Welcome to Gaia! ::

Daggart was caught between being excited and nervous as he wandered the halls. He'd missed the tail end of his assigned class and now had a great deal of time on his hands. This meant, of course, that he had an opportunity to get to know his peers.

However, as the announcement crackled over the PA systems, he dry-washed his hands. Awakening to such a dire event didn't seem to bode well.... He didn't have any idea who this Bellona person was but the severity with which Bardane spoke left a bitter taste in his mouth.

They needed help and he wasn't sure how to go about it... Perhaps one of the other students might fill the new Choleric in and he could lend a hand. He full of energy and optimism - that had to count for something right?



Kallisto paused in her bustle and tilted an ear upward, a chill running down her spine. Someone had attacked Professor Bellona? How awful! Her essence was being drained slowly.... Kallisto shook her head, raking her mind for any possible answers. If the Professors had been proven innocent....

Her thoughts immediately turned to Gregor. He'd been at fault during the Eros Potion fiasco so it was likely he'd be behind this too. It seemed the man took delight in harming others. It disgusted her to think that he might have gone so far as to expose Bellona to something potentially fatal.

"Gregor.... I hope they turn you inside out and feed you to a monster for this." She muttered as she headed towards one of the common rooms in search of her fellows. Bardane was hoping for answers and while she disliked the strict professor, the welfare of Bellona was far more important. The zeros could help brainstorm at the least.



Astaroth had immediately stopped and packed up his supplies upon hearing the first announcement. Professora Bellona was in a coma? And slowly dying? It both unnerved and heated his blood. She was a professor - an instructor who would teach them and help them along? Who would think to attack someone like her?

Grtting his teeth, he shoulder his heavy satchel and went in search of Danna. Their safety was paramount - if someone could get through Bellona's defenses then who was to say they wouldn't come after the defenseless zeros? Astaroth was aware enough his limitations that he knew that should he come face to face the culprit, he'd likely lose. He may be smart but he lacked, as of yet anyways, the skills to truly defend himself.

That is was the professor of the Magical Theory class further rubbed him the wrong way. He was looking forward to that class and to endanger the life of it's teacher was horrible. Granted he'd be angered about anyone being harmed in such a way, but Magic was something entirely different.

Eyes flashing, he stalked down the halls wanting to see that Danna was safe first and foremost.



Aureus and Argentum finished up their ministrations in the Infirmary, glancing worriedly at each other. The news that Bellona was dying did not sit well with either of them. Hooking hands as they sought comfort from one another, they left their place of work and went in search of the zeros.

That group seemed to have their fingers in everything and the thought made the echoes smile. It was good to know that a good class of Empyreans had been brought into the city. It was sure to be in good hands once the current zeros ascended to Stage 3.

Argentum tugged on Aureus, his eyes narrowing as he thought the situation over. Their skills might be of use in this - they did show great promise in dowsing and scrying. And their senses of justness would not allow them to simply stand by and offer advice. They both wanted to truly help this time around.

And so, they headed towards the same room that the zeros had met in during the Eros Potion issue. If luck smiled upon them, they'd find a few there and could help organize a brainstorming session.

Bardane was on the loudspeaker. This fact alone occupied Aysel's thoughts moreso than what he was saying, and she had to shake her head to clear it before the professor's words sunk in. A steady decline in Essence? The melancholic girl felt herself pale, and her eyes went wide. She hadn't even been aware that such a thing was possible. Deftly slipping a cloth bookmark into the book she had been reading, she slid to her feet and headed automatically to find others- Grave, Ubel, Antigone, Lior. She always thought more clearly when she was in the presence of friends...and, quite honestly, she was curious to see what their reactions would be to such a horrible thing.

And, so, she set out. Who could have done such a terrible act? Already, she set about forming a list in her mind of everybody she knew, or knew of. She left the teachers off of the list, naturally, since the law professor had said that they had already been interrogated...but then, she shook her head, and mentally added them once again. It could be a fatal mistake to put such trust in potions...there were always antidotes, loopholes, and other such ways around any method of forced truth.

The only empyrean she could strike from her list was herself.

