that she was sure.

Could it have been Marialy? She recalled the girl being quick to say someone had pushed, could that have been an attempt to shift blame away from herself? Or could she be the other set of eyes? Avera seemed a bit too inept to try to kill anyone, or help for that matter. Tristal was the son of a noble family beholden to the Shikara’s. She supposed he could be the one, but if found out his family didn’t have the strength to defend themselves form the wrath of Jon Shikara and the Winged Sentinels if it was him and it was found out. Without all the facts though, she couldn’t be sure.

In the end she decided to gamble. “Well if Kione is joining you then Rineth and I would be a bit much.” With Rineth’s hand still around her she shifted and made her way over to Rhian and Marialy. “We’ll just go ahead and join you guys.”

[Kione and Zandyr]

Kione nods his thank to Menora for not making a scene and insisting he were just a glory chaser or something. In a way he is, but that's just how their society is set up and how the Winged Sentinels work. But he's here because Matt Shikara personally asked him to join the class and keep an eye on Paris. Everyone seemed to think that was a big deal, but Kione still isn't sure what he thinks of Matt. It's all a bit odd for some long ancestor of the Shikara family to return to clean up the city. Kione still doubts it's really him sometimes, but he proved himself enough for the duke, so it should be enough for Kione. It's just odd how he never shows his face. He starts to make his way over to Paris.

[Rineth and Marialy]

Rineth frowns a bit, and moves with Menora toward Rhian and her half-elf cousin Marialy. She looks at Kione passing them and then over at Rhian. Both are hot, but she and Mari won't have to share if they each get one. Then she grins realizing Mari might have to share with Menora, but she can go have Kione, Ileemi, and Paris all to herself. She knows Paris prefers boy, but undressed he wouldn't know the difference between a boy and Rineth, so it's all good. She pulls her arm out of Menora's and turns to follow Kione. “Oh, but I love leather.” This comment of course is toward Kione's riding gear which he seems to be wearing. Makes sense since he flew.

Marialy giggles at her cousin and clings to Rhian while waving Menora over. Just outside Rhian had promised to show Mari and Rin the size and use of his 'rod.' Mari sees no reason why Menora can't be the one in on that action instead. And it's less weird with her not being related. No matter how you split it, the groups will be uneven. Well, not really. They could split into two groups of five. And if someone wanted to be logical and fair about it, they'd just split according to which side of the room they were on. But then Kione wouldn't be on Paris' team and Mari is sure he'd throw a fit. Kione would be back on Mari's team instead and she'd like that a lot. “Or to keep the teams even we can just split by the side of the room we were on in the classroom. Kione, me, Tristal, Avera, and Rhian against Rin, Menora, Paris, Ileemi, and Siwel”

“Teams? Against? It's not a competition.” Rineth replies, though she's still happy with it, she'd just get Menora back, she would lose Kione though. She knows Mari has her eye on Kione, has since they started the class.

“Oh yes it, Sweety.” Mari replies.

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi doesn't really care as long as he's on Paris team. He'd rather be alone, but if others are going to come he doesn't care which ones do. Well, maybe a little he wishes it wasn't Kione. Okay, more than just a little. He's tries to tell himself he doesn't care so that he won't be frowning or anything, he's not so sure he's had that great a poker face this entire class. When Paris fell out of that window, Mari said she'd saw Ileemi push him. He finds himself looking at Marialy and looks at someone else instead, as if he's just in the habit of staring at them all. He is. He knows one or more of them are in his way and so he finds himself looking at them at different times, watching what they do, listening to how they say what they're saying. It wouldn't matter if they'd all just pair like he'd suggested, but he didn't really think they'd go for that. The instructor may be afraid of him, but the others don't know what he can do, or what he does for a living.

He stands there next to Paris letting them make their choices and discuss it however they wish. Then he looks a bit more interested at Mari's idea. He uses the span of time it takes of her and her cousin to exchange a few words and decides that he'd prefer not to be on the same team with Kione after all, and splitting in only two will allow him to keep up with everyone better. “I agree. On all accounts.” He glances from Mari to Rineth with a slight smile. It is most definitely a competition. His eyes glance over toward Menora and the smile almost fades. No matter how they split, he's not sure who's on his side, who is against him, and who doesn't care or can be bought. Then his gaze falls on the teacher and it hardens just bit. Just a hint of threat. “Let's do it that way.”

