Fantasy Vereor Nox (Fantasy/Action/Powers/School RP)

[Trappy]

Aarus Stasiva
The night was struggling for Aarus, to say the least. He had been tossing and turning in bed as the heat practically had him glued to the bed sheet, and so Aarus had no more than a shut-eye, compare to almost everyone else. Suddenly, the once biting, haunting frost of the North seemed all so pleasant to him.

The Sun rose, and came with it a jolt of shock that woke everyone within the premises almost simultaneously.

"All new students, report to the School Yard for class assignment."

Aarus bolted out of the bed and quickly changed into fresh clothing. The radiant beams of sunlight breathed life into whatever they touched on their path across the island, touching Aarus's face. The young man squinted as his hands, imbued with cool air, dived into his long, brown hair. The climate, he thought. Indeed the climate was too much for him to adapt overnight, someone from the frosty far North. But he didn't let his tired body distract his mind, for he had picked up some rumours from his yellow mates in the dorm: they were going to practice with their weapons today.

Aarus planned to impress everyone with his Holography magic.

Aarus exited the room and headed towards the School Yard, as was instructed, and then joined the other trainees, awaiting further instructions, when he noticed a Giant. To be honest, she wasn't so hard to miss - but didn't I see her before? Yes, at the line, to the Sorting Chambers. It did surprise Aarus, someone who had been so used to see Giants being 'mistreated', forced into labour up in the North. But he had been told that such 'mistreatment' and 'discrimination' weren't allowed on this island, so Aarus decided to come and greet his soon-to-be comrade.

He walked up to greet the Giant from her right, before speaking up, loud enough to catch her attention.

"Good morning! I'm Aarus, pleased to meet you."

Epiphany

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline

Standing over the crowd, Aymeline has a slightly pensive look on her face. The way her arms cross her chest beneath her bosom and the way she holds herself suggest vulnerability, uncertainty, and she plainly has no idea how to approach others. Yet there's affection in her light pink eyes as she watches her fellow students, while trying not to let them notice she's noticing them.

Her reverie ends when Aarus approaches and speaks to her, directly to her in a way she can't possibly mistake for an address to someone else.

Aymeline turns slightly to face the tall young man, then bends at the waist before dropping down to one knee, putting her head a bit below his by doing so. Even so, she's wider, broader than he is and the creak of her armor hints at an overpowering strength native to a species powerful enough to move frames that weigh half a ton or more.

"Good morning," she returns with a friendly smile. "I'm Aymeline. Meeting you is my pleasure, though, surely more than your own." The Giant tilts her head slightly, appraising him. Then her broad smile widens. "You're bright. All of us are, Guardians and trainees alike, but you seem brighter than most. You must be a very good man."

Gesturing towards the stage, Aymeline adds "What kind of class assignments do you think we'll have? Do you know what kind of lessons they teach here?" Glancing at Aarus once more, she comments a bit more quietly. "What did you come here to learn?"

Trappy

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Brynn

Growing up in an inn, there was always plenty that needed to be done. There were even particular chores that needed to be done before day light for the convenience of the guests of the inn. Brynn had become quite accustomed to waking up before the sun had risen to attend to the duties assigned to her, but that wasn't the case now. She woke as she had nearly always done, her body conditioned to the usual time and her only way of knowing just whether or not it was still the middle of the night or nearing day was by determining where the sky was lightest or where the moon was positioned.

Her stomach was already rumbling as she lay in bed for a couple of moments after realizing that she didn't know what she should be doing right at that moment since she didn't have to go about her usual chores. Though that restlessness soon kicked in and so up until everyone received that minor jolt of light, she busied herself with sit-ups, push-ups, and other physical activities that she could do in her room along with moments of staring at the still tarped weapon in the corner of her room.

She was laying on the floor when the shock hit her and she jumped warily, looking around and wondering what it was before the voice spoke up. She sighed slightly, realizing that it was likely some sort of alarm to wake the recruits on time and it eased her nerves somewhat. She knew they would likely be training with their guardian weapons if the rumors were to be believed and so she decided to finally put on the armor that Eda had given her and was simultaneously delighted and unnerved at how the armor fit her. It was perfect. Though she felt a little stifled since she was only very used to wearing loose fitting clothes in any other situation, but she didn't guess that armor would work very well if it were loose and decided that she would just have to get used to it.

Eda had even had the foresight to include a hat with the armor, it wasn't anything fancy, if anything it looked like a bag with a tight section of leather at the opening that would keep it on her head. When she put it on, the color and design made it look like a muffin, the loose part hanging off the side of her head while the band of it wrapped around the upper part of her forehead. She situated the hat to assure that her hair was covering her ears and the hat would keep the sun kissed brown strands as they lay down over her shoulders and with one final check that she had equipped the armor to the best of her ability since she had never before put armor on, she collected the canvas covered weapon in the corner of her room and exited to join her fellows in the School Yard.

She could only assume that the weapon Signy had given her was an ax because of the shape and the fact that the Elves had trained her with axes and since her benefactor knew that was how she was trained, it only made sense. Her hazel eyes remained mostly on the ground in front of her feet, though she did glance upwards every now and then just to see who was around her and get a better idea of who she would be working with and taking her lessons with, her eyes catching sight of the giant who was her polar opposite in height. It was her first time seeing someone so large in stature since the inn hadn't exactly accommodated giants and Brynn hadn't been allowed to wander. She was either at the inn or in the Elvish settlement just outside of the city all her life, so she stopped cold in her tracks.

She likely would have noticed the giant woman had she not been so carefully guarded on the trip over and she must have missed her during the previous week amidst all the testing and all she could do at that moment was stare, unblinking before she recaptured her wits and ducked her head down, hurrying on her way anxiously.