___________________________________________
A strange smile quirked at the lips of Sombre in response to the announcement, and her hands twisted all the tighter around Scalpel's neck. As ever, she was disappointed for the lack of squirming and bleeding, but made herself content with the rabbit's silent cries. A coma, hmmm? How utterly intriguing. And moreso, the loss of Essence...a pleasant shiver made its way over the kneeling form of the tiny Zero, and her smile widened into an outright grin. A childish giggle slipped from her lips, and she pulled roughly on one of Scalpel's ears, ignoring his protests.

A loss of Essesnce. Well, then, that was easy enough. You only had to find where the Essence was going to...follow the white rabbit to the rabbithole. But where would it lead? Getting gracefully to her feet, the little girl reached under her bed to grab a piece of twine, and tied it around Scalpel at one end and around her wrist at the other, tightly enough that it would indeed leave a mark when she removed it--possibly even chafe--but not cut off her circulation. It was such a bore, to be numb when one needed to feel. She was curious to find out where the professora- Bell or Bellna or whatever she had been called- was being stored while she was comatose. Probably the infirmary, she reasoned, or else her own room...from there, she would simply chase any Essence that chose to leave Bell. Why did not the other professors think of that?

Sliding her door silently open, she gripped Scalpel to her chest. Down the rabbithole we go.

Yalitza pauses in the hallway as she listens to the announcement coming from the PA. A teacher was dying, that couldn't be right. Shaking her head she place the book she was planning on taking back to the library back into her bag. She had it this long, she could hold onto it alittle longer. From the sound of Bardane voice she could tell this was serious.

Glancing towards the other student she holds onto her bag as she follows them. Even if she never taken a class with the Professor before, she wanted to help as much as she could. Pausing outside the Common room she rubs at her temples for a moment "Who is this foolish enough to attack a teacher?"

Glancing around she was hoping she would find the twins, maybe they could give her a more insight as to what was going on.

Astaroth found himself caught up in the ebb and flow of a press of students as they seemed file towards various common rooms. They were too close, rubbing up against him, jostling and pulling admist worried whispers. It was almost too much. Gritting his teeth and very nearly snapping at those who crowded against him, the academic managed to elbow some space in the crush. His sharp glances seemed to keep people at bay for the time being.

Blue eyes scanned the mass of people, trying to pick out the familiar olive hair amidst the riot of colour. At first he couldn't find her and muttered under his breath. Where was she? Hurrying, he pressed forward and wound up finding Cyphyr.

Breathing a sigh of relief at the sight of the spunky little sanguine - and like one of the only times such a sigh would escape Astaroth - he followed, soon catching sight of Danna. Relief settled in then, easing his nerves so that he didn't mind the nearness of so many people quite so much. "Danna!" He called, waving his hand, "Danna! Where are you going?"



Kallisto had been one of the first of those to arrive at the common room. She was sitting off to the side, deep in thought, and barely registered the arrival of her classmates. Glancing up, she saw a few familiar faces and then realized Yambati was among them.

Waving as he seemed to be looking for someone, she smiled. It was a bit of a surprise to see him around so many people... he was more withdrawn then that.




The twins arrived at the common room shortly after Yalitza did, both flashing smiles of relief at her. So she wasn't harmed. That was good. The last thing they needed was for their little friend to be caught up in this mess.

"Oh thank goodness you're alright! We have hadn't seen you in a while, we were beginning to wonder if you'd taken ill." Aureus waved, taking her into a brotherly embrace.

Argentum joined the embrace, sighing, "I want to find who did this. They'll not get away with it." He glanced at Aureus, "I don't want a repeat of Valentine's Day."

Yalitza returns the hugs then smiles alittle as she pulls back "I'm alright. I've been busy, so I kindof decided not to come out of my dorm. Silly thing is, I miss Math class in the process." looking around she cross her arms as she looks over the students. Some of them she remember from class, others she wasn't sure about.

Glancing back at Aurues she looks at him slightly confused "Wait what happen on Valentines Day?" so this wasn't something new? Lifting her thumb she bites at her nail as she grows alittle nervous about this now. All she could hope for was they found whoever did this before they attacked again.