The instructor starts to stamper a bit but then starts nodding. He regains himself and looks out over the entire class as if he were in charge and weren't afraid of any of them. “That sounds reasonable. Move into your groups quickly, so we can go set up camp.

OOC Note: I cheated a bit and moved Siwel and Rhian so not all of Eric's chars would end up in the same group.

[Paris Shikara]

Paris did not speak as the debate of the teams went on. He was not as outspoken as his brother Adrian, and tended to go with the flow in such matters. He liked everyone in the class. Though he could not help but become a little annoyed when Marialy once again interjected to get Kione on her team. He assumed she must have fancied him, or she wanted a military man with her in the dangerous ruins. For a moment he thought he might have requested that he accompany him instead. In the end however, he did not. He did not want to seem afraid, nor did he want to anger Mari needlessly. It was really for that reason he did not. As the Duke’s son he had every right to request anything he wanted, and subconsciously he knew it would be granted.

When the instructor spoke Paris nodded and smiled at Menora. He was glad they would be together if points were to be involved she would be of help deciphering some ruins if they came upon them. “Well let’s get on with it then,” he said with an excited air, history had always fascinated him and it wasn’t often he was allowed to go on such an adventure.

[Menora Takara]

Unlike Paris, Menora was not only a little annoyed with Marialy. So much so she found it incredibly difficult to stop herself form cutting the girl a glare. During the time they were all speaking the mage’s suspicion towards the girl spiked again. Was she trying to keep Kione away from Paris? Did that mean someone on her intended team would be attempting to murder him? She was quite glad that she would be with him if that was the case. Even still, she was not sure if she’d be enough for a skilled assassin. She could only hope the other set of “eyes” Azure spoke of would be with her. But which was it? Ileemi, Rineth, or Siwel? Which was the hired blade? She found that she trusted no one.

When Ileemi added he too agreed she could not help but regard him and the same series of thoughts dashed through her mind again. Did he agree so he could protect Paris or kill him? In any event why was the instructor allowing them to dictate everything? Was he one of the assassins?

She walked over to Paris as he spoke, and stood beside him. Azure had told her not to act as if she was in the know and she would try her best to do that. Despite that, however, she had every intention of remaining as close to Paris as possible. It should not send up any red flags, they were best friends, though anyone who knew Menora would know she really wasn’t that clingy. Luckily she felt only Paris would know that. The wizard only hoped he was smart enough not to say anything to that effect.

[Rineth and Marialy]

Everyone was now split into two teams and it seemed agreed they were all in competition with each other, but there wasn't two direction to split off into. Not that they could see yet. There were probably many secret or hidden doors they just couldn't see. Five feet from the little entrance they didn't all really fit in was a large alcove as wide and as deep as the hall was wide. A large tapestry showing the emblem of the vampire clan that had lived there covered almost the entire back wall of the alcove. No one disturbed the tapestry, but a few seemed like they wanted to look behind it when the other team wasn't watching. Rineth had made a comment about bugs that live in old fabric in these old ruins and everyone pretended they believed her. Some might actually have. They move further down the hall, most of them trying to get in front of the others to lead the way, though not all. Some like Avera and Siwel seem content to bring up the rear for now.

The door they can all see on their right is locked. It's an iron door so won't be easy to just kick in. The hall way down the right next to that room is long, but a dead end. Of course such a hallways can't really be a dead end, that wouldn't make any sense. There was also another little alcove at the end of the hallway they started down. By this time some of them are getting rather claustrophobic as the hall is only five feet wide. There is a sudden loud banging sound as Siwel tries to kick the iron door in with his back legs, but to no avail.

Tristal and Avera were near Siwel and Tristal suddenly slaps his hand on the door and looks pointedly at Siwel. “Our team gets this door.”

“Then we get that alcove!” Rineth turns around and runs back down the hall to the alcove with the tapestry to lay claim for her team. She franticly waves her mates over to follow her. The alcove is barely big enough for one, but two can fit in it. Not all five at once.

“Have fun with your old fabric bugs!” Marialy calls after her cousin. Then to her own mates she nods triumphantly. “I'm sure we'll find lots of treasure in here.”

