Forum Thread

“What are you studying here?” She asked while trying to make more conversation.

Thalia hummed thoughtfully, before answering “It’s always nice to hear that someone’s had a pleasant day. And in a way, it’s a good thing beauty isn’t your strong suit. That way, you wouldn’t appear so show-offy. Beauty is fickle, brains are rare, but values like respect and and kindness are the hardest to come by. Beauty can be natural too, but looking your best is important when meeting formally. It’s a sign of respect that works both ways. You look gorgeous, if I do say so myself. There’s honestly no real need to thank me. I’m more than happy to help” Thalia smiles, pausing a short while before continuing. “I’m studying many different things to be honest. I’d simply categorize them into…well, let’s say…mage stuff. Practicing my magic, learning new things, physical fitness you know? Things like that. You’re a mage too, aren’t you? What’s your element? Mine’s air, energy and darkness”

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Mira’s facial expression changed. Her eyes glimmered with curiosity and awe, “Air, darkness, and energy?? You have three? I see, such an interesting mix” she said while nodding. In a way she was nerding out, learning about new mages and their magic’s was something she took a bit too seriously. “Yes I am studying to be a mage as well, and my elements are water, fire, and earth” she said with a proud smile. “I would love to see your magic sometime if you don’t mind?” Mira asked Thalia.

Klause overheard some discussion next to him, “Wouldn’t be surprised if they did, almost everyone would want a chance to see the king in person” he chimed in without realizing.

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"I'd say you're right. It's probably a pretty rare opportunity to see him for those who work outside the court." The young man gave a subtle wave back at another student who'd initiated before continuing on their way. "Likely even more rare for people who work all the way out here at the edge of things."

Personally, Kynik had never met this man before, the man they called King, so it wouldn't be a lie to say he was intrigued. He glanced back at the taller student, whose voice had answered the question he'd thrown out in the open. "While I have seen you around, I do believe we have not been properly introduced. I'm Kynik Kuffer, but I go by Kynik."

“I suppose you are more interested in the combination of my magic , not the number of types of magic I have? After all, you do have three too! You’re not the only one curious about the mix and match of different magic for different mages. I am too. I’ve never fully understood why these three types were for me, to be honest. It’s a strange combination indeed. As for yours….I doubt I’ve heard about someone with fire and water together.” Thalia states, looking around at the hall. “I too would like to see your magic. Perhaps when both of us are free? I’m sure we can find a space to practice”

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"Such interesting conversations you have, students." Sparmi's voice rang through the hall which suddenly turned quiet. "I believe there is no need for me to inform you any further on the one who will be joining us soon. Keep to your best behaviour, and make your family, as well as the academy, proud. His Majesty will be joining us soon."

Just as he stopped, the sound of a trumpet resonated in the hall. The students who were either standing or seated all knelt, bowing. The sound was blown once more, and then followed the king's 'procession'.

The procession was led by The Commander of The Royal Knights (The army) and The Commander of The Royal Guard (The guards for the royal family). The two stood on either side of the throne that was in the hall. The King who arrived behind them walked gracefully, head held high. He walked to his seat and stood facing the audience. The prince, who followed him, stood my his side, and Tien knelt behind the prince. Once the king came to a halt, the Commanders knelt as well, followed by the Prince. "Raise your heads." His Majesty spoke calmly yet sufficiently loudly. Those kneeling raised there heads, yet did not move from their kneeling form. "Greetings to you all, future knights and mages of our dear nation. Today I come in doubt, and the reason shall be informed to you as well shortly. Be at ease." Saying so, he took his seat on the throne. The four seats next to The king were occupied by Samton and the Commander of The Royal Guard on one side and The Commander of The Royal Army and Professor Sparmi on the other. Behind Samton stood Tien Sebas. Behind the king was another in butler clothes, who looked similar to Tien. This, of course, was Tian Sebas, the butler of the king.

After the four took their seats, the teachers rose, followed by the students.