"Gregor managed to cause a mess. I don't want to see him do something like that again.... Why would you endanger another's life? It just makes no sense." It was clear that Argentum was taking this very seriously and one of the few isntances in which his force of spirit shone through. People who did such things infuriated him.

Aureus merely nodded, looking grave as well. While just as passionate as Argentum, Aureus showed it in different ways.



Astaroth nodded, glancing in the direction Danna had indicated, his eyes flashing dangerously. These people had very easily gotten on his nerves and he in mood to deal with idiots. "Indeed I have. I'd like to offer my help.... as soon as there's some space to actually breathe..." He stepped closer to her as though being nearer her would somehow make him further away from the others.

Astaroth turned slightly, having to make an effort of not glowering at Grave as he spoke, "Hello. Yes. The announcement held dire news... a situation I hope to assist in addressing."

Shaking her head Yalitza wasn't sure what to think at this point. Pushing her hand though her hair she nods "So this has happen before, or come close to happening? Great, just great." leaning against Aureus she just grumbles under her breath. She could already tell she wasn't going to enjoy this at all.

She didn't know the teacher, but she was hurt. This also meant that maybe she wasn't safe either or none of the others. Glancing over at Argentum she gives him a weak smile then loosk towards the door.

She reconized a few of them from class, but never really went up to talk to them.

Aureus held her close, sensing that she needed a bit of support. Argentum gestured for them to move into the room as it was beginning to get crowded in the corridor. "Everything's going to fine, I hope." Argentum muttered as he headed through the door, closely followed by Aureus.



Astaroth's eyes narrowed at the coldness Grave was showing then quickly warmed. Good, he wasn't interested in dillydallying - that was a good sign. Taking Danna's hand and actually acknowledging Cyphr's existence by gesturing for him to follow, Astaroth made his way into the common room and looked about for a seat.

Yalitza didn't say anything else, she just allow them to lead her into the room. Glancing towards the other professors she looks away shaking her head. She just didn't understand why a teacher would get attack, it didn't make that much sense to her. Shrugging she nods towards some seat that seem to be free.

Too many questions were running through her head at this point. Looking over at Argentum she glances back at the professor "I really hope your right. A teacher dying could spell bad for the rest of us." falling quiet she takes a seat in the empty middle seat.

Resting her head on her arms she just looks up at the teachers, she wish she could just figure out what they were saying.

Both of the twins paused as Yalitza took her seat, their attention simultaneously zeroing in on the professors and shop keepers towards the front of the room. They couldn't quite tell what was being said but doubted it was about the pleasant weather or what lunch was like.

As one, they turned to Yalitza, "Be right back, we're just going to go check in."

Aureus nodded and Argentum turned away, "You're welcome to come. You seem like you're in need of some information."

Paper-white hands tightened on the crisp leather cover of a journal emblazoned with the solitary Phlegmatic Ouroboros; silvered lilac hair, plaited loosely into a half-braid, brushed softly against the center of the pale academic's back as he moved. The cautious footfalls of the slender figure were soft in the hallway, swallowed up by those of the Empyreans around him as the Stage Zeros swarmed the corridors, moving in a murmuring mass exodus toward the Common Room.

So many conflicting emotions . . .

They were all but overpowering, the surrounding senses, all concentrated in one small area in the crowded hall; he felt like a small craft on a storm-lashed sea, in danger of capsizing beneath the emotional swells and the empathetic undertow. The ghostly Empyrean gripped his book more tightly but forced himself to continue onward, focusing his attention on the dark material of the cape that flowed through the crowd before him, hastening his steps to keep pace with the one that he followed.

I certainly did not choose the best of days to venture out, Riaan lamented to himself, casting cautious glances this way and that at the faces of the other Empyreans around him, and doing his very best to try to hold off the brunt of the crushing torrent of external feelings that close proximity to them all was subjecting him to. But he had had little choice . . . the voice over the public address system - Bardane's voice - had set him to trembling, and the message that the elder Empyrean had conveyed . . .

