Prologue - New Year's Festival

Sahrethe and Nightgleam go inside along with everyone else.

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There is a short corridor with a counter over which the mostly-empty cloakroom can be seen, along with a lone, boring-looked servant ready to accept the attire of those who do not have their own staff for handling such matters. And at the end of the corridor there is another double door leading into the main ceremony-and-ball room.

Once you pass that door, you see a large rectangular room with a tall ceiling, tall windows on the sides, several medium-sided skylights on the ceiling, and several doors on both the front and rear walls. Between the skylights, there are large sets of arc lamps mounted on the ceiling, currently inactive while daylight still lasts. In two of the corners on the entrance side, and in the middle of the opposite-side wall, there are raised stages. Two of those are currently occupied by medium-sized musical ensembles quietly preparing for an evening of work; the third one is currently empty. The remaining two corners contain some benches and chairs by the wall, and buffet tables full of snacks and beverages from all over the Necklace further out. It should be noted that the number of seats seem to be less than the number of the people.

As for the people, there seem to be less than a hundred, but more than half that, assembled throughout the room, and loosely grouped by year - there are servants holding up signs with numbers, except one holding up a sign saying 'applicants' instead (spelled out in the three major languages). And the applicant crowd, which consists of perhaps two dozen people or so, is in turn split into groups of 2-4, each chatting about something or just idling together.

The scarred Hvirati noble goes towards one such group, and is greetedby two other individuals - a scar-bearing and white-haired (despite young age) Ouvb noble and an untarnished-faced redhead Smithlander, both wearing tunica styles typical for their respective lands, but with the Smithlander also bearing a layer of purely ceremonial light armour.

The bald Chorizemic noble joins the general group, but doesn't seem to gravitate to anyone specific, instead standing on her own.

Closer to the middle of the applicants' group, there's two scantily-clad kohl-sporting dignitaries, most definitely from the Ruby Moth Realm. It seems that they both wanted to stick to the national dress-code for the ceremony. Surely they had their way of not being exposed to the harsh weather in those short sarongs and thin torso-wraps, but while the temperature in the room is warmer than outside, it's still cool enough to warrant wearing a long-sleeved shirt and something to cover one's knees if you're not used to the local climate. Thus, it's rather obvious that now the duo is not feeling comfortable, and is eager for some sort of activities to begin.

To the side, there's a moderately poikilomorphic-looking (likely lake-adapted), stern dynast clad in a foreign shirt and trousers, likely from the Fringe, accompanied by well-off and slightly annoyed-looking Wind-Charmer in a typical 'indoor' attire of the tribe, and a slick-but-not-as-opulent Shik resident in a tunica and trousers.

Then there's a slightly rough-looking duo, a slightly poikilomorphic Ingastese and a Shik. These could be middle-class merchants or warriors, it's a bit hard to tell. They're clad in trousers and shirts . . . or maybe the Shik's case that's a tunica tucked into the trousers.

The next group is likely-Siirla poikilomorphs wearing surprisingly dull-coloured clothes (one a tunica and an overcoat with trousers, other a robe) and an Ouvb resident in a short coat and sarong. They seem to be having a lively and cheerful discussion.

Finally, there's a group that seems not very cohesive. A heavy-set and slightly poikilomorphic Ingastese, a reserved Wind-Charmer, and a poikilomorph likely from the Fringe. They all wear jackets and trousers (with the Ingastese adding an loose over-cape that looks almost like a toga), albeit each of a different style, giving a hint to their varied origins.

Shadow had been aware of the Laureate of Seragiu, of course....But the fact that a noble from a previously rival nation had seen fit to warn him was...Interesting. He decided to take it as meaning that his cover was more effective than he'd realized, and that his house was merely seen as a new nobility based upon military merit....Like it was, technically. That was an interesting combination that the warner had joined. One from Ouvb, and one from his native Smithland.

Putting on his best bluff, self-effacing soldier mask, Shadow walked towards that trio with a keen smile and an inclined head, half a bow of the military fashion. "It always does one good to see fellow countrymen in a strange land," He said, nodding in a friendly manner over to the Ouvb native as well. After all, the two nations were so close they were almost like one, anyways.

