Aurora walked nervously up to the main register.

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px>Hart's nimble digits flipped through the many papers stacked on her desk, organizing them as quickly as she could. One pile was full of "need to do", and the other was "done". Naturally, the latter would later be sorted into where she needed to put it, now that it was complete. At the voice of the young pendragon, she looked up, and smiled in a soothing manner. Fingers held a paper loosely, and she glanced down at it. Luckily enough, it was the first required for registration. Frowning faintly, she glanced at the papers beneath her direct grasp, and spotted the remaining ones that the newcomer needed to fill out. Rising from her chair, and raising twin tails behind her, she picked up the other papers. Raising up on her hindlegs, she offered the papers to the stranger, and nodded towards a cushioned seat nearby.


<font color=#330000>"Feel free to sit down. Here's everything you need to fill out. If you have any questions at all, feel free to ask me. I may have a few questions after you turn in your registration forms, but those can wait."</font> With an encouraging smile, she returned to behind her desk, and sat down once more. Until Aurora was done, she could continue with her original work.

</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px>Nimble digits moved swiftly, organizing her papers mechanically. It didn't require much thought, since her eyes merely registered what it was, and set it in the appropriate pile. Soon enough, the papers had all been neatly stacked in the appropriate places. Glancing at the newcomer, and allowing a thin smile to grace her lips, she eyed the pile of "done". That would have to be organized, but the young pendragon seemed close enough to finishing the registration, that Hart didn't really have time. Sliding a paper off of the "to do" list, she eyed the completed registration of another new student with some interest. She hadn't been the one to let this student fill it out, so the signature on the dotted line that required her name was unfilled. However, Hart didn't sign anything without first making sure that she wanted to give her permission. It didn't take long for her to realize who the student was. The family name gave it away, since they were well enough off. A troublemaker, probably, but she could deal with that. With a flourish, she signed her name, along with "Principal", and placed it on the "done" pile. By that time, Aurora was finished. At the nervous words, Hart smiled encouragement, and took the papers. Eyes hungrily sped across the words, and a faint twitch of her lips suggested amusement, though not at the expense of the youngster. With a soothing mental croon, the elderly she-dragon spoke.


<font color=#330000>"Alright, now, dear... I'm Hart Demori, the Principal of Janardan. Everything seems in order. I need to ask, however, if you have a preferred roomate, or if you don't particularly care. If you'd like, I can get you a room with one of the older kids, who knows their way around. They'll be sure to help you. If you need any questions answered, then come here to ask me, anytime, ok? Even if I'm busy, just come right up and ask. Or, if I'm not here, ask one of the other administrators - that's pretty much any adult in here - and they'll assist you. Of course, if you bunk down with an older student, then they can help you, too."[/b]</font> Hart commented. Fingers slid the dorm arrangements over to her, and she smiled encouragement, waiting.

</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px>Hart nodded in return, and eyed the dormitories list with avid consideration. There were several rooms where students were without roomates... She found one that seemed to fit, a student who had been there long enough to know what she was doing. Talon Ottonu... a Jemdrull Player, and a kinder soul then some of the other potential roomies. She would do well for the young Aurora. Besides that, perhaps Tal' could get the young pendragon "accepted" within Aurora's peers. Having a Jemdrull Wild Player as your roomate was a rather coveted place, after all. Smiling faintly, she jotted down Aurora's name in the second slot for that room, and poked a claw through the corner of the space. That way, she wouldn't even bother to look at it, next time she sought room arrangements.


<font color=#330000>"Alright, I've put you in room #7000, which will have you bunked down with Talon Ottonu. She's a Jemdrull Player, and knows her way around pretty well, so if you need a tour, go ahead and ask her when you get to your room. I'll write up your schedule and have it sent there, once I'm done with it. Is there anything else that you'll need?"</font> Hart tilted her head, eyes glistening with welcome.