Epiphany

 

[Kabboom]

Runa

After a relatively long time putting her equipment on and securing them, Runa inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with confidence for the big day. Her gauntlets are put on firmly, exposing her right hand to draw blood, not that she thinks she'll get to use it for today. Today is, most likely, a test of their weapons at best. No way they're gonna get tested on actual targets. Although she does harbor a small glint of hope that they will get to do just that.

Her Comet Slasher was in its inactive form, a mostly harmless looking stick coated in black paint, with little strips of metal on one end. She tucked it into one of the straps on her hip, pressing firmly against her right leg. Feeling confident, she opened her door and stepped outside, the door closing automatically thanks to some complicated Light Magic. She then made her way to the Yard, along with many other trainees, rumbling through the hallways.

The Yard was located in a central location within the Academy, with natural grass layering the yard, walkways surrounding the yard area, and the entrance to the rest of the school sealed behind a large door to the front of the grassy yard, and the entire view resembled the inner courtyard of a large and carefully maintained cathedral.

As she stood patiently, she looked around to see if she could find anyone she knew. Immediately, she spotted the Giant girl, Aymeline. Runa began moving towards the Giantess, seemingly crouching down to talk to some man, when a hooded figure passed her. She looked at the person, confused as to why he or she is wearing the hood in the first place. She figured, Aymeline can be left alone for a while. She followed the hooded person, who seemed to have an axe with her as well.

"Hey, excuse me. Why are you wearing that thing?" Runa always knew she was a bit crude when it came to introductions, but she asked what was on her mind.

(Bump for Skelvin Nephalem Britalianese )

 

[BearBearBear]

"You're bright. All of us are, Guardians and trainees alike, but you seem brighter than most." Will heard the rumbling before he saw the speaker as he made his way down to the Yard for whatever it was they were to do. He took his sweet time getting there, wandering through halls and watching the others as the blindly stumbled along their way. It must have been the sleep, he assumed; people didn't tend to sleep well the first time in a new environment, and he had to exert himself quite a bit before slumber finally took him.

Anyway, hearing a voice, he was surprised to see that he could actually see the speaker this time; granted it was because of the impossibility of missing someone likely twice the average human height. He didn't mind it as much, but it seemed like they were beginning introductions so it felt somewhat rude to simply barge in as he was about to do. As pragmatic as he tended to be, and as abrasive as that was, he knew when to push and when to simply let be, and one didn't needlessly antagonize strangers for no good reason. Then again, they would have to be nobility to take offence as interrupting a conversation, but it never was bad to err on the side of caution.

"What did you come here to learn?"

He couldn't help but stop when he heard the giantess ask such a peculiar question, partly because he was wondering why she would ask such a thing... What are we here for? He wondered to himself; It was a legitimate question, and if any of them were like him, it was something one needed to ask at the end of the day. He could fight like the best of them when push came to shove; he would go far enough and say that as long as they were within his weapon's considerable reach, he was confident against many a foe. He could maintain his work, as well as create for others when requested; and though he stopped touching on the weapons to be bought by the public, he was sure that he's only improved his craft. The only thing he really needed to work on was his ability to... communicate... with...

Oh, he was such an idiot.

"Everyone has a different reason to be here," Will said with a low tone, somewhat more ashamed than shy as he approached. "I confess, Miss
Aymeline, that I wasn't sure if you gestured towards me, or a figure behind me yesterday. It might be a tad late, but I am Will, and it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, both of you."

Epiphany Trappy

 

[Skelvin]

((Ah, sorry for not replying to anything, my notifications were turned off!))
At the calling, Iskari rose swiftly from her bed. The sudden jolt didn't seem to phase her, as she moved with ease, yet speed, wasting no time in rising from her sleep and casting a quick glance around the room, instinctively checking for danger. Verifying that all was right in the dormitory, Iskari retrieved her robe from where it lay, neatly folded on a stand beside the bed, and threw it around her shoulders, quickly securing it with a hastily tied black, cloth belt after she had strapped her dual katanas to her waist. With a placid mask set firmly across her features, Iskari silently exited the room, and made her way to the School Yard.
As her cold gaze flickered across the crowd shuffling about, Iskari halted her quick stride, narrowing her eyes with distaste. Nearby, she spotted a group that looked familiar, soon realising that they had been on the train with her when they had departed for the school. Iskari couldn't recall interacted with any of them, or anyone, now that she considered it. With a quiet, apprehensive sigh, Iskari shifted closer to the group, until she stood on the outskirts of the crowd, attentive gaze darting around as she took in her surroundings. Although the young woman certainly didn't look all too welcoming, she didn't appear outwardly hostile either, at the moment.

 

[Sludgemouth]

Karis trudged bitterly up to his classmates, having finally gotten around to donning his armor. He cast them all a tired, and hollow glare as he arrived, silently falling into ranks and awaiting for his chance to receive his weapons, and his turn to bring what skill he's learned throughout the years to bear. However no matter his poor mood, or his willingness to learn and put fourth his best effort, Karis is not immune to the effects of sleep deprivation. His pretentious sullenness cracks as he opens wide, jaw almost unhinging and lets fourth a prodigious yawn. He glances sheepishly at his peers a might embarrassed with himself.

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Brynn

There was a vast difference between being used to being around people and being used to actually interacting with them. Brynn was the former. Working at the inn she had adapted to working behind the scenes while in plain sight. She did what she was assigned to do without inconveniencing nor drawing the attention of any of the inn's guests. She was in no way used to anyone ever trying to make conversation with her because it was her job to basically be unseen and unheard and if anyone did see her they tended to ask only questions that could be answered quickly with a "yes, sir," or "no ma'am."