[Rhian Stormshadow]

Rhian did not care to be so crowded with everyone, and he thought he could smell the centaur. It was one of the reasons he disliked them so, that awful smell. Others claimed they could not smell it, but he had long surmised that was because they just wanted to be polite and make him look like an ass. He was one of those feeling a bit claustrophobic; the hall was quite tight with all of them. The air was thick with all of them in such close quarters and he could feel the charm he’d worn working to keep his body temperature at his desired level. The charm was one of the most simple in design, but that made it easy to match almost anything. It had been a gift from his mother.

The young wizard considered moving forward in the alcove to take a better look at the vampiric symbol. He was a bit haughty, arrogant, and vain but such things did interest him. In fact there were many scholarly and arcane things that peaked his interest, otherwise he would not be a wizard. Of course most of the time he cared about them because he wanted to decipher how they could be used to help him gain what he wanted, but was there much difference in that and just academic interest?

The thought vanished however as Rhian jumped suddenly, almost biting his tongue. The loud bang caused by Siwel’s attempt to smash the door had startled him horribly. Only a few seconds later the fear was replaced with a spike of anger. His cheeks flushed a delicate shade of red. He looked to Siwel, and then nodded with Tristal.

“Now stand aside and let me show you how to properly open doors in a ruin,” he said walking over to them. He gave the centaur a derisive look as he turned to the iron door and press the top of his staff on it. Using it as a focus for the magic rising in him he muttered a simple spell that would unlock the door before them. A faint light would emit and wash over the door, and unless there were protective wards too powerful for his spell the door would creak open as if nothing had obstructed it in the first place.

[Paris Shikara]

Paris had jumped as well, though he was not flushed with anger as Rhian was. Instead he gave out a faint laugh when he realized it had only been the centaur. He had not had time to hear Rhian’s words however as he was already walking towards Rineth. He too had been interested in the symbol of the clan upon the tapestry. And while a door was not evident in the alcove he knew that the clans often hid their doorways so intruders could not harry them unawares. He also wondered if the iron door was a distraction that would lead to nowhere. It’s what he might have done if he wanted to throw off intruders. So few would think to look for a hidden door when one was in plain sight.

He nodded to Rineth as he passed her. “Pardon me,” he intoned politely, moving passed the girl. He was aware of the blue light from Menora’s staff following him, as well as the torchlight of Ileemi. He did not touch the tapestry but merely looked at it, trying to see if he could recall the symbol.

[Menora Takara]

Menora did not jump as the other’s did, but instead jerked her head around to see what the noise had been. Her heart seemed to be in her throat until she realized it was only Siwel trying to get through the door. For the briefest of seconds she had thought one of the assassins had decided to strike. In the same thought she’d wondered why they would have been so clumsy, since an attack of that sort would likely kill them all and cause the ruins to collapse. Letting out a breath she looked back to Paris, not much caring what Rhian was saying with the others. Her friend was already moving toward Rineth.

She followed him as he walked, smiling at Rineth as she came closer. She assumed Rineth would want to enter the alcove with the Duke’s son, if only because she’d “claimed” it for her team. Nevertheless Menora moved forward, “He’ll need a light.”

The blue light of her staff illuminated the tapestry as she too surveyed the symbol. Despite the danger of the situation she could not help but be interested in what they were here for as well. Unlike Paris however she decided to reach out and touch the tapestry, her fingers grazing the symbol. She wondered if her friend was afraid of bugs biting him or something of that sort. There was a possibility of it being full of bugs but she was wearing gloves so it was of little difference to her.

Her fingers slid to the side of the tapestry as she moved it to the side to see what was behind.

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi lets Paris come to stand in front of him, as most the others do as well. Paris may not realize it, but he's showing signs of being a natural leader. Ileemi can't help but smile just a bit. Over the course of the class he's tried to get the kid alone many times and always someone has stepped in and ruined it. There was one time he'd convinced Paris to go to the library alone for some study time and got him behind the stacks. Paris had seemed to expect something else, Ileemi wasn't sure what. They'd studied a bit and when guards were finally dropped, Menora had come to study with them. They were always interrupted by someone, most often Menora, just because she was Paris' best friend. Ileemi knows he hadn't always hidden his anger when others came around, just like with that study group in the garden and Avera came, and then Mari and Rineth came to take them off to the arena. But during all this time of trying to get his job done, he's found that there are qualities in Paris he likes. The kid needs to wise up a bit. He's an easy target. Well, would be if he weren't so watched all the time.