Riaan been instantly compelled. The silver-haired Phlegmatic had found himself at his Melancholy neighbor's door but an instant later, moved to tears and filled with the desire to move among their brethren in this time of catastrophe.

"We can stay in Solitude no longer," the misty-eyed academic had cried, clutching his first friend's doublet and practically hauling the stoic Empyrean from his dormitory, despite the other's greater mass and height. "The time has come for us to take our places among the others. We have to go with them . . . we must go with them. I don't know what we can offer, and I don't know what good we can do, but we must go now, to tender all that we can. The time has come, Regulus, and we must go."

Boot-heels tapped the floor in rhythm, as if in response to a military cadence. Cobalt blue hair swung with the regal figure's stride, whispering over the dark cape that billowed in his wake. Light gleamed over the satin sheen of his ornate doublet, and glinted from his blood-red eyes as he cast a calculating gaze across the crowd. In the shadow of his forelock, the Melancholy frowned to himself, and adjusted his path to pass between two knots of Stage Zeros and skirt a third, mindful that his course had to permit two to pass.

Unlike the Phlegmatic that followed in his wake, the stone-faced journeyman seemed unperturbed by the throng that surrounded them. Yet just like the academic that had only just seized hold of the hem of his cape, desperate to prevent himself from being separated from his companion, Regulus could not help but reflect on the situation.

It seemed odd for him to lead the way thus. Although the two Empyreans had only known each other a short time, possessing neighbouring dormitories as they did, it had always been the other way around; Riaan would bound curiously into situations, and Regulus would pace slowly behind, observing.

It feels strange to lead, he thought to himself, threading a route between bodies in order to pass through the door to the Common Room. But in this instance, it has been proven necessary. The highly-empathetic Riaan had begun to falter the instant the corridors had begun to grow crowded, and Regulus had been forced to lead them on, for although disconcerted, the silver-blonde academic would hear nothing of turning back.

A hand clutched suddenly at his shoulder, and although he scowled reflexively, Regulus reached up and took his Phlegmatic companion by the arm without complaint, and wordlessly guided Riaan into the room.

Yalitza shakes her head as she smiles at them, putting on a brave face as she sat up "Its alright, I'll save you two these seats. I'm sure like me everyone got question, that hopely we be answered." crossing her arms over her chest she sighs just trying to remain calm for now. Breaking down wouldn't be a good thing, not in front of everyone at least.

Riaan looked up as Regulus came to a halt against the interior wall of the room, and he hurriedly crammed against the Melancholy so as not to be swept farther along in the grip of the tide of incoming Stage Zeros.

The pale-haired Phlegmatic looked around, taking in the faces of those in the room, although he felt as if there were so many that he would do better to count leaves in the Gardens, or tiles on the mosaic floors of the Baths.

There are so many, he thought to himself, unconsciously gripping Regulus' arm. But these are my kindred. My classmates. I needs must acquaint myself with as many of them as I may . . . if not all of them.

He drew a shaking breath, and blew it out between pallid lips, nerving himself to allow contact. Begin with those nearest, and work outward from there. Slowly and steadily . . . a simple task.

Regulus felt the weight of a gaze upon him; garnet eyes narrowed beneath strands of spun lapis, and he turned to fix Blayk with an expressionless stare. Perhaps it was the cold silver of the Melancholy's metallic skin, or perhaps it was the eerie shade of his crimson stare, but for whatever the reason the arctic edge of Regulus' regard was all but tangible, even in the crowded room.

And then the frigid nature was gone, and the Melancholy moved to incline his head toward the other Empyrean. His long ponytail fell forward over his caped shoulder as he bowed at the neck, and as he straightened he seemed to mouth a single word to her; if his voice had carried the greeting, it was lost among the myriad voices of the others.

"Hail."

Riaan felt more than saw Regulus' attention focus elsewhere, and he looked up, inquisitively tracing the Melancholy's gaze across the room and through bodies to where a green-eyed, bronze-haired young Choleric was standing, looking back at them.

. . . contact . . .

