Move-In Day [Obselete]

[Zenophoenix]

Day 1: At the Academy

Nion had finally finished unpacking his bags and had made up his bed. Unfortunately, he had gotten to the Academy during the Spring Semester so he had last choice of rooms. His being at the far right section in the back. He didn't let this phase him though as he set up his supplies: a miniature bookcase and his satchel. All he had to his name were those two items and a few gold coins. He stuffed the coins in his pocket, took one last glance at the room, still wondering where his roommate was, if he had one, and headed out of the door towards the library. He had wanted to do some head-start reading on his Elemental Theory I class, and he had already became familiar with the syllabus so there was no need wasting time with lounging around. There was work to be done.

[Rivermane]

The wind whistled through the trees as Rika stood outside the dormitory her ghostly form distorted just a little as it also whipped by her, it had been a bit of an adventure getting this far but she had come out the better for it. Making her way inside she checked the small piece of paper she had been given so as not to get lost, a few moments later she stood at open door to her new home and after some hesitation she stepped inside. Looking around it was immediately apparent that her roommate had come and gone already, I wonder what kind of person it is..? Rika thought to herself as she moved over to the bed on her side of the room. She didn't carry much in the way of supplies as she didn't need much of anything since the incident, setting a small satchel down next to her bed she ran the fingers of her right hand along the bedsheets.

"So this is my new prison.." She whispered quietly, saying it out loud felt odd.. but at home she couldn't say it only think it.. so it felt good to put a voice to it finally.

Making her way outside the wind whipped by again causing her image to distort once more which in turn made Rika feel rather vulnerable, she had never really understood why her father did this too her but she had been thankful to him none the less. Nearby stood a signpost that offered directions to almost anywhere she could want to go, knowing that the library would likely be her favorite haunt since reading was one of the few pleasures she still enjoyed she followed the directions hoping there wouldn't be too many people around.

[Zenophoenix]

Nion had sifted through his Elemental Theory I book lazily and finished the last touches on his intro paper. He went to the circulation desk of the library and handed the bookkeeper the book he borrowed and the pen and quill. He took the parchment with his assignment on it and sealed it with a red ribbon and the Academy Seal and stuffed it into his pocket. Making his way out of the door, he noticed the wind had began to whip up and blew through his white hair. He jingled the coins in his pocket, counting 50 in all, and his attention was towards the cafeteria until he caught sight of a girl heading in his direction. Nion decided that he wouldn't let his timidness hold him back from making friends, so he took a few steps forward closer to her and began to speak with his hand extended.

Hi, my name is Nion. I'm a first year student, nice to meet you."

He actually felt better than before, he hadn't been exposed to other people since the death of his foster parents and for a first time, I wouldn't say he did half bad.

[Rivermane]

Rika had enjoyed her walk to the library her senses taking in the crisp clean air, the smell of the fresh flowers and the laughter shared between other students she had passed. Still she didn't quite feel welcome as most of the students seemed to shy away when they saw her approaching, laughter turned to gasps when the wind distorted her image revealing her lack of mortality. Others looked on her with different eyes as the distortion revealed with the help of the sun''s rays the shinny golden body that was hidden beneath, father had warned her that there might be those who would see her more as an object than as a person and it seemed for once he was right. She quickened her pace wanting to reach the seclusion of the library sooner as suddenly everything seemed less appealing, that was when he appeared ahead of her. He seemed to hesitate a little but as she drew closer he stuck out his hand and introduced himself which caused her to stop, she found the man's courage a little inspiring but even though she was a little afraid she knew proper etiquette demanded she introduce herself.

"Hello, I am Frederika Angel Davloc.." She said her voice a little lower than it should be, moving her hand to shake his the ghostly human looking hand would pass through his skin as the cold golden hand beneath would grip his.

"But Rika.. is fine." She said moments later giving his hand a firm shake, she hoped however that this early contact didn't frighten him off.. as it had so many others.

[Zenophoenix]

Nion had actually managed to widen his smile, he never thought his introduction would be so well recieved by the girl. His initial thought was that she was afraid of him as most others were, but he shook his fear off and gave her hand a firm shake in return. Afterwards, he placed his hands on his sides and glanced towards the library, figuring that's where she was headed. There was so much he wanted to ask her in that moment: What classes are you taking? Are we in the same classes? What do you like to do? But his apprehensiveness took over again and he managed to mumble out only a few words.

"Rika, that name is beautiful."

He paused, his face glowing a bright red. He shouldn't have done that, he thought. Maybe it was too forward, but it was the same phrase that had been said to him by countless others, so he figured it would be a good compliment to say. Would he be able to finally have someone to open up to? Would he finally have a true 'friend'?

"I was going to the cafeteria to get some lunch, but I could go back into the library with you if you weren't too busy."

The words came out shallow and shaky, but he had hoped that his message had gotten across.