Ileemi looks over at Menora at his side, both standing behind Paris, everyone else behind them in the hallway, as Ileemi had pushed their way past along with Paris. Everyone knows they're his best friends and thus they're more likely to let Menora and Ileemi in with Paris. Paris just stands there looking at the symbol. Vampire clans all have emblems that represent them. This is just a tapestry of that. Ileemi is sure they'll find more of it.

He doesn't care to push past the old fabric and whatever bugs might live in it or dust might fall out of it. Despite that Menora's hand is on the tapestry, he reaches past Paris with his torch and lights the tapestry on fire. The old fabric burns quickly in a little poof, though not so quick Menora can't jerk away. He'll offer her a little shrug, but nothing more. Ileemi could dispense the smoke around them, but will let Menora do it instead so he doesn't have to show any magical talent. He hasn't yet, and he won't until he's ready to finish his job. There's not that much smoke anyway, there wasn't much left of the tapestry to burn. Less than it looked as the threads and become so thin and rotted.

“Hey, be careful!” Siwel warns slightly annoyed.

Behind the tapestry is a wooden door. It's also locked. Again Ileemi will let Menora take care of it and pretend he can not. Well, maybe not pretend he can't, just not volunteer he can.

[Rineth and Marialy]

The room that Rhian has now unlocked is fifteen by fifteen feet. There are no other doors leading out of the room. It is full of rubbish, some old ropes, old rags, scattered stones, some old boards that may have once been a piece of furniture. The place was abandoned quickly, as they'd all know from their history lessons over this clan of vampires who had warred with another clan. There is also a large stuffed beast of some sort, maybe it was once native to these lands, or maybe it was brought in from somewhere else. The creature was large, about the size of a small pony. It has a cat-like build and head but is covered in scales like a snake. It's feet are cloven hooves. The creature has whiskers like a dragon, but horns like an antelope. This one is black but in certain light there is a shimmer of purple on it's scales.

[Rhian Stormshadow]

Rhian watched as the door creaked open. He was pleased with himself, but he was sure not to let himself show it. It was not grand enough to warrant elation. The young mage often made himself be aware of such subtleties whilst in the company of nobles. Despite his bravado he was quite insecure around certain people and not being from a noble family was a sore spot with him. The Stormshadow family was prominent, to be sure, but like the Dupree they were strictly of the noble class. Being around Menora often reminded him of that, since though she too was from what could be termed a “wizarding family” the Takara were of noble birth, and held titles.

The orb he’d brought with him zoomed ahead of him, its white light illuminating the room. As his eyes scanned the room he did not see anything of great interest, except for the creature that had been left in the room. An ogre? Rhian was not as versed as he probably should have been when it came to creatures and beasts. He was quite sure it was dead, as there would have been no way for it to sustain itself. Even still he did not have any desire to touch or examine it closely. Why would a vampire clan stuff a creature anyway?

Deciding he didn’t much care he turned back to face his team, "We could set up camp in here."

[Paris Shikara]

Paris felt the heat of the torch before he saw it set the banner aflame. His head turned back in a somewhat reproachful look. Though only an instant later when he actually looked upon Ileemi’s face the look lost its severity. He found himself a bit flushed though, as he was a bit annoyed, but he did not want Ileemi to think him too much of a stickler. “We could have taken that,” he said, “It did not seem to be magical but still, it was a historic artifact. Not to mention you almost burned Menora.” The tone the lordling adopted was not one of great reproach, though he had at first intended for it to be.

[Menora Takara]

Menora’s glove tingled and she moved her hand just in time. The flames engulfed the tapestry only seconds after Ileemi had put his torch to it. Old fabric tended to do that. She had just been about to snap at him when Paris spoke. For a second after he’d finished she still wanted to put her two cents in but then decided it was not worth it. She did not want to undermine Paris in that manner, even though he wouldn’t think of it that way. Despite that she cut Ileemi a much more reproachful look than her friend had. She looked back to Siwel and nodded in agreement with what he’d said.