</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px>Hart waited patiently, and, once Aurora had confirmed that that was all she needed, the Principal smiled and nodded. After the niotie had left towards her room, the Principal cursed under her breath, remembering that she hadn't given the cub a key. Eh, well, if Talon wasn't in the dorm, or the niotie remembered to come back for it, all was good. And if neither was true, then she'd send the key up with the schedule. That thought done, she turned her attention back to the paper before her, filling out the schedule for the newest addition to Janardan Academy.

</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px>Hart's fingers were swift, her memory of what classes where when perfect. It was part of her job, after all, to remember such things. With a faint nod and smile of satisfaction, she completed the schedule, and signed it. Eyes flickered to an older student, standing impatiently, waiting for said schedule. She had asked him to wait, and take the schedule to the proper dorm. After all, his was next door. His eyes were hopeful as she looked up, but before she could hand the schedule to him, Aurora came running back. Surprise flickered in her eyes. It hadn't taken long for the niotie to go there and back. One shoulder shrugged, and she cast an apologetic smile in the direction of the older student. He sighed, but smiled in acceptance, and went back to his room.


Hart took the key - which she had taken out mere moments ago - and pressed it, along with the schedule, towards the niotie. <font color=#330000>"I'm sorry about that, I had forgotten that Talon was at Jemdrull practice, so you couldn't get in. Here's the key, and your schedule, however."[/b]</font> Hart replied, nodding towards the paper and the key.

</font>

 

<font color='#000000'><span style='color:silver'>Lazuli Tsyjn trotted up to the office door, and tried it. It was locked. Frowning, he swept his headfur out of his eyes and looked at the knob. There was a keyhole there, and he thought he might be able to pick it. Of course, that wasn't his trade, or anything he'd like to learn. But Laz wasn't thinking, and quickly he extended his large, sharp claws. They glistened in the hall lights as they slowly came out of their soft sheaths in his paws...

His lips were peeled slightly back from his ivories, which were clenched together in concentration. He pushed the tip of one claw into the metal keyhole, and moved it around delicately, 'till he heard the clink of a claw hitting a nub of metal. Slowly he pressed his paw down, and the thin point of his claw extended to push against the lock. Miraculously, he heard a soft click. With a gasp, Lazuli realized what he had just done. He was a good 'dragon--if playful and sometimes tricksome--and he'd never done such a thing before!</span>

<span style='color:indigo'>"Good going, Laz,"</span>

<span style='color:silver'>The male was going to berate himself more for picking the lock, but before he could, the door swung open. Biting back a gasp, Laz waited for the door to open.</span></font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px>Hart nodded slightly as Aurora took the schedule and key, with a murmered thanks. However, as the youngster began to look puzzled, Hart realized something... the student hadn't been schooled properly, or was merely too young to comprehend the written script. Hart had written both English and Ramathian in each square, so, presumably, the child couldn't read. But, then, how had she filled out the registration? The Principal wrinkled her nose, and glanced down at the paper before her, Aurora's registration. Sure enough, it was in English. Perhaps she hadn't learned how to read some of the words on there? That was more probable, although her two trades should have been evident, since the niotie had circled them in the portion of the paper that asked what her current ranks and trades were. Then again, perhaps she had just randomly chosen ones that looked fancy. Who knew?


Before Hart could mull over it any more, the faint "click" of her office being unlocked caused her to frown darkly. Only two pendragons had access to open that side door, and she was one of them. The other was Twobit, the custodian, but she doubted he would bother with it. After all, the proper entrance - always unlocked, when she was in, and usually open - was over on the other side of the room, closer to the front door. Tails snapped in anger, and she smiled faintly at Aurora in comfort, raising a single finger to her lips in a "sh" gesture. Padding silently towards the door, she twisted the knob, eyes flashing, teeth bared in irritation and anger...


Only to find a youngster on the other side. With a snort of disdain, and a frown that was heavy with disapproval, Hart spoke. <font color=#330000>"Do come in, make yourself at home. No, really, come in."</font> The beginning was mock friendly, and the last came out in cold authority. Most pendragons didn't tick Hart off, and anyone who say the Principal angry saw why. Even now, she was only mildly irrate, just playing the angry principal more harshly then she felt. Though she didn't like striking fear into the hearts of new students, she did need to keep discipline. Anyone who dared breach the rules soon found out that she was a hardened teacher, and knew how to appropriately use punishment.