[Rivermane]

For a moment Rika was wondering if she was being the but of some joke cooked up by a group of fellow students, before the incident she had been told much the same that she was pretty or beautiful but after those same people had fallen silent in her presence. Maybe he hadn't noticed? Almost everyone else had noticed and reacted, maybe he just hadn't seen her in the right light to realize her flesh and clothing was all translucent and that beneath it all was a cold metal shell. But once again the manners that had been strictly taught to her came into play, a small smile crosses her lips as she gives him a polite nod.

"Thank you, for the compliment." She said a little louder this time as she kept the fact she didn't really believe his sincerity out of her voice, looking past him she longed to be inside the library and out of the public eye.

"I'm not really busy.. but I wouldn't want to keep you from your lunch." She said not trying to sound rude or trying to dissuade him, but the comment brought to mind another thing she missed which was food.. a sad little sigh slipped out before she could stop it.

"Excuse me.. but if you want to talk I don't mind, but can we take this conversation indoors?" She said as she started to walk towards the library entrance, she knew she was being rude but she didn't much care at that moment.. being outside was just no longer an option at this point.

[Zenophoenix]

Nion had never had this opportunity before, to actually have a conversation with someone. Although he was a little shaky, he wanted to explore the idea of 'friendship' and 'talking to others' more. His intrigue had peaked and he chose the latter of Rika's offers, leading the way back inside the library. His stomach would just have to wait, he defiantly wanted to know more about this girl he had just met and he knew whenever his mind latched on to something, it would never cease until he understood the subject in as much detail as he desired. He noticed she looked past him, a bit urgent to go inside. Was it to be out of the wind or was there another reason? Either way, Nion chose to accomodate her.

"We can head back inside, I don't have to eat right now. By the way what classes are you taking?"

He secretly grinned to himself, he had managed not only to introduce himself, but actually carry on the conversation without sounding like a total idiot. Being a gentleman, he held the door open and gestured towards the library doors.

[Rivermane]

She found herself surprised by him again as he opened the door to the library for her, his putting his lunch on hold for her as well as his general eagerness to talk to her was making her begin to doubt her original thoughts. Maybe he didn't care and just wanted to get to know her for who she was not what she was, the prospect both surprised and intrigued Rika as this would be the first time since the incident that she had been given the chance to talk to someone who wasn't afraid of her. Slipping through the door as Nion held it open she came to a stop after a few steps inside, looking around for a moment she couldn't help but smile as she looked over the rows and rows of books that filled the shelves.

"Um.. father signed me up for Herbalism and Alchemy, though he did let me pick my third choice so I picked Undead Physiology." Rika replied quietly as she took in the view, her own home had a rather extensive library but this was something else.. but now wasn't the time to be getting lost looking at books.

"So.. what did you want to talk about..? Oh! and what classes are you taking..?" She said turning back to Nion her voice sounding slightly nervous, still it would be nice to get to know someone here so that she wouldn't be wandering around by herself all the time.

[Zenophoenix]

Nion closed the door behind him, shutting out the chilling breeze. As the door closed behind him, he walked side-by-side with Rika. He noticed the widening of her eyes as she saw the vast number of books and other accessories that were available. She too, seemed as if she shared his interest in learning about the various subjects offered. Herbalism and Alchemy seemed like pretty good classes, but the Undead Physiology class was probably something he'd shy away from until later. Oh right, he had to think of a topic. What else did he want to ask? Oh yeah, his face brightening at the prospect of asking more questions and knowing more about his new friend.

"I'm taking Elemental Theory I, Runes I, and The Adventure. I want to get at least most of the core classes out of the way before I start specializing. I was wondering... why take Undead Phys?"

He glanced at her as he spoke, making sure to make her feel welcome to speak.

[Rivermane]

Rika's doubts as to whether her companion had noticed her condition faded the moment he finished his sentence, she felt disappointed somehow but at the same time she wasn't really that surprised.. it explained why he was being so nice. Sighing quietly to herself she pondered how to explain herself, when possible Rika tried her best to act as any other human would since after all she may not be one anymore but she was at one point. Most of her behavior was simply memories from her previous life, the smell of the flowers and the feel of the wind she could no long feel or smell.. but she remembered what it was like to do so. Realizing she hadn't replied to him yet she pushed her thoughts aside for the time being, after all she would have plenty of time to wallow in such thinking later since after all sleep was another thing she didn't really need which in itself was depressing.

"To better understand myself I guess, father thought it foolish.. but I want to know more about this." She said raising one of her hands and turning it slowly infront of herself, she could see it even though most other couldn't since to her eyes the world looked so different.

"Forgive me if I seem a little melancholy the trip here was a rather eye opening experience into the world outside father's estate, it's let me a little drained if you take my meaning." She said offering a small smile when in honesty she felt like crying, yet another emotional response she couldn't exhibit.. she needed to stop thinking and just relax which was hard to do right now.