Instantly Riaan felt sound again, and his inhibitions washed from him as he drew himself, swept his half-braid over his shoulder, and lifted a hand toward Blayk in greeting. He smiled broadly, the expression seeming to illuminate his pale face, and he called out in a musical voice that nonetheless threatened to be swallowed up by the din as Regulus' greeting had:

"Hello!"

Astaroth glanced around, not realizing that his class was this.... large. It was daunting. He sensed someone at his back and turned sharply, hard glance settling on Regulus and Riaan as he stepped between them and her. The mood of the room was doing anything positive for the poor academic as his mind whirled in an effort to assess possible threats. The professors may have been cleared of fault but that didn't mean one of the students wasn't the culprit....

Cautiously, he spoke to the newcomers, "Are you here to aid in the effort to solve this mytsery?" He didn't move from his position, standing protectively between them and those behind him. He'd never seen these two before and strangers in a situation like this were not to be taken lightly.

~~~

The twins nodded, obviously thankful and headed towards the professors, almost having to elbow their way through the masses. At last they reached the threes, and nodded, "We're here to offer our services. Is there anything we can do?" As they said the latter, they stepped back, gesturing to those zeros who had assembled, "We believe those gathered are also interested in helping out."

Glancing over toward the two new classmates that join them all she smiles. They both seem nice, at least so far. Pushing her hair from her she just watch them both for a moment. They were interesting that was for sure. Glancing over towards the front she bites her bottom lip, she didn't like the fact that time seem to be against them at this point.

When she heard the floor was open to question she folds her arms in front of herself for a moment. She would ask her question, once she was able to get in completely understandable in her mind.

Riaan's gaze was torn from Blayk as she had nodded in return greeting by the introduction of Astaroth into his line of sight. The silver-haired Empyrean looked up at the azure-eyed Melancholy with a brilliant smile, and he nodded so emphatically to the other academic's inquiry that his half-braid jumped against his back.

"Yes, if you please . . . we should like to offer our assistance in any way that we might. I'm afraid that we have only just been Awakened, and we've yet to attend Class . . ." Riaan's soft voice threatened to give way beneath Astaroth's firm scrutiny, but the Phlegmatic swallowed hard and regained his confidence, looking again at Blayk as he did so. "I do not know how we may be of any help to this effort, but if we can do anything, anything at all . . ."

He cast a glance at his grim-faced companion and then returned his gaze to Astaroth and Blayk in turn. "We wish to do whatever we may!"

"Tch, Ri'an."

Regulus drove an elbow into the Phlegmatic's ribs, but the action was not vicious; the Melancholy nodded toward the front of the room where Eleuthero was making an attempt to speak over the crowd.

His unspoken communication was no less clear; now was the time to listen. There would be time again for socialization later on, but like any Melancholy, Regulus' mind was most firmly fixed on the business at hand.

Regulus had inclined his head toward the other Melancholy without words. His attention had already been drawn toward the professor, and now he nudged Riaan forward with one hand, deftly steering the smaller Phlegmatic toward the front of the crowd so as to hear Eleuthero's address more clearly.

Riaan felt himself pushed forward through the crowd, but he did not object to Regulus' gentle prodding; the Phlegmatic youth was also interested in what Eleuthero had to say, and hoped to glean more information on the subject. So intent was he on the words that were being spoken, in fact, that he did not realise his proximity to those around him until he had bumped and stumbled into a green-eyed Choleric and the ruddy-haired Sanguine with which he had been speaking.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Riaan hazarded meekly, trying to keep his voice low whilst at the same time offering an apology for having treaded on their toes. "I did not mean to jostle you, I -"

Regulus made a sound much like "hsst!" from behind him, and appeared at his shoulder, frowning disapprovingly. Riaan blushed a light shade of lavender and swallowed the rest of his apology, looking up at Torrid and Antigone helplessly. He could all but feel the glares of the surrounding Empyreans in addition to Regulus' own, be they imagined, or not.

"Sorry," he mouthed again, and then fell silent, trying to subdue his fluster well enough to attend to what was being said at the front of the room.

