A New Teacher [Roland/Jeon/Lilith/Aveline]

[Roland]

Roland strides down the halls of the Arch with a stoic expression on his face. Several of the students had noticed him and some had come up to ask questions about his last 'practical combat' session, or to ask when his 'Lecture on Ward and Boundary Theory' was going to happen and to each he gave concise and informative responses, the image of a professional but distant instructor.

Roland had brought Lilith and Aveline along with him today to introduce the pair to an acquaintance of his from the Arch of Ages. With how busy he'd been he had not had the time to teach Lilith what she needed to know and he did not have the alchemic skill to train Aveline, so it seemed best to get assistance from an outside source, or rather an inside source, and he needed one that was not in Severine's pocket.

Roland's long leather coat spreads slightly in the halls of the Arch, and his hard leather boots make a distinct echo. After making a myriad of twists and turns he arrives at a door. He raises his hand to knock, but first he stops and straightens up his appearance and takes a deep breath. In fact, if it wasn't so absurd people might actually think Roland was nervous.

He knocks on the door “excuse me Jeon, I need to ask a favor.” He calls in slightly awkwardly.

[Deleted]

The knock on his door was surprising. Jeon wasn't expecting any company; he rarely had anyone knocking on his door. “excuse me Jeon, I need to ask a favor.” That voice sounded familiar. It felt like a distant memory of the past, but he couldn't recall from where.

He had stayed up all night trying to turn the man-eating plant that he had created, by accident, back into its original state. Having just fallen asleep a few hours ago upon his desk his appearance was disheveled and askew. A plant had wrapped itself around his head without his notice and if an outsider saw his room they would think it a greenhouse. In his attempt to get up he fell from his chair and made a loud noise hitting the ground on his shoulder,"OW!,"he yelped. He quickly got up and while in his disoriented state he swayed to the door and cracked it open,"Hello, how can I help....?" at the angle Jeon stood in front of the man who got a clear look into the purple eyes,"Oh, Roland!" Jeon's posture became straight and a light bulb clicked in his head. He became suddenly aware of his appearance and made a face of embarrassment," What brings you to my part of the woods?" in his case someone could take his room as a literal forest. He even opened the door further showing all of its organic residences. Jeon gave a quick glance to the two girls standing behind him and then made eye contact with Roland again.

[Deleted]

Lilith kept a quick pace to keep up with Roland. She wasn’t entirely sure why he wanted her to join him, but she had learnt to keep the questions to a minimum if possible. She noted that he’d brought Aveline as well, and it made her more curious. She was a sweet girl from what Lilith knew, so she had no complaints. She had worn something simple, hoping that if this meeting was very important, that Roland would have told her and thus she would have dressed nicely. A simple dark green dress; square neck line, hemline at her calves, brown boots. The only thing that stuck out about her was her hair, flowing like a platinum cape behind her as the scurried forward.

Lilith couldn’t see Rolands face from where she was, but something about him was a bit different than usual. Who were they going to see? They had to stop a few times, here and there as students had questions for him, but overall they made the walk rather quickly, and she stopped two feet or so behind him when he came to the door he wanted to go to. She watched curiously as he knocked and spoke a name. Jeon? She’d yet to hear that name.

A moment later, the door opened, and a man with a plant on his head appeared. Lilith peeked into the room and her eyes widened slightly. Very messy. Lilith blinked twice and focused back on the man in the threshold. Who was he?

[severine]

Aveline’s usual quiet, stoic countenance was slowly being broken the closer they got the the Arch of Ages. At the news of who Roland would be visiting, she had leapt at the chance to go. She had not seen the young man in so long- an old friend in the dangerous court of his Majesty King Noku. When he had returned she was bedridden and could not see him, but now she could.

Aveline adjusted the silks that hid her intricately braided hair and fiddled with her pale gold and cream colored skirts as she followed Roland, looking around with wide eyes as they passed through the academy. There was so much here- so much magic! She wished she had the gift, it would lead to a whole other life. A different education, here. With women and men of incredible skill and respect. She was quite nearly bouncing by the time they reached Jeon’s room and when he opened the door, Aveline leaned around Roland and waved, sliding the silks off her hair.

“Jeon, it’s me! It’s Aveline, do you remember?”

[Roland]

As Jeon opens the door Roland gives him a slight bow of respect and the corners of his mouth turned up ever so slightly. "You appear to be doing well." He comments looking in through the chaos and plant matter at the room.

Roland had often wondered about he various creations that Jeon grew among these plants. If he had the time and knack that the boy carried for this kind of magic maybe he could make some plants to keep the Fating king safe. Though he was sure Noku would find someway of injuring himself on the protective plants. As Jeon looked at the girls who were accompanying him Roland prepared to introduce them, but was cut off when Aveline, more giddy than he'd ever seen her poked her head in and asked if he remembered her.