Therese was hesitating at first... though she was nobility herself, her image of the king and his posse wasn't the best. Nevertheless, she bowed to the commands, more for the academy's sake though, then standing at her full height and feeling especially exposed, with her face flushing red and slowly starting to sweat, which made her emit a smell of weird nature... it smelled like... gasoline with a lavender touch? Though what got slight attention were her weights in the dress, that clunked onto the ground like actual balls of chain.

Thalia’s bow was stiff. When she got up, she grumbled to Mira “I think I sprained my back. I can’t bend properly.” She laughed shortly, the laugh cold and harsh, though unintentionally of course. She then stretches, before using a short blast of air magic to arrange her dress back into place. The bow had crinkled her dress all sort of wrong. A disaster, as she termed it. Her mouth was pressed into a thin line as she gazed at the King. She definitely wasn’t on first names terms with his Majesty, her family rumoured to have killed one of royal blood after all. Thalia had never asked her parents about it…. “Oh— I never did tell you I had pets, did I? Well, I have three here, currently. Dawn, Dusk— they’re foxes. And Midnight, a wolf. Do you have any pets?”

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Elliot bowed down formally, keeping his knees straight and his head low. After everyone sat down, he finally stood up and went to an empty table.

Juzi watched everyone bow down before the king, an after some hesitation, do so too, except her how was more like a back curve, for she only knelt and tilted her head down on a slight angle.

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Luna was awestruck and didn't imediatly bow. But when she bowed, it wasn't as graceful as imagined. She tripped on the hem of her dress. Luckily, she caught herself, but in return got weird looks from other students. She was mad at herself but couldn't show it.

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Mira nodded, “Yes I’ve been told that a few times, never met another who has them both as well. They’re quit-“ Mira got cut off by the Kings entrance and she immediately bowed. Witnessing them come in is a sight that most people never get to see, and she didn’t wanna mess it up. After standing up she listened to Thalia, “Sadly animals aren’t too fond of me. I’ve never had a pet” she whispered with an embarrassed expression.

“My name is Klause Morteum” he said while extending his hand towards Kynik. “Nice to meet you, I look forward to studying alongside you” he said with a smile. Hearing the King come in he bowed and waited to show respect.

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"Likewise, Klaus." Kynik's face lit up in a cheerful grin, taking the offered hand for shaking. He looked up to the announcement of the King and stiffened, attention fully swinging towards the actual meeting at hand. He fell to a knee, his bow bringing his head low until the position was dismissed by those it meant respect towards.

When they were allowed to rise, his attention would focus on the words which would be said by those who governed the country.

“Animals never start off as fond of anyone. It’s natural really, I don’t blame them. We humans have been mistreating them for centuries. It just takes a bit of time and care, don’t worry. You should meet my pets sometime. I’m sure they would love to meet you.” Thalia responds, in a whisper equal to Mira’s soft but loud enough for her to hear.

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*Ahem* Sparmi cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the students. He stood up, and with his voice enhanced by Wind Magic, he welcomed His Majesty to the Academy and the event. Sir Fisch brought in a single Aster flower and presented it to His Majesty, who placed it in his lapel. As Sir Fisch bowed and returned, Sparmi returned to his seat and the king spoke, still seated.
"It is always a pleasure to see the new, young and talented of the nation. I am glad to see the Academy thriving as it always has been and always will be. Today, I am here due to circumstances at least a few of you would be aware of. As we have always done, I would like to see how good the second years are. Principal Sparmi, if you would please."
Sparmi nodded in response and stood up. The students who were seated front, the first years, were surprised as they suddenly felt themselves moving. As though the ground was expanding, there was now a huge area in front of them. From the second years, three people presented themselves.

The first, a red haired boy who was dressed in clothing befitting a duke, bowed before the king and spoke. "I am Mariel Reinbach, a Knight-in-education. I would like to present my swordsmanship."

Bowing once more, Mariel took a step forward, into the field. He then drew his sword. A rapier. He kept it vertically, in line with his body, with the blade pointing upwards. It's around the length of the distance between his armpits to the floor. Clearly custom-made, huh. Tien thought to himself. As Mariel took each breath slowly in, and let them slowly out, the entire field became calm. In a split second, that calmness dissipated as Mariel kept slashing in quick succession. With unbroken form, it was clear to see no movements were wasted, yet the sound of the sword cutting through wind resounded clearly. As expected of a user of such a light weapon, his movements and speed were quite impressive. As he brought the demonstration to a close, he lowered the rapier, bowed, and stepped back.