"Ooof . . . !" Slender Riaan had stumbled forward for the force of the Choleric's amiable gesture; the clap on his shoulder had been friendly, but it had hardly been expected, and the waifish academic was hardly built for such. Still, it was a relief to find that he had not offended, and he smiled brightly up at Torrid and Antigone as he reached to brush his disheveled silver bangs out of his eyes.

"Ah, well, that is good!" He looked appraisingly over Torrid's solid figure, and then laughed in a musical voice. "But I dare say that there was hardly any chance that you might not have!" Riaan bit his lower lip, still smiling, and continued in a more subdued tone, ". . . still, though . . . I am sorry for having collided with you. I will endeavour to to watch my step more closely in the future!"

He turned his attention to the Sanguine girl, and inclined his head toward Antigone, just as she had bowed to him. "Hello!" he said brightly in return, relieved to have found himself among such affable Empyreans. "How do you do?"

Grave slowly turned to watch, his curiosity getting the better of him. Well, well, Torrid was making a new friend. Grave couldn't bring himself to interrupt or to thrust himself into the tightly knit knot of people, so he merely stood be the side, peering on with rapt attention.

((Sorry to interrupt. More salvaging and replying to a post way back than anything else. 4laugh ))




Catching her gaze, he quickly left the rest of the milling group and approached her. He apparently hadn't wanted to be with the others, but had gotten caught up in the movement.

Sitting down by her feet, he looked up at her curiously. "I heard the announcement," he murmured. "Is there anything else I've missed...?"

"If so little is known about the Legendary Monsters, and they are so powerful as the Professor Lelaus has said, then it seems to me that they should be prime candidates for suspicion," Riaan mused in a meek voice, standing very nearly in the shadow of his Melancholy friend. "I agree with Zethyr; any possible parallel between the Professora's condition and the intrinsic abilities of the Legendaries ought to be investigated."

He brushed his silvery bangs out of his misty eyes and cast an approving glance toward the violet-eyed Melancholy across the room. He would have nodded out of respect to the other - as a matter of fact, he had been forced to correct himself halfway through the motion - but the other academic's attention was quite solidly elsewhere. Riaan smiled. Ah, what a wonderful thing to see a mind so enraptured by a mental challenge! He felt somewhat ashamed that he was not half so enthusiastically enthralled himself, but Gregor's outburst had put him off his balance, and Riaan was still working himself back into a state of either confidence, or compulsion, whichever came first.

Astaroth listened, his expression sour. It was painfully obvious they were missing something. The key, actually, he mused. As soon as they had one piece of the puzzle the rest would soon follow.

However, it was figuring out that one piece that was the problem. His crystalline gaze passed over the assembled professors and shop keeps as his frown deepened. This had obviously spooked them, especially when they were telling tales of superstition. He chuckled ruefully. Superstition. And yet here they were, capable of weaving great magics, creating awesome devices, developing so many things and the whisper of a superstition sets them all on edge.

If it was just that, though, he doubted they would all be as nervous as they were now. There had to be something they weren't being told. But what? Could an Outsider have gotten in? Or some sort of monster figured out a way of slipping cast the scans and precautions?

He sighed, an idea coming to him, "Could it have been a monster capable of disguising itself and drawn to magical ability? By taking on the appearance of a fellow, it could have gotten close to her and attacked - the reason for no sign of a scuffle." He looked up from musing, "Are there any known monsters that are capable of both disguise and... poisoning like this? That's what it reminds me of - a progressive venom of some sort."

---


Kallisto watched the others, her thoughts turning towards potions and technoequips. She glanced up as Astartoh mentioned poison and nodded, that was an idea, "Are there any potions that could cause that? A deterioration like this? And if so, have the stocks and supplies for the neccesary tools and ingredients been checked?" Her gaze shifted from Quenda to Gregor to Tryna, sure one of them must know. As much as he hated Gregor, she knew he was here as a resource in this task. "Has anything odd gone missing? Perhaps a book from the library? Or odd behaviour in someone you know? Little things like that, while indirect could add up to something meaningful." Kallisto pursed her lips - she'd been spending the majority of time with Yambati so she couldn't be much help beyond confirming his and her whereabouts.

