<font color='#713704'>ooc 37, Tessera, 81377(3) time, late afternoon character, Jack. all welcome. ic Jack sat on a lightly frosted grass area of the courtyard, flicking through the pages of a thick novel entitled, "Burning Up". He wasn't much enjoying the tedious horror story, but it was good enough to waste his time with until his first lesson. His father had sent him to Janardan only recently, mostly just to get him out of the house, but also to give him the opportunity to master his pyrokinetics. Jack didn't care either way, he was wasting his time at home, never having much to do and always bored, disinterested in the physical games his brothers were so fond of and his father famous for. He preferred to indulge in literature, art, history - hobbies of the mind. Jack sighed quietly, itching his cheek. He glanced away from his book and studied the yard for a moment, there were quite a few students here but the atmosphere remained calm and relatively quiet, probably thanks to the cold. Jack smiled ever so slightly, loving the tranquillity this weather brought, and emerged himself once again in his book.</font>
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=dimgray>Ari walked with careful grace, each foot set before the other in a delicate manner. It was mostly habit, since her parents had drilled the art of light steps into her, as if such would save her. Ultimately, perhaps, it might. If she had taken the profession of an Assassin, she was almost positive that it would have come in handy. Yet, as it was, the only reason she ever used it was when she really did have sinister intent - though that was rare, really. Shapeshifting wasn't one of her official trades, and if anyone found out what her brother had given her... well, to say the least, the Graders would be "interested". Personally, she had experienced enough of the leaders and their attention. Upper lip curled a bit as she considered the skies, though it was merely at the bitter thought of their king and queen. Both were ruthless, yes, she'd give them that, but it had cost Aridaka her family, and more had lost more to the whims or "treasons" of other members in their groups, whether family or otherwise. A soft sigh escaped her throat as she eased across the grass, then paused upon catching sight of another pendragon. The Courtyard was - oddly - rather quiet. Many that normally would have been out here had retreated with the cooling air, or were in classes. Slender digits moved to shift the weight of the strapped bag that hung across her shoulder, and back, and hung beside her. Chewing on her lower lip on contemplation, the teenager finally decided that there was no sin in going over there, near the male. If he didn't want to talk, well, then, she could still recline over there and just read. There was a good book on herbs in her sack, and her teacher expected her to memorize the uses of several of them. The mere thought caused her to wrinkle her nose and grimace a bit. She wasn't going to be an Herbal Specialist, yet they were still taught such information. Probably because one couldn't entirely rely on one source of info. Walking near to the position of the other 'dragon, she eased into a sitting position, and idly considered her backpack with vague distaste.</font>
<font color='#713704'>Jack heard the quiet pitter-patter of footsteps coming closer, and looked up again from his book. He had company. He watched them as they sat down and made themselves comfortable, trying not to stare - he didn't want to seem rude. The girl wasn't really looking in his direction, but nevertheless he purred out a softly spoken, "Afternoon." with a smile. He had no expectations of conversation, but would enjoy it if they felt like it, what with this tedious book and all. Either way, he didn't mind, but he liked to be polite. A chilly breeze passed by, ruffling his milky-coloured hair while he awaited some sign of acknowledgement, still smiling slightly.</font>
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=dimgray>Aridaka licked her lips, then turned her head in the direction of the other pendragon as he purred a welcome. A slight twitch of her head, fingers reaching up to brush against stray locks, tucking them back behind a sloped ear. A slight nod was given, eyes flickering across him, before returning to his face, though it was a curious glance, and not one intended to seem calculating or judgemental. Lips curving in a smile that might, or might not be, genuinely warm graced her features as she spoke in turn. <font color=black>"It is that... the afternoon. Ah, salutations?"</font> At first, she was inclined to not even add the end portion, but ultimately decided to do so. It seemed polite, in any case. Though normally not a social butterfly, Ari was, like most teenagers, inclined to ignore the boring stuff while she could. Memorizing what some plant she would never see could do was not her idea of fun. Especially when they were the types that weren't even imported very much, due to the fact that they were only usable in their normal habitat. Why she needed to memorize them - unless she decided to travel the world - was beyond her. Yet that was beside the point, and, currently, she had company. So all was good.</font>
<font color='#713704'>Jack glanced at the back cover of his book for a moment, seemingly fascinated by it but was just pondering. He decided to try and keep the conversation alive, and looked up at her again; "How long have you been going to Janardan?" His voice was constant and naturally quiet, mostly smooth but had a charmingly rough edge to it at times. Jack absent-mindedly itched his neck/chest as he asked, flexing his large dragon-like wings ever so slightly too, as they were starting to go stiff.</font>
<font color='#000F22'><blockquote><font color=dimgray>Ari's fingers toyed with the edge of her book's cover as she waited for a reply. Usually, conversations with her were cold, either that, or terribly passionate. Not meaning romance, but flames. Torrents of anger and disgust that often came from the dark youth. It really was somewhat quiet out here. As far as she was concerned, it was about time for some other creatures to come and add some background noise. No one answered her silent plea, however. It was nice, to her, to be able to listen to other conversations, the busy hum of the Courtyard was often soothing for the somewhat strange teenager. As he spoke, her eyes became a bit more alert, flickered towards him as ears perked to listen to the words. That was a good question... <Font color=black>"Little over a year... started at the beginning of the last school year. You?"</font> She replied, though she thought she knew the answer. He looked about her age, and he wasn't familiar.</font>