If Runa had known this, it would have been no surprise to her why the more diminutive female jumped when she addressed her and slowly turned around, her multicolored eyes primarily focused on the ground though she did turn them up towards the taller female sporadically, never obtaining eye contact. She adjusted the canvas wrapped ax on her shoulder briefly and since she had been asked a direct question that she couldn't answer yes or no to, she gave a direct answer as she raised a hand to the muffin hat, flattening the floppy part of it slightly where it hung off to the side of her head, "to hide my ears."

Brynn cleared her throat awkwardly, shifting uncomfortably. She wasn't really embarrassed, just obviously unsure, her lips pursing slightly as she stared at the ground without any inkling of how to proceed since she wasn't a conversationalist and she wasn't sure how to depart an interaction without being dismissed.

Kabboom

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline

Roleplay Skittle
Engaged in polite conversation as she was, the Giant paid particular attention to new arrivals. Unlike the train station and the earlier assembly, these warriors would be the people she trained beside for the foreseeable. And it didn't escape her notice when a trainee wearing a hat and bearing a canvas-covered weapon stopped and basically gawked at her. Aymeline's pink eyes grew wide in delight as she noticed how diminutive the other woman was. Very nearly half her height! Adorable!

So the Giant passes the Elf a friendly wave, likely unseen, before shrugging and returning to her conversation.

BearBearBear
The person who answered her wasn't the friendly, tall human who'd greeted her so nicely but another rather tall human. Crouched down on one knee, both men now had the advantage of height but not of size.

Aymeline tilted her head to the side as she considered Will's greeting. Then she smiled, the kind of smile that had a brilliance like the sun still rising in the sky. "It's a pleasure to make yours as well," she said, dipping her head in a nod of respect. "I imagine we'll have classes together, all of us. It's not as if there are so many with the ability to be Guardians that we'll have large class sizes, not split between all the Academies." One large pink eyebrow lifts inquisitively. "You mentioned everyone has a different reason to be here. What's yours?"

 

[BearBearBear]

"You'll be surprised at the strength this world has to offer, may it be found within the humans, the giants, the elves, or the Icruscan." Will offered in reply, a barely visible smile on his face as he looked to the giantess who somehow thought it would be better for her to crouch down. Looking up was a novelty for people like him, who almost never needed to do so unless danger reared it's head, but if the giantess was comfortable with her position then he would not comment. "The Darkness is mighty, but we are not so weak even without the Light."

He briefly entertained the idea of displaying his weapon, one of the rare examples of what one may call Light-less technology, but he was sure that an opportunity would present itself in the future. He could not tell why he felt that she spoke truth, despite the odds being against their being classmates, but he was sure that they would meet again, if not within the four walls of the classroom, then in the far-flung reaches of the battlefield.

But no, his mind quickly turned to more pressing matters, such as how to answer the giantess without being so rude. If one were to claim to study in an academy designed to craft the protectors of humanity only to get along with others, than he would be at the height of hubris. That being said, he most definitely surpassed full fledged Guardians when it came to certain close quarters applications, with how his power worked and what strength it lent in combat. Because in the end, that was all that there was; in and out, to fight or to prepare for the next one.

Objectively speaking, that's all he knew; and for the longest time that was all he needed to know.

"I think I need to learn more about why I'm here in the first place." He settled on the most neutral answer, nodding more to himself than to she who asked him the question. If he was good enough, then they would have left him to his devices, so the very fact that they invited, or rather took, him meant that there was more he needed to learn. "I have an inkling: I'm not the best as social functions, but that can't be all. Therefore, aside from my inability to mesh well with fellow combatants, I'm sure there is another reason for which I am called here, and I shall endeavor to discover it."

He was asked a question, therefore he supposed that it was only fair that he throw the same one back. "What of you, gentle miss? You were called to this Isle, for what purpose?"

Epiphany

 

[Kabboom]

DM

As the school yard fills up with new trainees, the diversity of the Guardian's recruitment becomes clear, as a myriad of unique human, Incruscan, and a lone Giant woman, stand in the school yard, talking to each other freely, with varying personalities. Some are social creatures, and openly talk and laugh with each other, standing out in the group, while others are more shy, and are more reserved, especially Incruscans, due to the situations that allowed them to get here. Half-breeds, usually illegitimate sons and daughters usually don't talk much, due to the... rough way they are treated within the Kingdom.

But within the walls of Crescent Academy, and by extension, the Isle of Hope, everyone is equal. Unfair treatment will not be tolerated on an island with the sole purpose of teaching harmony during combat, for chaos and discord, are a breeding ground, for negative emotions, and by negative emotions. And during these dark times, one would know better than to incite further panic in the face of the Darkborne.

Soon enough, a figure appears from the majestic front gates to the largest structure of the Academy, a quaint girl, with a light white hue of hair, and a demure dress made of simple fabrics with a pair of black high-heels, a relatively new fashion sweeping the Kingdom as of late, with each of her steps resonating as she made her way towards an elevated platform made of Light energy, its radiant warmth breezing through the crowd of trainees. The girl's footsteps cut out as soon as she steps upon the stairway made of Light, and the nearby Guards armed with simple muskets that emerged from the gate alongside her assemble into a straight line in front of the platform, standing at attention, with their polished musket barrels pointing skyward.

"Greetings, to all of you wonderful trainees!" The girl spoke with a firm yet warm and welcoming voice, amplified with Light energy. "I welcome you all to Crescent Academy. Many of you may be wondering why we have gathered you here, or what you will do here. Some of you may be disadvantaged for what we will teach you, while others may be more than qualified. Some of you might be part of a species that is not especially.... well treated. while some of you might come from a more privileged position in the societal hierarchy."

The girl took a brief pause, as she cleared her throat. "But, here on the Isle of Hope... none of those will matter. We are all equals, living in harmony. We must cast aside our differences, to unite, to fight the enemy of chaos. The enemy of conflict. The Darkborne. And that is what we shall teach you here. Not only how to fight the Darkborne, but how to live with each other in harmony, regardless of our differences, both in society and race. From now on, you are all Guardians. All as one."