Though she could not help but wonder why he’d wanted their classmate to be careful. Was it because if Paris had been burned they may have had to remove him from the ruins? Was it because he was the other “set of eyes” Azure had mentioned, and thus wanted to protect Paris just as she did? Or was it because he was the accomplice and didn’t want Ileemi to be so sloppy? It was impossible for her to tell.

Instead of dwelling on it, surmising she would not come to a logical conclusion she turned back to the door. Menora was quite skilled for her age, and in fact even skilled for a Takara of her age. She did not need her staff to focus her spell as Rhian did, but her mentors had always told her to never let on to how knowledgeable she really was. Many wizards practiced that deception. Beyond that she decided to use her staff just incase there were any virulent enchantments protecting the door.

Laying the crystal upon the door she muttered the same incantation Rhian had used, and the same light washed over the door. If there were no wards that could overpower her spell, or even assault her for trying to enter, the door would open just as smoothly as his had.

[Kione and Zandyr]

Kione had not liked his demand being overturned and being forced into a group opposite of Paris. He had wanted to turn Mari down and tell Ileemi where he could stick it, but while he fought to find a nice way of telling Mari he didn't want to be in her group, the instructor had put his foot down and sided with Ileemi. . . again. That Ileemi always gets his way has not escaped Kione, but it's starting to piss him off. His group had gone to the iron door and Rhian was unlocking it. Kione had lingered back a bit, closer to Paris' group. He doesn't see the torch touch the tapestry, but hears the little rush of fire poof up the fabric. He peeks around the corner to see Ileemi holding a torch, the tapestry burnt, and everyone glaring at Ileemi. It doesn't take a mage with an old book to figure out what happened. He shoves his way past the classmates at the back and over to Ileemi. He grabs Ileemi's shoulder and turns him, while slamming him hard into the wall behind him. “What the hell are you thinking?”

[Ileemi Ravrinav]

Ileemi smiles a bit and offers an apologetic shrug to Paris. He's sorta proud of the kid for showing some leadership again, but doesn't take it to heart. Menora doesn't get a grin or a shrug, though he looks right back at her as if challenging her to say something once he catches her gaze is upon him. He's so busy looking at Menora and wondering if she'll ask him to take it to the arena, that he doesn't see Kione coming until the rider is right up on him. He makes himself not block Kione's attack, though he could have done something. Nothing clear came to mind, but he's well trained and could have reacted if he'd wanted. Instead he's suddenly meeting the wall hard with his back and dropping his torch in the process. The torch lands on the floor in a flurry of flame, but stays lit. If I hadn't dropped that, I'd shove it in his face. “Let go of me.” His voice is calm when he speaks, but a slight serge of energy builds within him. He tries to keep it down and hopes no one else noticed. I'll kill them all if I have to.

[Rineth and Marialy]

Rineth sees Kione coming and steps out of his way so he can challenge Ileemi. She knows that's where he's going. They had a confrontation after Paris had been pushed out that window. She has to try hard not to laugh when Kione throws Ileemi up against the wall. I'd like to be tossed against a wall. Either of you would work. Her eyes look back down the hall toward the other team and Rhian who had opened that door. She's sure he could make being thrown against a wall fun. If anyone looks she's frowning and looking a bit upset, but that's because she realizes now exactly how unfun it is for Mari to get both Rhian and Kione in her team.

Siwel steps up to the two, but doesn't lay hands on either yet. “Hey! Take it to the arena or let it go.”

Mari wants to be impressed with Rhian, but that's probably because he's so hot. All he did was unlock the door. She could have done that. Or Rineth could do it with a hairpin. She nods to Rhian in agreement about setting up camp. “That thing is kinda creepy though.” Anything else she was going to say on the state of the room or the rubbish on the floor is distracted by the commotion down the hall. She leans back out of the room, as she's half entered and peers down the hallway. She looks oddly at her team mates and wonders what the heck is going on down the hall.

“Kione and Ileemi.” Tristal responds, having seen it all. He's automatically on Ileemi's side. Kione is the son of an armor smith and a cook. Ileemi's family is a prominent magical family with a member on the Order.

[Kels]

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