Ignoring the new niotie, she stalked back to her desk, and sat down behind it. her tails curling on her forepaws once more, serenely, she spoke to Aurora. <font color=#330000>"Alright... I'm glad that I put Writing, Reading, and Ramathian in with the rest of your classes, because you're going to need to learn, aye? You must be tired by now, and I'm sure that you can't neccessarily memorize all of these just yet. However, I'll make sure to tell Talon that she needs to get you settled in, alright? She'll tell you what all of your classes are, and show you where they are."</font> The ring of bell resounded through the room, and Hart glanced back at the jangling object behind her. She smiled slightly, and turned her attention back to Aurora. <font color=#330000>"There we go. Talon should be back in the room shortly. So, if you just go to the same room number that is on the key, you should find her. And she can certainly help you out with that schedule. As it is, I have pressing business with another newcomer, so I'm afraid I can't assist you right now... welcome to Janardan, though, and we're certainly glad you're here, Aurora."</font> With a dismissive - but kind - smile, she waited for the niotie to leave, before turning to Laz'.


Her eyes were piercing, a smoldering anger dancing within. <font color=#330000>"As for you. Sit down, and explain yourself. I really am intrigued to know why you felt it neccessary to unlock my door. After all, the main entrance is right over there, and you could have knocked."</font> She commented with brisk authority, a hint of mock curiousity muddled within.

</font>

 

<font color='#000000'><span style='color:silver'>Laz bowed his head slightly in a submissive gesture, wondering why he just picked a lock. A gulp squeezed its way out of his throat. He turned around to see Aurora walk nervously out of the office. Fabulous. I'm alone now... he thought, and wished he was back with Kumet. Anything was better than angering the principal on the first day...

Shaking his head slightly, Laz sighed and faced the principal with a sheepish grin.</span>

<span style='color:indigo'>"Hello, ma'am... I'm Lazuli Tsyjn, and I'm sorry about picking your lock... See, I don't really know my way around here so well and I didn't know there was another entrance..."</span> <span style='color:silver'>He trailed off. It didn't look like he was going to get on this 'dragon's good side.</span>

<span style='color:indigo'>"Anyway, I'm sorry. I just wanted to sign up... and I know there were some other 'dragons that have the same objective. I suppose I wasn't thinking straight... lock picking certainly isn't one of my trades. I've never picked a lock in my life, for that matter,"</span> <span style='color:silver'>the silver-pelted pendragon said quickly. She looks fearsome. Damn me if every teacher isn't like this! he thought to himself, and he flicked the tip of his tail.

Once more Laz's plum-coloured orbs flickered back towards the door, this time searching vainly for Veja and Taydran, who just a few moments before were so close. Swallowing, Laz turned around. His tail-flame simmering a rueful shade of aubergine, he again fixed the teacher with an apologetic smile, hoping that he wouldn't be thrown out before term started.</span></font>

 

<font color='#000000'>ooc: heh... bad laz. hmmn... i just had a couple of questions... 1. does ramath-lehi use liquid time? if so,2. can i post in the academy if i haven't registered up here in the front foyer yet? i'd like to start the versatility of verse, elemental kinesis, and fighting soon ^.^ annnd 3. who sets me up with a dorm? is it you? thanks....</font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px><font color=black>;; out of character</font>


Sorry for the delay... I was sort of hoping that some of your friends from the other thread would join in. 1) Liquid time? :puzzled: 2) Yeah, you can post elsewhere before you are registered at the Foyer. 3) Yeah, I give you the dorm. If you have any preferences as to the number, or whatever, feel free to tell me, though. =3