As she takes another breath, a book manifests on the platform, itself also seemingly made of Light. "And now, we shall assign you into groups. These groups have been chosen randomly. They will be your group for the rest of your semester, and we hope that you will get along with them in no time."

The girl then called out names from a list, and new Guards appear from the gates with new muskets and make an impromptu line for the new arrivals into the gates. One group after another, the crowd disperses, until only one group remains. The girl eyes them amusingly, and announces to them. "You are the final group. Enjoy your stay together."

Runa

Runa was going to say more to this hooded girl she had bumped into but before she could do that, the doors opened and the events played out. As the crowd dispersed, she became a bit nervous. Her mind began looking through the possible reasons that she wouldn't be in a group. Perhaps a hiccup in the list? A last-minute decision change? Have they found her unsatisfactory?

But as the final group was selected, she felt a mix of relief and surprise. The good news is, she wasn't redundant after all, as she had been put into a group - the final group, nonetheless; the bad news is, she's paired with a bunch of... special trainees. Well, at least Aymeline is in her group. That'll make protecting her easier.

She inhaled sharply, puffing up her chest and made her way towards the main gates. 'The adventure begins here,' she thought to herself, though she doubts that is the case.

Sludgemouth Trappy BearBearBear Skelvin Roleplay Skittle Epiphany Nephalem Britalianese
@Plasma

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline

BearBearBear
The Giant lifts both surprisingly elegant eyebrows in acknowledgement before a smile graces her lips. "No need to convince me, Will. My people have more strength than any other race in the world and yet we've always marveled at what those other races accomplish. My people also have a saying: 'May hands make light work'. Perhaps with your kind, it takes more hands but the result speaks for itself; the Darkness is held back and we still live."

The rest of his answer merits a growth of that smile. "Perhaps you are...trained to fight alone? Practiced at it? For you don't seem unable to mesh. Socially at least."

"Ah. My purpose?" The return question puts the Giant back a little and her brow furrows in thought. "All Giants are strong with the Light but few are called to serve as Guardians. When I learned I could stand beside those who keep us safe, there was no question if I would. It's my duty." Pausing pensively, she adds a bit more softly and shyly. "I'm looking forward to learning more about your people. All the people who come here. What I most hope to learn, Will, is the secret of friendship. I've never had a friend who wasn't a Giant before. I hope to change that here."

The arrival of the girl with white hair brings a certain silent quality to the gathered students, though, and Aymeline stops speaking to better listen to what's about to be said.

Kabboom
Aymeline's face grows incredulous, then rapt with wonder as the speaker works her way through her speech. The Giant's never heard such words before. By the end, her eyes are bright with unshed tears. "All as one," she repeats to herself.

Then assignments are made. Aymeline waits patiently as group after group are led away. She feels no concern, not after those words. Besides, the Guardians wouldn't have sailed them all that distance and then ferried them train all this way only to turn any back. When the speaker finally designates those that remain as a group, Aymeline beams at the other woman and says "Thank you!" in a voice loud and clear enough to carry across the expansive school yard.

As Runa and others start making their way to the main gates, Aymeline rises to her full height and strides among them. And each step is taken with a firm pride.

 

[BearBearBear]

He could only nod as she spoke of her deficiency, of her flaws, of her purpose, her will, and her own Light. This that was her, or at least the image that she was willing to share with him and those who listened with him, was one that shone brightly, and was a facade that loomed over him even as a nondescript girl took the the fore and led the surrounding guards in salute.

She spoke about power, about how to watch over those who died and level the blade to those who deserved it, but more than that she spoke of how to cherish those left behind, and care for whatever remained in the aftermath. They would not only teach Guardians how to defeat the darkness, but how to foster and nurture the Light that would surely follow, that it may be a warm refuge for those who seek comfort rather than an oppressive sun that burns down on all within it's domain.

It was a purpose he found himself accepting, if only to fill the void left by what was lost.

"All as one, indeed, for as we started along different paths, now we walk but one." There was obvious hesitation in his voice, doubt that could be felt even after the consideration of the giantess and the faith of whoever seemed to think they were worthy of such a thing. They were as divided as they had ever been, and to think that a single day, a single voice, could change that was simply folly. Still, it was a fool's errand he would gladly carry out, just so long as on this journey of foolishness, they emerge alive and much wiser. "Well met then, I'm sure we would be seeing each other quite often."

With his own piece said, he took his place astride the group and obediently followed into where the Light would lead him. He resolved to learn what he could, for as a blacksmith's son, that was all he could ever hope to do.

He was always proud of his hands, and if others were willing to guide them, then so be it.

Kabboom Sludgemouth Trappy Skelvin Roleplay Skittle Epiphany Nephalem Britalianese
@Plasma (I think that's everyone?)

 

[Kabboom]

Runa

Walking through the gates, with the guards on both sides giving a salute to her, made Runa feel a bit special. And a bit giddy, as well. She feels a weird sensation, one of curiosity, excitement, worry, all rolled up into one. It made her feel like she wanted to move around, but at the same time, made her want to stay still. She's not quite sure what to make of this.

As she enters, and her eyes adapt to the interior lighting quickly, she finds that it is a neat hallway, with normal lights on the top, a domed ceiling design, apparently, with ornate tiles beneath her. Along the two walls are doors, made of what appears to be mahogany, with writings on them, apparently Light magic manifestations. They appear to be names.

She walks further down the hallway, looking back at her... teammates, before progressing further, stopping finally, at a particularly interesting door. The wood looks faded, and partly rotted, and in a pretty bad shape, unlike every other door in the hallway, which is kept at pristine condition. But it has her name on it. And her teammates'.