Riaan looked down at Regulus, who was still kneeling on the ground with his paper spread over his thigh. "You could have used my book to write upon," he laughed, indicating the volume in which he had just finished scrawling Bardane's quote himself. He blew gently on the ink, and then set his blotting-cloth between the pages, shutting it cautiously.

"Bent eye of the Dark Duke, always curling inward, unable to rise until now," he repeated, looking around the Common Room in open puzzlement. "But who, or what, is this 'Dark Duke' . . . ? I have never heard of this title before . . . what is it in reference to? We must find out!"

Riaan paused, considering this, and Regulus nearly impacted against his back as he came to a halt. "The evil eye?" He drew a breath. "A blight . . . something that happened before now, set in motion, and then left to run its course . . . like a hunter's snare, left behind by the poacher, but no less effective when the victim trips it . . . perhaps yet effective, even when the victim is not the prey for which the trap was intended? But the evil eye is a willfull curse. There is nothing accidental about it."

Riaan bit his lower lip, and shook his head. He was thinking out loud, without allowing his thoughts to coalesce first. "But this has already been brought up, hasn't it? We've run this circle before. There has already been discussion of dormant spells, and distant causes . . ." He put a hand to his forehead, and then tossed his braid over his shoulder, starting forward again. "The class curriculum. I want to read through the syllabus for a one of the subjects . . . perhaps for a few of them."

"Sure," Jala replied, looking not quite convinced yet. However, at the news that Blayk didn't like classes either, her face split into a wide grin. "They're BORING, aren't they?"

"Hmph, I've missed ALL of them." She added, almost proudly. "Well.. I went to Law, but it was boring so I zoned out after a couple minutes... I'd rather climb a tree or somethin'." Shrugging and scuffing her foot again, she shook her head. "Nuh uh, no idea what's going on. How 'bout you?"

"So then this clue, cryptic as it is, is entirely sound. We may be certain of its veracity, even though we cannot - as yet - be certain of its meaning." Riaan grimaced slightly and looked up from his mess of papers, ink stains dark upon his white fingertips where he had smudged his notes from having written so hastily. He brushed his bangs out of his face with one hand and bit his lower lip.

"Honoured Prophet Ardys, can more information be obtained from them?" he asked curiously. "From the Scorched Souls, I mean. There simply must be more to this riddle!"

"Well, who is to say that it was not?" Riaan sighed softly; although his voice remained even, there was the slightest set to his pale jaw that might cause one to believe that the passive Phlegm child might actually have been irritated by the other's words. "Furthermore, how would you suggest that we verify the source, when we know not what it was, or from whence it came? You can entertain it as a clue without placing your full faith in its authenticity. Dismiss it when it has proved false, but not before. I would much rather act upon what may be a new development than simply toss it aside and remain no farther along than I was."

Aureus and Argentum had hung back throughout the entire discussion, weighing and listening as points were brought up, dismissed and yet more offered. They lounged against one another, shaking their heads and nodding every so often as though they were having a silent conversation.

At length, they stood up and, holding hands, approached Ardys. They both wore tender smiles for their mentor. Not only had Ardys and Euphrasia been the ones to bring them here, Ardys was the one who could help them further their scrying abilities.

“Please excuse me Ardys, but I’d like to offer my services to you – aid in your scrying. It seems as though without further clues, everyone’s efforts will not have a focused direction.”

“Your scrying has already revealed something of use but it’s but one piece of the puzzle. Perhaps with our help, you might uncover something more. There’s much to be said for having multiple people working at the same task, afterall.”

Although they spoke separately, it was obvious they were thinking as one – what was prone to happen when they became worried. They tended to act as one, and finish or continue one another’s thoughts far more frequently.

Riaan looked up from his notes as the Twins approached Ardys and offered to assist him in further divination. His quill paused upon the page of his note-book - which was probably all for the better, for he had developed a cramp from having written down as much as he could remember of the ongoing conversation - and he tilted his head, watching the three with keen interest. Scrying! Here was a subject that captured his attention quite readily. He leaned forward, eagerly listening in.