"Always?" doubted the Hvirati, and glanced with curiosity in Ngofu's direction, who at this point was still near Danikle and Art. Surely that was an allusion to the slight witnessed just a minute or two ago.

"With understandable exceptions, surely," commented the Smithlander softly. "Everyone has reasons. Though given that we are all in a strange land, and will have challenging years ahead, and may be facing new rivalries, it might be unwise to burn bridges so early with those one has a unifying history with."

The half-masked one merely watched and listened, smiling mysteriously at the redhead's comment.

"Perhaps. Though I'd rather place my hopes in people than the weather. Storms are far less predictable."

Celune inclined her head slightly toward Art and gives him a faint smile before turning to Shadow, the smile lingered just a little.

"The weather has certainly been... memorable. And yet I suspect I'll remember today's introductions longer than the snow."

She then offers Danikle a polite nod in return before following the others inside, her gaze quietly passing over the gathered students, then to the nobles who still chose to keep their shoes on despite the compromise. Already, each had revealed something about themselves, and Celune wonders to herself what the evening's conversations would uncover.

Having entered the ballroom, the Hvirati commoner turns her attention away from Nightgleam and towards Celune. "Alas, today it is the people that I failed to predict. The two of us went like this fully realising that the weather is harsh, but we thought we can just rush through the rain and get indoors, and get to wear our styles proudly, including sandals. But instead, we ran into the group by the door and you saw what happened next, though the intervention defused the tension, for which I'm thankful to you," she turns and bows to Art (at which point Nightgleam copies her gesture), before returning her attention back to Celune.

"Speaking of introductions, I am Sahrethe, or just Sahe. I'm going to study providing musical accompaniment and other assistance at shrines and myth stage plays. I'd be delighted to become acquainted," the last bit seems to address both Celune and Art.

Turning to Celune with a smile he motions to Sahrethe.
"Celune this is actually a childhood friend of mine, I'm certain you two will get along swimingly. And Sahrethe Celune is a friend of mine as well, when they aren't berating me about my plans for a research advisor." The last part said with a friendly laugh. He then turns towards Art.
"A pleasure to meet you as well, You can call me Danikle if you will forgive my distaste for formal introductions."

Art puts on his best smile in response to the gratitude of Sahrethe and Nightgleam. Danikle's laugh is enough to prevent the former feral from reading too much into his words. "Art of Stone, or simply Art. A pleasure. I will study politics and artistry. Overcoming the challenge of formality is part of my study. I am... behind." There is another awkward pause that lasts just long enough for others to consider responding before he speaks again. "I look forward to hearing your music. I struggle with plays." He says plainly to Sahe before glancing around further at the crowd of individuals.
Sweaty palms began rubbing together, trying to calm the mind that could not help but be slightly overwhelmed. Seeing Blooming Storm alone was conflicting. A smaller gathering seemed preferable, but not his first pick for mingling. The two scantily-clad individuals seemed interesting without being crowded. A part of him briefly became self-aware that he was already picking out who he would speak to like he was picking out prey, turning his attention back to the three in front of him.

Hearing Sahrethe's words, Celune's expression softened as she nods at her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sahe. And with Danikle's introduction, my name is Celune Tomeu. Delighted to be your acquaintance as well. I hope your first day proves more memorable for your music than for the weather."

And then at Danikle's remark, she let out a quiet chuckle.

"I merely suggested that choosing an advisor should involve more than chasing the most interesting research topic, you know?"

Her attention then shifted to Art.

"There's no shame in being behind. Everyone arrives here by a different path." She smiled gently. "Politics and artistry is an unusual combination. I imagine you'll have a perspective few others do. I'd be interested to hear more about it, when things are a little less... crowded."

Her gaze wandered around the ballroom, taking in the assortment of peoples and fashions with quiet fascination. The Ruby Moth visitors especially caught her eye. Their determination to maintain their customs despite the chill spoke volumes about their homeland. She also made a mental note of the unfamiliar Fringe students, resolving to learn more about their cultures another day.

For now, however, she remained with the small group already forming around her.

"Since we'll likely be spending the next few years studying together," she said, "I'm curious. What drew each of you to the Seminary? Was it a lifelong ambition, or did circumstance bring you here?"