<font color=black>;; in character</font>


Hart's stare of brisk authority never vanished. Thick nails slid in and out of their sheaths in rhythmatic contemplation, partially constructed out of anger. Most of that fury was feigned, her real emotions enhanced so that the child would be properly apologetic. It was part of what made Demori perfect for the job of principal, her ability to radiate a feeling that hadn't even touched her subconscious. Then again, she had had a lot of practice. Pretending to be happy and content in her family, playing along to her parents' desires. It had been a rather tough thing to do, but, out of practice, she had learned to fool even her expert parents. Some said she should have been a Spy by profession, due to her ability to block off her thoughts, so that they didn't seep into her actions. Yet that wouldn't have suited Hart's desire for clean, calm knowledge. That didn't mean that the female wouldn't have made a great politician or espionage agent, though.


At Laz's first words, her head tilted partially, and a single eyebrow quirked. If he had been wandering for any span of time, he should have run into another teacher. Surely they would have instructed him as to where he should go? But, it seemed, if he had met up with such an authority, they hadn't been as guiding as Hart would have hoped for. A faint frown flickered to life on her lips, one that also contained a certain amount of disapproval, though whether it was at Laz or whatever teacher hadn't directed him wasn't entirely clear. Her tails wound around each other, then uncurled and went their own ways, twisting and turning in elegant movement that was hidden behind her back.


Laz's next words, along with the glance thrown at the door, caused the principal to stiffen slightly. Perhaps he had been accompanied by others? But they hadn't been right behind him, even if they had followed. What sort of trouble could they be getting into? There were many of the personal offices over there, and the havoc that troublemakers could cause, left to roam in those halls... well, needless to say, if the teachers weren't in their offices, they could be vandalized. With a firm click of her claws on the table, she sought to draw his attention more firmly to her. With a frosty smile, and a slightly lighter gaze, she replied to his apologetic words.


<font color=#330000>"Hm... well... You didn't meet any teachers on your wayward adventure to my office? Surely they could have directed you... As for your friends, I will have to seek them out later, at the moment, this is more important. I accept your apology. Now, really, come here and sit down. I need you to fill out some forms for registration, and, if you behave, you might just get accepted. I'm Hart Demori, by the way, Principal."</font>

</font>

 

<font color='#000000'><span style='color:silver'>ooc: Liquid time is a tool some pbp RPGs use to make things a bit easier for their players... basically all it means is that one character can be in a bunch of threads simultaneously, the threads having happened one after another in the game world, but in RL are going on all at once. yessirs. As to the other classmates... I've got no clue where those other two PCs got to. Ah well... looks like Laz *is* alone.

ic: At first, the male cowered under the gaze of the principal, and the cold anger in her eyes made his tail-flame simmer down to a mere flicker of eggplant-coloured flame. It wasn't so much the fact that he'd gotten in trouble that bothered him; he was used to scoldings from older 'dragons for mischief. But the fact that he'd actually done such a thing as pick a lock... He shook his head. Law-breaking trades such as that were never appealing to him, somehow. But the urge to get that door open had taken him over; why was anybody's guess.

A sudden click of claws on wood made the male jump to attention. But when the femme 'dragon began to speak, Laz began to realize he wasn't going to be thrown out. He didn't want to risk anything, though, and so he stood there, looking respectfully at Hart.

He wondered for a moment, after she was finished, if he should tell her about Kumet or not. Mayhap she already knew about the pink-haired femme's temper, and perhaps mentioning her name would suffice. Laz didn't want to push himself into a mess involving teachers, however, so he decided just to say he'd seen a staff member on the way, but she'd been...hesitant...to help him.

With a deep breath, he mustered up a respectful grin and began to speak.</span> <span style='color:indigo'>"Yes, as to meeting teachers...I met... a staff member coming down the hall, but she didn't-- her directions were...vague."</span> <span style='color:silver'>That isn't the half of it.</span> <span style='color:indigo'>"Anyway, nice to meet you, Ms. Demori..."</span> He extended a paw for a shake, then padded up to the desk and helped himself to a chair. This principal didn't really seem bad, once you got on her better side. At least she's got a rational head on her shoulders, the 'dragon thought.