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Elliot gasped silently, clearly impressed. 'I want to have his level of skill one day...' he thought, taking notes on his movements and the way he swung his weapon.

Just watched, and although she was a mage, was also impressed by the level of speed Mariel swung his sword. She held Ezria on her lap and looked up, as Muriel finished and bowed to the king.

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Thalia let out a noncommittal sniff, watching with a slight look of disdain on her face. “Not that I disapprove, or I know much about knights, but I really do wish he wouldn’t swish it so. It’s rather— noisy. It’s not like it’s that heavy, but I guess it’s intentional.” She mumbles quietly to Mira, letting out a small sigh, and adding as an afterthought. “He’s very good, though”

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Mira smiled, “I would be delighted to meet them” she said while turning her attention towards the display of swordsmanship. It was quite impressive how he moved, as well as how well his sword flowed. “I like the sound of the air being cut personally, it shows how fast they’re moving” she whispered to Thalia as she started clapping with the audience.

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Therese sighs a little, as she wasn't a real fan of knights. It's nothing personal to her, just that what they do for a living, she did on a smaller scale every morning on her breakfast. Nevertheless, her face did show a hint of a smile, as the skills were there before she clapped in a reserved manner. He's relying on the rapier as much as it relies on a steady hand... a flawed sport but he excels in it. That was her final thought before turning her gaze away.

The second stepped forward as the applause for the first died down. A blue haired girl, she wore clothing that were stylish, yet not gaudy. From the looks of it, it would appear she were the daughter of a baron or perhaps a smaller viscount, but she was, in reality, the daughter of a merchant. She carried with her a bow and 10 arrows. She too, bowed before His Majesty and introduced herself; "I am Geneva Conve, a Knight-in-education as well. I would like to present my archery."

As she introduced herself, Prof. Angler stood closer to the field. She nocked the arrow, took a deep breath, and nodded. Prof Angler took out a stack of ten targets and kept it beside him. Then, taking one up, he threw it in front of her, propelling it using wind magic. The audience could hardly see it fly by, but as it hit the wall on the opposite side and dropped down, there was an arrow right in the dead center of it.

As if the first was a warm up, Prof. Angler started throwing the rest, and threw five with very little time in between. Arrows had hit all five of these, of which one was dead center too.

"Final stretch!" Prof Angler proclaimed, after which he threw the final four nearly simultaneously.

Geneva had already prepared for this. While Prof. Angler was proclaiming it to be the final stretch, she had already taken all the arrows. To easily access them, she had bit on to the rest. As funny as it might look to someone who was untrained in archery, one look from her deadset eyes would be sufficient to cause them to think otherwise. Unbroken concentration was placed upon the targets even before they were thrown, and she shot them all just as she had planned.

Although none of them hit the dead center, each one had hit the target. The king himself was impressed, and he nodded as Geneva gave a bow and stepped back.

Mira found herself in a trance watching the display of archery. It didn’t take an archer to know what she did was impressive, and at such a young age as well. When the display was over she immediately clapped. “What a shot, she’s remarkable” she said to herself. “Seeing that made me question my skills as a mage” she mumbled to Thalia.

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Thalia’s laugh was like a tinkling stream “Don’t. You are far more powerful than you realize. We all have our own different assets. Mages are different from knights, we have different strengths and weaknesses. Weapons can be taken away from a knight, and they’d be weapon-less. Of course, a good knight would be able to work with more than one weapon. Same goes for Mages. We may not be able to do some knightly things like they can, but we still have our own advantages. In battle, it’s more about skill, tactics and such rather than are you a mage or a knight type of issue.”


Thalia was mildly impressed by the show. “I once had a brother. He was a knight, and he loved archery. He used to show me tricks like these. He was always so excited to share his skills with me……until he died, that is. I keep his bow arrows and quiver with me in my room as a memory of him. He was nice.” She commented and plainly, her tone emotionless.

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