He furrowed his brow as he looked down at her. "Wait, you two know each other?" He asks, perplexed for a moment, but then again it did make sense. Aveline was Severine's daughter after all.

"Anyways, Jeon these are two of my subordinates. This one's name is Lilith Harmonia, she is a healer in the Mage Guard, and the one that is bouncing like a bunny rabbit is Aveline Zoe." He says, his stern expression finally breaking into an almost passable smile. "I am going to need to find an Alchemy teacher for Aveline, but after we catch up a bit, I'd appreciate it if you could mentor Lilith. She needs education in the magical basics, and I'd like to have her plant magic skills stregthened and well I thought..." he gestures around the room. "Who better to ask?"

[Deleted]

Aveline? He hadn't heard that name in a long time. He pondered for a second and then a serge of memories of a girl in the castle came to mind. They were blissful memories of life in the castle, which were a rare thing. A large smell appeared on his face. "It is great to see you Avy! and nice to make your acquaintance Lillith...the mage guard? I thought that was only a rumor. Many of the students were talking about joining: better pay than living a scholarly life." Jeon listened to Roland's inquiry intently. His eyes pierced Lillith. He could feel her magic slightly. Her conductors appeared to be strained from a large excursion. He could tell she was in recovery, but she was oblivious on how to regain magical stamina. The magic she had left appeared to pool in her abdominal.

"One second..." Jeon turned around, waved his hand at his room, and the plants came alive within their cave. They appeared to be retreating back to their sources. The messy room became a room that was filled with various potted plants. The sun from his window shown onto multiple species with varying colors flowers and leaves. It was a beauty to the eye. The room went from its monstrous state to perfectly organized besides some dead leaves scattering the ground. The only plant that was struggling was the one in Jeon's hair. He had to tug on it a few times before it escaped his hair and returned to its home. From the mess of plants he pulled out a tiny potted plant. It appeared to be an crimson orchid. He brushed off some dirt, walked to the door, and handed it to Lillith,"that is now your companion..."he gave no further explanation and then turned to Roland,"Shall we go have some breakfast.....or lunch, whichever time of the day it is? All of you are invited of course so that we can continue this conversation comfortably." He gave another smile toward Aveline, trying to show his happiness that she was there.

[Deleted]

Lilith jumped as Aveline suddenly sprung to life. She obviously knew this man, but it was clear that was news to Roland. She listens quietly, looking up at Roland. He wanted this man to her her mentor? She supposed that made sense, he was quite busy. She looked around the room once more— the man was good with plants. That could be quite helpful.

Yours as well Mr. Jeon. It was the only name she knew, and she blushed softly, not able to maintain eye contact with him. She felt him looking at her, and she peeked up for a moment, blinking rapidly, and looking down. What was he looking at? She let out a silent sigh when he stopped staring, and let her shoulders relax. Her body was so tense lately. She looked curiously as he roamed the room, looking for something, and pulling the plant out of his hair. A small smile cracked on Liliths lips. She saw him lift a tiny plant, a beautiful orchid, lively and red. It was gorgeous. Lilith’s lilac eyes widened, and her face lit up slightly. He handed it to her, and she looked up at him, stunned, momentarily forgetting her awkwardness.

Thank you very much. No explainaiton was needed. She knew enough to know that she was to keep it alive and healthy, no matter what. She smiled down at the small plant, her eyes soft. She heard him speaking once more in the background, about food, but her focus was taken to the plant. How had he known orchids were her absolutely favourite?

[severine]

Aveline beamed as recognition came over Jeon's face. She looked back up to Roland, shaking her head and sliding the silks back up over her head. "You don't remember? I remember you." She sighed in a resigned sort of way and looked back to Jeon.

"We'd be delighted to join you for a meal. How have you been? I'm sorry I missed you when you returned, I was taken ill. I heard that you spilled wine on his Majesty, however." Aveline smiled, mischief there.

[Roland]

Roland adjusts his hat slightly and then brings his arms down to rest by his sides, his expression slowly shifts back to his more neutral expression that made him seem vaguely unhappy, though in truth he was actually in quite a good mood. “Unfortunately the mage guard has become a necessity, you are invited to join, in fact if you'd like you can have it.” He offers, in truth running two branches of the guard was difficult, even for Roland given how hands on he tended to be.

Though as Jeon hands Lilith the plant a hint of amusement passes through his expression. The young lord always had been kind and attentive, that plant was a better training and recovery aide than anything Roland could have provided for Lilith. He again reflects that in a lot of ways Jeon was far closer to the ideal he strived for than he was. Someone who can use magic to help and protect the people of the kingdom. He reflects on an oath he had made long ago.