She pouts out her lower lip as she thought to herself. 'Guess we'll find out,' she thought to herself, and then opened the door, the pivot creaking as she entered the classroom.

@Plasma Sludgemouth Trappy Skelvin Roleplay Skittle Nephalem Britalianese

 

[Nephalem]

The feline girl adopted a rather military-like stance after she entered the courtyard. She had been awakened rather rudely by a jolt of electricity, sended her hissing form flying out of bed, the fur on her ears and tail puffed out defensively. She had been greatful she had her own private room, or else the whole situation would have been quite embarrasing.

The courtyard became a buffet of magical energy for Saanvi as eager trainees poured in. Saanvi spotted Brynn within the crowd, hiding beneath her hood. The Icruscan took a hesitant step forward towards Brynn, her flattened ears perking up slightly but carefully returned her animalistic foot to it previous spot after Runa approached the half elf. Her large ears swiveled backwards, caused by an emotion best described as diluted anger after catching Runa's rather rude greeting to Brynn. It was Runa's people that caused Brynn to hide behind a hood, and now she was inquiring why as if it was wrong or strange of Brynn. The fan-like tip of Saanvi's tail flicked from side to side, the only sign of her offense.

Her attention was directed away from Brynn and Runa as the faint sound of steps reached her ears. No one else seemed to hear the clacking of high heels, yet as the crowd continued to buzz with light chatter. Saanvi folded her hands behind her back, her body stiffening. Near a minute later the crowd hushed and a woman appeared. Saanvi mentally applauded herself for identifying the shoe type.

Teams were being picked. It took some time, but eventually a pair of eyes met Saanvi's, herding her towards a group of people who were assigned to her group. Brynn was there, which, despite her unchanging expression, caused Saanvi to feel content. The giant was too, along with many others. It seemed the Giant and Saanvi stood out the most in their team. Saanvi eyed Runa skeptically, discrimination was not tolerated here, but humans were ignorant. She'd slip up eventually, or at least one of them would, and Saanvi would know. Earlier she had already observed many thoughts discussing how Icruscans were inferior species, all within the minds of humans.

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline

A salute? Well, it was meant for the whole group of trainees, obviously. Still, she walked among them. In a procession such as this, Aymeline had never been among those in the procession. Instead, she and her family had at best seen such parades and important people being saluted from afar.

She almost staggers at the feeling of sudden but overwhelming fear. Imposter! She doesn't really belong here, can't belong here!

But the Giant walks on, taking a strange comfort in the weight of the chainmail on her frame. It's Guardian mail, passed on to her. And it'd been smithed for a Giant. Not for her personally but they made Guardian armor for her kind. It would be okay.

The interior of the hallway is decorative enough to draw Aymeline's attention but she keeps in step with the rest of her training class. She peers at the Light manifested on the doors, marking which room belonged to which group of trainees. When they reach the last door and she sees its condition...Aymeline gives a dejected, audible sigh loud enough to fill the whole hallway.

Blushing slightly, she whispers "Sorry."

Then the Giant ducks under the door frame and scoots in behind Runa.

 

[Kabboom]

Runa

The classroom itself was... interesting at best. The quality of the furniture inside, the seats, tables, papers, research documents inside, were almost on par, if not worse than the quality of the door. Dust dominated the room, clearly having undergone years of neglect. Runa doubted that they have entered the right classroom.

But the doubt was somewhat alleviated, however, when a figure of a man appeared from an old desk in the forefront of the classroom, most likely the teacher's position. The man was around his 40s, with a beard that dominated most of his face. His garments were dirty, just like everything else within the confines of this classroom. It seems that time did not treat the man well.

The man clears his throat, with a puzzled look at the woman clad in dark armor who stood before him, and the 3-meter tall Giantess that just scooted in behind her. He pulls out a piece of paper that he stored within his pockets, all while murmuring to himself nonstop. Runa turns to Aymeline, who just got into the room behind her, a noteworthy feat, considering her size.

"I think we entered the wrong room." Runa said quietly. The man inhaled sharply, taking Runa by surprise. He then opened his mouth, and spoke in a raspy voice.

"So... Group 217. That's you. Giant female, female, Incruscan female, Elf female, three males. At least that's what I can make out on this damn paper." He then cleared his throat again, throwing the paper onto the old desk, its touchdown kicking up a faint puff of dust from the rotted wood.

"I'm your teacher. We can get to know each other later. Right now, I need you to understand that, the way I teach, is a bit different than the other teachers. You see, most of them take the first class to introduce themselves to the trainees, make them show their gear and equipment, and abilities. Kind of like 'show me what you got' classes." He said, while moving to behind his desk, his hand reaching under it.

"I, however, believe in learning on the job." He finally said, with a resounding click emanating from under the desk. Like clockwork, the wall behind him faded away quickly, a mere illusion via Light magic. Outside, a large chart of grassland, part of the Academy's bounds, left purposely blank for free practice purposes. It is now clear that the man, despite his ragged look, is a well respected figure within the school, based on his special privileges.

"Follow me." He said, before walking out to the grasslands. Runa followed him, exchanging confused looks with the rest of her group.

Sludgemouth Trappy BearBearBear Skelvin Roleplay Skittle Epiphany Britalianese @Plasma

 

[BearBearBear]

Will didn't know about the other's but he liked this type of teacher. He was very much used to being thrown into situations in which the only two options were learning and failing, so the pedagogy the teacher favored wasn't foreign to him.

The classroom needed no extra attention, since they weren't really going to stay for very long and he really couldn't see much from his place behind the two women who made it to the door way before him. All he could tell though was that the man was old, the wall was gone and they were about to do something either incredibly interesting or undeniably stupid. He could understand not wanting to waste time but jumping in half-cocked into any situation, though necessary sometimes, was ridiculous if the dangers he thought they would be facing were as real as guardians made them out to be.