Riaan seized up a handful of papers in one hand and his book in the other, and leapt from his place at the wall, scattering the remains of his loose-leaf as he did so. He dashed forward, waving his notes excitedly.

"I have found three 'dukes' so far, all of them made mention of within the course curriculum for Professor Lelaus' Animal Care class, beneath the subject regarding Monsters. Nowhere else among the Sixteen Subjects is a duke mentioned but here." He cast a glance about, and then drove on. "The first, Belial, we have already heard mention of, but there are two others, also cited as dukes . . ." He laid his notes down and pointed at the paragraphs that he had underlined, "Mechiresa, and Leraje."

Riaan looked up, looking around at the faces nearest him, as if for any sort of response or reply, be it negative, affirmative, or any other. Hearing no objections, he barreled on excitedly with his explanation - blurting once again, as he was prone to do.

"Each of the three feature a small excerpt in the course syllabus. It says of Leraje that he was once a "mighty duke of the Old Kingdoms with legions of soldiers at his command. Leraje delved in the dark and poisonous magics and gambled the fate of his soul, and the souls of his people on winning his war. If he lost the war, his soul would forever embody the essence he sought to control, if he won the war, then he would be able to command chaos as a tool." Yes, Professora Bellona's condition is resulting in great distress, but it does not seem as if this tragedy has yet bred chaos within the City. Furthermore, the syllabus makes mention that Leraje appears as an archer on the battlefield, "firing arrows of plague into the ranks indiscriminately." We are not at battle, and there is no skirmish within the City, but the Professora is certainly being plagued by a mysterious ailment. The manner by which it was brought about seems too strange to stand for much consideration, though . . . unless anyone has seen a hypnotisingly-beautiful spectre lurking about the City as of late?"

He rustled his paper, displaying the next. "Mechiresa, it says, is the "Duke of the Monsters," and he "governs them in as much order as can be mustered on the occasions when the monsters join the war." Again, we are not at war at this immediate moment, and so his involvement seems illogical. Furthermore, it says that he most commonly keeps to his court and castle, which is "hidden deep in the wastes beyond the Shadow gate and the tundra of the east." For one so reluctant to emerge, it seems quite unthinkable that he would come all the way just to bleed Essence from Professora Bellona . . . but it would have seemed unthinkable that such a thing should have happened to her in the first place. We cannot afford to dismiss anything too readily."

Riaan sifted through papers again, and turned up the third. "Belial we have already touched upon, but I thought that I might make mention of his excerpt all the same. He is said to be the "younger brother of Mechiresa," who "rebelled against the rule of his brother and took whatever monsters and beasts were still loyal to him," and "went to the Outsiders to ally his forces to theirs. " It is because of him that all Empyreans must be so constantly wary of the monsters, and why we suffer for their constant attack." He drew a breath, and continued: "Belial is known to conceal his massive form "in enchantments and forbidden magics," and furthermore "hosts himself in the skin of the faithful he has slaughtered." Which means that he could even now be moving among us, in the body of one of our own!"

The pale Phlegm set down his papers and looked around at the students, the instructors, and the rest of the assemblage, looking for any sort of response, panting softly to catch his breath after having run on for as long as he had. Already, a faint lilac blush was creeping across his cheekbones; Riaan knew that he had gone on far longer than he ought, but he was worked up over the situation, and itching to provoke any sort of a development.

"Bent eye of the Dark Duke, always curling inward, unable to rise until now." He intoned the verse again, tapping a single slender white finger against the papers before him. "I have located and researched what dukes I could find. Here they are, detailed in our course syllabus; I offer them now for your consideration."

Riaan started, looking almost as if he were stunned by Ardys' small token of recognition. He bowed his head so far as to send his long braid tumbling over one slender shoulder, and then sank silently to the floor in turn, hauling on Regulus' cape as he did so.

Aureus and Argentum smiled, bowing in return in and catching one another's hand, took up a position to the side of the Prophet. Perhaps they'd be able to uncover another vital piece to the puzzle by assisting Ardys. They desperately hoped so, anyways.