<span style='color:indigo'>"Do I get to choose my classes? Do you have a list?"</span></font>

 

<font color='#000F22'><center><blockquote><font color=dimgray face=verdana size=1><span style=letter-spacing:-1px><font color=black>;; out of character</font>


Sorry for the wait... oh, and that makes sense. Yeah, that is how it works. Part of the reason for timestamping, so you don't have conflicting days that your character is at two places. =3


<font color=black>;; in character</font>


Hart was rather amused - at least inwardly - by this youngster. If lockpicking wasn't his trade, then she must have left several of the magical locks off. After all, he had merely used some material to crack open the physical one. Even that, though, should have had a sustaining spell on it that warned her before an intruder opened the door, or even unlocked it. Perhaps it had failed? Or, perhaps, as she had thought before, even that hadn't been set. She would have to have one of her more magically inclined teachers check it out. If it was failing now, for a young student, she would definetely have to hype up security for the night. Nothing was safe, not even the office of a principal, if someone wanted to get in it badly enough.


Laz's jumping at her claws clicking caused a vague, distant smile to flicker into life on her lips. It disappeared swiftly, however, and she allowed the fleeting emotion to pass. She had to remain stern, even if he was a new student, unaware of what he had just done. Ears flicked back and forth, swinging in a slightly wary fashion, capturing sounds in hopes of hearing the young student's friends approaching. None did, however, and as he settled into a seat, extending a paw, she took that smaller appendage, and shook it firmly. A faint nod of acknowledgement was given at his words, and she chewed on her lower lip, thoughtfully, for a moment.


Deciding on something, and forgetting the matter of useless guides, she took the list of classes out. Most of the time, she did the scheduling, but if the cub wanted to, that was up to him. Passing it across the table, she also put the registration papers with it. <font color=#330000>"Just fill those out, and those five blue ones are the classes. Feel free to pick whatever ones you want, at whatever times, but be aware that I may have to veto your choices. If they are full, or something of that sort."</font> She commented, before returning to her own work for the moment

</font>

 

<font color='silver'>ooc: I was way down at the bottom there... thanks for remembering me! ^_^ ...Ack. I just checked my charsheet for Laz, and I put down one of his trades as Animal Training. What the heck was I thinking...!?!?! Enh.... Anyway, tell me if these classes exist or not... I based the "list" on the Janardan staff list, the trades list on the char application, and common sense. I know some of them haven't started yet, but I'm hoping that doesn't matter...?

Laz took in all of the femme 'dragon's minute facial expressions with the merest flick of a lappet, but inwardly they puzzled him. He wondered what she was thinking when amusement or curiosity flitted 'cross her face. Perhaps she was thinking about his little lock-picking endevour... Laz frowned. It was odd that instinct had guided him so easily through the springing of Hart's lock. Idly he wondered if he should sign up for a lock-picking class of some sort... No, Laz, he told himself. Why do that?

Then Hart pushed the list towards him. He saw a pen on the desk and picked it up, his opposable toe gripping it surely in his front paw. He looked over the list. There were some interesting classes on there. The finest school at home couldn't have matched them...

Home. Laz had none, really. His mother sent him to the academy ages ago, and although she had been kind to him as a foster-parent, he had often wondered where his biological parents were, and why they left his egg. And why his foster-mother hadn't sent a word, a letter, anything to the Academy or anywhere else.

Laz snapped out of his reverie, knowing he needed to choose some classes. Shaking his head slightly, he penned his classes of choice in small, scribbly writing into the blue boxes. The first class was Language Arts. The second read, Fighting/Sparring. The third was, History. The fourth said Elemental Sorcery, and the fifth, which was written down only after much debate, Escape Artistry. After choosing his classes, Laz pushed the paper across the desk, to Hart.

<span style='color:indigo'>"Here are the classes, Ms. Demori... And who will I be dormed with?"</span> Laz said, hoping he'd like his roommate and wondering what the dorms were like. He couldn't wait to meet some females, meet some cool 'dragons... Eagerly he waited Hart's response.</font>