Still, for now he would defer to the teacher's guidance, though he made sure to prepare himself for what was to come.

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Brynn

Fidgeting slightly as the silence between herself and the girl that had asked her the question, she was shortly relieved of the awkward atmosphere as someone stepped out to address the gathered students. Her gaze shifted around anxiously, wondering if it was strange to be wearing a hat and eventually made it's way to the girl speaking from the pulpit, though it didn't remain there because she couldn't just focus her eyes on one person for very long, it was physically uncomfortable. Without being too conspicuous, she allowed her gaze to drift out over the other recruits while still paying close attention to what was being said, certain things really striking a chord with her and causing her to look back to the speaker with a sort of hope that she had never felt before.

Of course her feelings of hope started to diminish as all the other groups of students were called and went on their way, her lower lip being drawn between her teeth and nervously chewed as she waited to hear her name called, though it wasn't and she looked around to see that there was still a small group of people around and wondered if she would actually be going back to the inn to continue her work there instead of going out to face the Darkborne eventually as a guardian. Maybe they would send her back because while she had training, she knew next to nothing about being a guardian, she didn't even know anything about the weapon she held, just that it had been gifted to her and nothing more.

A sigh of relief slipped between her lips and she cast her gaze down at the ground for a moment as those remaining were informed that they were not to be dismissed, they were just the last group and she was glad at that. She didn't really know exactly what she was getting into, but she felt a certain relief and even happiness at the fact that she wasn't going to be sent home, her free hand moving up to rest against the top of her hat as she closed her eyes for a moment before the giant woman's voice suddenly boomed her thanks which caused Brynn to literally jump, her multicolored eyes opening wide as she looked to the giant in surprise.

The corner of Brynn's mouth twitched slightly, though what expression she was aiming to create was lost because soon she had lowered her gaze from Aymeline and returned it to the ground, though she didn't remain still and like the other students had before her and like her assigned group was currently doing, she too began to make her way through the main gates. All the while as she walked, she couldn't help but wonder if it was true, if they would really be 'all as one.' She had never had camaraderie before, even when she was training with the elves or working with the employees at the inn, there was never a sense of partnership, not ever. She didn't even know if she would recognize it when it happened or if it would just be her as it had always been, following someone else's orders, someone else's lead.

While these thoughts didn't dissipate, she couldn't help but overhear others around her, all seeming to repeat the same phrase that had taken her. They were all drawn by the same idea, that they would all be one and it made her wonder if she wasn't the only one there that had ever felt truly alone.

As they stepped inside, she risked a peek away from the floor to look around, taking note of the doors that by comparison were quite pristine unlike the door that was evidently meant for the group she was in, though she didn't really think much of it, her room back at the inn had been barely more than a broom closet and it had suited her just fine because she didn't need much so she quietly followed the others into the room, not appearing bothered by the way the room was kept, at least not on the surface, though as she inched nearer a piece of furniture, anyone paying attention might have caught her using the edge of her cloak to clear dust away in a manner that looked as though she was afraid of getting caught but seeing the room so dirty just made her feel out of place.

Of course as the one that was likely to be their instructor spoke, she tried to stop what she was doing, biting her lowerlip and slightly hugging her weapon to her as she moved away from the furniture and tried not to look at it, her head actually raising so that she could look at the man that would be teaching them as he made his intentions clear and pressed a switch to remove the wall so that they could access the outside. She breathed a heavy sigh, looking down again, she supposed she shouldn't be so worried, Signy gave her an ax and she could use an ax, all the Elves had taught her with were axes and bows so with a resolute step, she did as their teacher instructed and followed after him and the rest of the group.

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline

Struggling to contain her reflexive disappointment with the classroom. This was supposed to be their first day of real training! Were they expected to clean their own classroom first? Did the Guardians not take them seriously as students? No, they wouldn't have shipped them all here if this group wasn't worth their trouble. So what could they possibly mean by this?

As the Giant puzzled over where to put herself, the teacher arrived. If he lacked the dress and grooming she expected for a Guardian, at least he had age. And his recitation from the paper suggested there wasn't a mistake. But his approach was like nothing she'd ever seen before. His immediate departure from the classroom took Aymeline by surprise and she was among the last to file out, though part of her slowness came from the surprise at finding the back wall was mere illusion.

Step by step, Aymeline pursued the teacher and her fellow students. If he could teach, she would learn.

 

[Kabboom]

DM

As the group followed the ragged teacher out to the grass fields, the wall that had dematerialized earlier returned without a sound, completing the unassuming facade of the school's walls, with a slight hint of Light magic enveloping it still. The wind began to blow roughly on the grassland, making the weeds flutter in waves, almost like an ocean on land.

The man, after some walking, about 20 paces from the classroom, stops, his worn boots trampling the grass beneath him with every step. He turns to the 'group', although anyone could see that they were more like a band of misfits. A Giantess, who makes it obvious that she's never had such an intense social experience before, a duo of hulking men with brutish weapons, an Elf halfbreed and an Incruscan, a small Mage who appears to either not be interested in the entire ordeal, or was forced here on behalf of someone, or something else.

But this teacher sees something else entirely. His eyes, worn from all the apparent combat and turmoil he had witnessed within his lifetime, perhaps when he was young, has a slight glint of optimism and joy as they scanned the group carefully, trying to memorize every single detail, every facial feature, every strand of hair, every movement of the fingers. He finally closes them, inhaling the clear air around him, given to him by the wilderness itself.

From the ground itself, figures made of Light magic began to flow. Luminescent streams of floating water, glowing bright blue, coursing through the air, leaking from the grass itself. They meshed together, into the forms of what seems to be dogs, or wolves. Many, many wolves. As one wolf finishes materializing, another begins, with the luminescent blue color fading into a deep black. The wolves growl, one after another adding to the cacophony, their eyes of white staring down the bewildered group, as dark matter began pouring out of their mouths, their sharpened teeth there for all to see.