As Jeon mentions breakfast Roland nods, he was actually fairly hungry for once, probably due to the fact he had relaxed a bit and food did sound pretty good. “I will take you up on that offer.” He agrees, though when Aveline suddenly pipes up he looks at her in surprise. “You were the kid who'd always come around to play?” He asks her in surprise.

Then as she gives him an almost resigned sigh she would feel something lightly flick her in the forehead as he give her a self satisfied look.

[Deleted]

"The guard hold no interest to me,"Jeon said plainly,"Could you imagine me in a leadership position?" Jeon tried to hold a straight face, but it was obvious he was disgusted at the idea.

"Yes, Aveline was a great companion to me when I visited the castle as a child,"he gave a big smile toward her again,"we had our secret hide-outs and stories of those echoing halls. I also remember the much younger Roland who was always a few heads above my stature. I'm glad to see you are in charge of the guard."

"Now, we shall head to the eatery. I hear the mages are working on a new bread that will fill the stomach of a grown man for ten days,"He headed down the hall toward the great stairs. The cafeteria was located on the third floor, so it was going to be quite the walk to get there.

[severine]

Aveline raised an eyebrow up at Roland as he asked if she was the child who always came around to bother Jeon. “Of course that was me. How many girls do you see that look like me running around the castle?” she tossed her braided hair back over her shoulder, smoothing a hand over the intricate twists. “Besides, I remember you very vividly.”

“Jeon is too modest.” Aveline cheerfully interjected again after a moment, lacing her hands behind her back. “He has the blood of Kings. Of course he would be a good leader.” she tilted her head up at Jeon. “You’ll be in a fine position at court and his Majesty would be less inclined to bother you, I think. But of course, that is always your choice.” she reached up and patted the young man on the arm, following after the group towards the eatery. “Tell us more about this special bread of yours.”

[Roland]

Roland looks at the girl as she asks him how many other girls look like her and he takes a moment to actually consider the question. Admittedly Aveline hair was unique. “Well I suppose not many, but you were so active and...hyper. I suppose I see it now.” he admits, though most of Roland's interactions with the adult Aveline had left him with the impression of her being a quieter girl.

“To be honest Milord I could certainly imagine you in a position of leadership.” Roland admits though as Jeon talks about the new bread he looks on with interest and follows after.

[Deleted]

Lilith remained quiet, not having much to say as of yet-- she had not known any of the persons in company until recently, so she could not relate to their conversation. However, she found it sweet, seeing Aveline so happy on seeing this man. Roland too, seemed happy in that moment. Lilith followed behind them, holding on to the pot of the plant carefully, against her chest. She couldn't help but stare at it, though she didn't mind-- it gave her somewhere for her to look. Shy as she was, meeting new people was always nerve-racking for her, and this plant served as the best distraction. She heard them speak, but again, added nothing.

[Deleted]

Jeon continued toward the stairs. The system of stairs was uneven due to the shape of the tree, but it created a natural look that was never achieved in the city. The air always smelt strong of fresh cut wood; especially during this time of the year. The many glazing glass windows shown colors upon the faces of the students that walked through the halls while they discussed their aspirations. This was where Jeon belonged. Among people always seeking for knowledge; not to destroy. His father gave him a disdain for the royal family. That's why he rarely introduced himself as a Noru, and preferred the ancient name Ambrosius.

At each level the liveliness of the Arch became more apparent. There would be flashes of color seeping through cracks; long incantations being muttered. Jeon turned his face toward the group as they descended,"Lilith, you will love it here! It's a great way to get away from the bustle of the city,"Jeon hated the city. It was apparent in his voice.

"The mage guard is too large of a responsibility for me," He kept looking forward while saying this. There was hesitation in his voice and in his face if it could be seen. Ever since he was a young child, his cousin frightened him. It always unsettled him. Their interactions always felt cold, silent, and of no value. Those eyes. Those piercing eyes. Jeon became lost in himself as they continued down the steps. He went quiet. His brow was furrowed. His eyes glazed. Memories flashed before his eyes. He began to think of home. The destruction of his home was only two years prior and it still quaked his soul.

[Deleted]

Lilith continued walking silently, clutching the potted plant to her chest like a new born child. Her eyes wandered, taking in the beautiful place surrounding her. She wished she knew of the place sooner, she would have loved to come here when she was younger. When Jeon said her name, she looked up, her purple eyes shy and curious. 

Yes… I believe you are right… Her voice was soft, and she looked down, smiling, her cheeks a soft pink.