[Zenophoenix]

It finally clicked! How could he have been so naive. She's one of the undead. The logistics and the details behind it didn't really phase Nion. He was a bit taken aback. It wasn't like she was flesh-eating zombie, depicted in the books of lore or some daunting spectre trying to bring pain and misery. It seems she is an amalgam of the two. Someone who is alive, yet dead. A beam of sunlight shone on her, confirming Nion's speculations. It also would explain so much more, like her drained state. He wondered how could someone react to things if they weren't truly alive and how people treated her because of it. But he wouldn't show any lack of compassion because of someone's differences. After all, he too is an outcast and he had no room to judge at all. He let his rambling thoughts subside and returned to giving her his full undivided attention.

"That makes sense, you've probably never delved into the aspect of being an undead. We can sit down if you want, I know you wanted to get some reading done at least." He didn't want to stand awkwardly in the entrance when someone might bump into him. Making his way towards the tables, he pulled out a chair for himself and a chair for her.

"C'mon, have a seat. I'll try not to distract you." he said, motioning to the seats.

[Rivermane]

A small feeling of relief washed over her that he had not instantly shied away from her as realization had dawned on him, she wondered though what he was thinking since she had met few that were still eager to be in her presence once they noticed what she was. She found herself becoming more curious about this young man, remembering where her curiosity had landed her last time however she put the questions that came bubbling up on hold for the time being. She followed him as he walked her eyes moving between him and their intended destination, sitting down in the seat he offered her she found herself even more curious hence she decided she'd waited long enough.. even though it'd had only been less than a minute since her earlier mental declaration.

"I am surprised you still want to be anywhere near me since you noticed, is there something different about you that makes you not shy away?" She said rather bluntly, tact and diplomacy were something she was usual good at but when it came to her curiosity she was almost always blunt.

"Not that I'm implying you should it just seems to be a normal human reaction that I've noticed in those around me, so don't be offended as I'm merely curious." She looked down at her hands as she spoke, she hoped her question didn't seem rude but she did want to know.

[Zenophoenix]

He gasped at her statement. It did come off as odd that he accepted her so readily. Most humans are afraid of ghosts and demons and such. But not him. He found that the human mind, if not exposed to the unknown or the supernatural, would shut itself out of many opportunities. This was not gonna be one such occassion. The fact that she was a ghost was off-putting at first, but he quickly warmed up to the idea.

"Not at all, actually. If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to know more. Did you die and come back or were you born like this, with translucency?" He felt his heart pace. He tried not to seem too eager to ask about her. And he had an unsettling fear that he would pry too deep and she, like many others, would shut him out.

"I'm sorry, maybe that was a little too personal. It's just things that are out of the ordinary intrigue me and "pull" me in. Making me want to know more. And your state of being does just that. If anything, I apologize if I offended you." He took a deep breath and attuned himself to the silence of the library. He liked it. No distractions. No obligations. Just him and his friend. Well... maybe.

[Rivermane]

Rika felt a smile pull at her lips as she listened to his eagerness, it was refreshing to hear someone speak that way about her though she had to admit she had been worried when he had gasped suddenly. She didn't see any harm in his question since after all he was being polite and nice, but she didn't really have an answer for him since she didn't know how she became this way.. or not the details anyway. Father had been tight lipped involving any details surrounding her death and return, she constantly wondered why he had brought her back since often she found herself wishing he hadn't.

"To be honest I don't know too much myself, Father has kept the details from me to a near fanatical degree. All I do know is I wasn't born this way and that the form you see here is tethered to the golem body underneath." She replied not yet comfortable enough to reveal the fact that her body was actually made of solid gold, father had warned her that people might try to harm her to get their hands on the gold so she shouldn't mention it to anyone.

"And I'm not offended, your taking the time to talk to me so the least I can do is answer a few questions." She continued looking down at her hands, in part she was afraid if she looked up he might vanish.. which she knew was silly but still.

Others seemed to have noticed their presence finally and a few began to whisper, Look at her.. she's almost see through.., Is that a ghost? Nobody told me the library was haunted!, Who's that guy.. is he trying to talk to it or something..? The whispering voices carried naturally but their words were nothing Rika hadn't heard before, though she did wonder if perhaps she was making a mistake talking to him in public like this as things might be harder on him should others chastise him for speaking with her. The doubts began to come at her one at a time taking small bites out of her dwindling confidence, ultimately she waited for his reaction as she pondered simply running away.

[Zenophoenix]

Nion was relieved that she readily accepted his gestures. Fascinating, he thought to himself, a tethered human attached to the body of a golem. So, a Human Construct. He relished in the thought of the advancements of alchemy that would make that possible, but then he noticed a slowly forming crowd of people gawking at him and Rika. He didn't like the thought of having to ignore hundreds of stares and he could notice that Rika wasn't exactly comfortable with the idea as well. His stomach began to grumble. He almost forgot about his lunch, he could only go on so much longer without eating something. Then an idea arose in his head.

"Hey, I'm going to get something to eat, you wanna come with? This place is going to get crowded real soon and I don't wanna be here when that happens." He got up and pushed his chair in, indicating that she should do the same.

He counted his coins out in his head once again, subtracting the cost of a packet of mutton and a glass of milk. He wondered if she wanted anything, but he had an inkling that she didn't eat.