The man cleared his throat, then said once more to the group, with a smile. "Now, show me what you got. These are realistic projections, for Advanced trainees and above, but I think I can make an exception." He glances back, to a wolf very close to him, barking at the group, eyes turning bloodshot red with every second. "They won't seriously injure you, but they can still make you feel pain. Stick together. Work together. And remember..." He said, looking back to the group, who are already deploying their weapons, eager for action. The wolves begin to move, creeping closely in a menacing horde.

"Fight as one." The man cried, throwing his hands in the air, as the wolves sprung forth, ignoring him and making a straight beeline towards the group, howling ferociously.

Sludgemouth Trappy BearBearBear Skelvin Roleplay Skittle Epiphany Britalianese @Plasma

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline

Not for the first time, the Giant wished she could discreetly shuffle her feet or do something to offset the nervous energy that arose from this awkward situation. Sadly, being big meant every little thing she did stood out. So Aymeline twitched slightly as she stood in place, uncertain what this teacher had in mind or why their group seemed to be doing things so differently from everyone else.

Then glowing blue wolves materialized out of the green grass, somehow. She knew Light magic was versatile but what on earth was this! And so many!

She barely heard her instructor's orders. It wasn't instinct that put her in front. Instinct was to stand back, provide support to the real warriors and avoid the savagery of battle. There were Giants who fought but not in her family, she and her kin were universally laborers. And yet she had size, reach and the Brilliant Jade Panoply she wore was fantastic armor, wrought for a Guardian, deserving to be worn into battle in a way befitting the Guardians. Aymeline reached deep inside of herself, found that well of Light that'd bloomed so strongly a few years ago, and poured it into that armor. She lacked a weapon, for she hadn't been told to bring one, but with the Light she wouldn't need one.
Muscles bunched as purple, pink and silver mail glowed with all the vibrancy of life.

And as the wolves flooded towards her new team, the Giant stepped between the ranks and swung her arms like the boom of the mast on the ship they'd sailed over. Each mighty swing meant to scatter those wolves, break their charge. Such blows might batter a few if they connected but what they really did was buy the rest of her team time to get their weapons ready and a defensive line formed.

 

[BearBearBear]

Will was told to fight as one. It was worded as an order rather than a suggestion, as if the success of their excursion hinged on it, and that would make sense. He was the teacher, and as much as the wolves were his doing, he would decided what they needed to learn and how they would ultimately learn whatever he had to teach them. This was the first test they were given, but it hurt his pride to admit that they had already failed.

As a professional, Will knew that sometimes orders were absolute, and this rang true doubly so when he began working in both his father's smithy and his mother's atelier. He was expected to follow orders to the letter and produce what a certain customer requested and paid for; failure to do so released said customer from paying for the materials he had purchased to create the product as well as the hours he put into forming it, whether with the needle or the hammer.

It was often said that "The customer is always right" but in his line of business, there was one rule that preceded it.

"One must know when to refuse orders."

They were a group comprised of young men and women, humans and not, who spent no more than a day with any other member of their little class. To even attempt to work together against so many foes would be the height of idiocy, especially since it was assumed that against such foes, they didn't need to aid each other in the first place. They were expected to be Guardians after all, if they couldn't deal with a pack of wolves alone, then they would never be able to combat the horrors that hid in the darkest corners of their world.

So he bounded out alone, breaking away from the group the same time the giantess decided to act. It was a sight to see such an imposing figure wade against the current of beasts but such a diversion could only do so much about the ever increasing tide the teacher mustered against them.

He didn't think twice before speeding past her, matching her strength with sheer speed as his own clothes clung to his skin, fibers and strings under his control flinging him against the enemy as he drew his weapon and brought it to bear. The Aegis Fang tore through the bodies of the created beasts as the spear unfolded, split, and compressed into itself, a large sword guided by the strings of his power in one hand while a massive shield batted away any beast threatening to strike him from behind.

The Giantess could fling the wolves away, but that would not ensure the end of the monsters the way his blade did. Their positioning wasn't the best, but whatever escaped his blade and turned away from his shield would be welcomed into her arms, and subject to the hands of the rest of the team.

 

[Trappy]

Aarus Stasiva

Aarus has never been much of a fighter. It's true, and he admits it. Even with all the spells and powers blessed by the Light, he himself does not have the right mind and patience when it comes to combat. This is one of many reasons why he tried to get away when the local Lord started drafting potential men and women for the Guardians. Unfortunately for him, backing off isn't really an option this time. So Aarus stood there, beside other trainees, trying his best to stand straight as he realised what their 'teacher' was going to do with them. Although one could easily notice how his hands were shaking slightly.

Then the expected happened. Aarus did expect a strength test. But however, he did not expect the old trainer to swarm them with wolves. And there were so many of them. Facing the imminent threat coming straight at them, for a second, it was clear on Aarus's face. He failed to hide his nervousness and, of course, fear. He then turned to his comrades, standing right beside him. Fight as one - the old trainer said. Something indeed gave strength to Aarus at that moment, for he turned to face the wolves again, standing firm, staring straight at the closest wolf's dark throat and razor-sharp teeth as he mumbled the words of blessings and power.

Aymeline, the Giantess, stepped forward and flung the closest wolves with immense strength, even tearing limbs off some of them with her swing alone, one could only imagine what she could do with her weapon. While William, a tall man, bounded off from the group with the strange weapons of his, which are made of 'strings' that seemingly grew from himself, who dealt blow after blow, each equally devastating to the beasts. They were the first two to act in face of the summoned monsters, and Aarus soon followed them. He stood there, chanting his spells and watched the two in awe, before dashing towards one of the wolves separated from the pack due to William's actions which confused their formation. As he ran, a luminescent smoke glowing dimly pale blue began to form around his right arm. The smoke soon took shape, as from it grew a thin curved blade resembling an early crescent moon. When he finally approached the confused, yet large and damn hungry for flesh beast, Aarus slashed the Crescent Blade across the wolf, leaving a deep, burning wound from its ear to its hind limb. The beast let out an angered, furious howl, followed by an ear-piercing screech before succumbing to its wound. Even the most stubborn beasts could hardly take a wound that burns deeper in time.

But what was he thinking, running out in the middle of the field like that, with more wolves coming their way. He lacked the skills, the mind and the courage other trainees possessed. The dying wolf's screeching caught the attention of another one nearby, and it made its way towards Aarus with terrifying speed. Caught amidst chaos, Aarus panicked when he turned and saw the large wolf only a few meters away from him. One may say he practically jumped. Aarus quickly got himself in a stance, before thrusting the Crescent Blade forward, towards the direction of the coming wolf. From the curved blade, drops of some blue-glowing substance was flung towards the beast. These drops compressed into arrow tips mid-flight and struck the wolf. It collapsed to the painful blow.

-If the beasts could feel pain.

Aarus took a quick glance at his two comrades, Aymeline and William, and he envied them. They were smashing packs of wolves out of the fight with their impressive strength and martial skills, while he struggled with some left-outs. But maybe he'd be better this way, he supposed. Cleaning up the field after his comrades' rampage and watching their back isn't so bad. But something deep inside him wouldn't stop whispering to him. Whispers unheard by others.

They were blessed with things he will never achieve. Their talents. And not even mastery of sorcery could make him ignore the facts.

Epiphany BearBearBear

 

[Roleplay Skittle]

Brynn

Always be prepared. It was something that the Elves had taught her regarding combat situations. Even though in her day-to-day life she wasn't typically in situations that required combat readiness, it was still a mantra instilled in her and she had found ways to apply it in situations outside of battle. She had been expecting a test of sorts and they were preparing to become guardians, not scholars, so a trial of physical prowess and combat aptitude had been at the top of her list when it came to what she should expect her first day in class. Needless to say she was not disappointed when the instructor began spawning what were evidently Darkborne doppelgangers crafted from light, or at least that's what she assumed.

There was no hesitation in her movements. There was little in life she was sure of and while she had never been in real combat, she had spent her life training with individuals that didn't necessarily like her, it was an odd thing to see because they had become so accustomed to her that they didn't treat her badly, but there was always that unspoken thing for them, she was half Human, and so they had always treated her as an outsider regardless. The only sign that they ever bestowed on her that she was little more was allowing her the tattoos that marked that part of her bloodline. Regardless of genuine battle experience or not, Brynn deftly removed the canvas cover from her gifted weapon, laying eyes on it for the first time since she had received it, though her eyes were not actually placed on it, they were instead directed towards the enemies that she and her group now faced.

Her hazel eyes, the colors of which changed from the center reaching to the outer edges of her irises, scanned over the enemies with a calm silence as she held the now revealed two-handed axe with a double head of black curved blades. With as many enemies as they had, she questioned if the best strategy was for everyone to dive in head first, her gaze drifting briefly to the giantess who seemed to favor a sort of pinwheel motion with her arms that wasn't inefficient given her size, the large male that strode passed the giantess taking the enemies head on with a blade, the two shortly followed by another that she could only assume was a mage as his weapon seemed to materialize from smoke, but again it was something melee.

It was then that her gaze finally met her own weapon, seeing yet another melee weapon. They were to fight as one and to an extent they were doing that, but it was much more difficult to watch the backs of ones comrades when they were each facing an enemy head on and as she eyed her weapon she couldn't help but wish she had a bow instead of an ax. It was in that wishful thinking that she was met by a surprise as the weapon she held became something very unlike itself but instead like what she had envisioned when she looked at it. She very nearly dropped the ax as a sliver of light drove straight down its middle from the spike at its eye down to very near its knob. Her eyes widened as her fingers extended when the pressure of the weapon's body met their tips, the movement of her fingers allowing for the axe to unfold eventually leaving her with a nearly fully constructed bow.

A nearly fully constructed bow. It was missing its string and as Brynn held it in her hand she couldn't help but feel chagrined by the fact that she had been previously holding a fully functional weapon that required nothing extra in order to be used to now holding a weapon that required a string and arrows in order to function as anything more than a bladed bow staff. Of course this feeling of inadequacy that loomed over her as she watched her comrades already in battle didn't stop her from placing her hand firmly on the bow's grip, the action seeming to activate an invisible switch because as soon as her hand was settled, light emanated from either end of the bow, drawing together in a snap of white as the light met in the middle, creating a taut and glowing string between the two ends.

Brynn was no genius, but she wasn't a complete dimwit either and the realization occurred to her that the same ability that had allowed her to summon the barrier to protect herself in the inn when the patron had lost his temper and was about to strike her, was being utilized here with this weapon. That realization caused her to tentatively raise her other hand to the bow, holding it as she would any other bow as she drew the string back as though she were nocking an arrow. The halfbreed's faith was rewarded in that moment because as soon as she had drawn the string back, an arrow of the same light materialized across the string between her fingers. She paused a moment in wonder, watching the glimmering projectile as it radiated with power before a faint smirk fell across her lips and her gaze turned back to the other recruits that were currently fighting the wolves.

She would be the one to watch their backs it would seem, and so she would, keeping a keen eye on the wolves as they charged in and with practiced dexterity firing off her burning arrows of light, striking down any wolves that would try their luck at flanking her comrades.

Trappy BearBearBear Epiphany Kabboom