"I was drawn in by what is perhaps as far from lifelong ambition as can be."
He gives a wry self mocking smirk
"I became the butt of a joke for powers wholly out of my control and the attention that came with it caused my family to force me out of my comfortable life and into this place with you all. So I do hope you all will take it easy on me in the days to come."

The Chorizemic commoner glances at Danikle before returning his gaze to Celune and answering her question. "In a way I too have become a plaything of powers way beyond my control, which can be a gift and a challenge. I decided that I should not forego such an opportunity resulting from it, even if it may come with its own perils. And I think an institution like this would allow me to learn a lot about the wonders of high powers and the world overall."

Sahe nods to Nightgleam's words. "The grantors of my opportunity are also beyond my reach, though not as drastically as Nightgleam's. That is, the Inisvalne dynasty gave me such a gift for loyally serving the family. Some of the expectations of what I'm to learn here are above my head, but I think I'll figure it out. After all, I did figure out the arc organ, and as esteemed Art of Stone noted, that can be a hurdle that is not trivial to overcome."

Ngofu waits for others to finish their responses before joining in. "If introductions are in order, I am Ngofu, or, if you prefer a semantic name, Hornet's Gaze, of the Seragrii dynasty. My ambition is to study plants mundane and esoteric, either as a member of the Polyscholastic Symposium, or out in the field as a Bourns-Rover. The General Esoterica course is a bit of a detour, but it's a more reliable path into the Concordat for me, and I wouldn't say no to extra knowledge even if it falls to the side of my main ambition."

His eyes flick up in interest at Ngofu's words.
"You and I share similar interest, I just managed to track down a Tern Lily and am trying to cultivate it if you had any interest in local flora!"

"It is the Autarch's position that merit precedes birthright, although merit itself may also engender birthright. The Lady of Seragiu is under the Imperial eye, and only time will tell if her family may be redeemed. As a loyal subject of the Autarch, one may only show favor to those he does, and conversely, distance when he chooses."

Shadow said easily, even though his own eyes were obscure as he spoke. He never enjoyed it, especially since he personally liked Ngofu, but loyalty was not always a pleasant duty.

A heartbeat past, before his smile lengthened and he relaxed his posture incrementally. "Thankfully, however, I am merely here under my father's tutelage as a simple foreign student, not as a soldier in the Autarch's army, so I too personally hope that the lady of Seragiu may redeem her family...Although I'm sure she wouldn't believe it if I told her."

The Smithlander smiles to Danikle. "That's splendid. Well, maybe a lily falls short of true herbalistic ambitions, but it's a good start upon just arriving. Do you already have a gardenbed prepared?"

Celune nods along as the rest of the group introduces themselves and give answers to her questions. After giving a soft pat on Danikle's shoulder as comfort, she smiles and responds back.

"You all have such wonderful ambitions. I, myself, only looking to gain more knowledge as knowledge itself is an avid interest of mine. So I hope the seminary will satisfy my unending curiosity."

She then glances between Ngofu and Shadow, and sensing the subtle tension between them, takes a mental note of it before commenting on it.

"Ah, I take it that both of you are previously acquainted, Miss Ngofu and Sir Shadow?".

Well, proper courtesy dictated that an answer was required when a good friend asked an innocent question of oneself. No matter how difficult it might be to answer. His smile slightly more strained, he turned to regard Celune with a measure of rueful dismay, before inclining his head towards Ngofu.

"She and I....Are indeed sharing a relationship which will most likely persist as long as our respective dynasties do. We are well-acquainted indeed." He said, after a second's thought.

Giving the approaching Shadow a side glance, Ngofu responds to Celune. "So you sound like you might be completely at home at the Polyscholastic Symposium after graduation, which would surely have a place for someone of the type of ambition you have. As for the question of acquaintance, in a way yes, we do share familial histories of a sort.

Though I'd like to bring something else up in regards to your question: I of course cannot speak on the behalf of my compatriot, but as for myself, I think if we are already at the stage of using personal names and moving past official titles, then I dare say that unofficial styles of address, particularly ones presumably borrowed from the Fringe, can also be safely dropped. If even the Autarch accepted being addressed with no style during replies after the first, then surely a lowly Laureate will be fine being called merely Ngofu or Hornet."

A few seconds passed as Shadow eyed Ngofu with inscrutable features, lips pursed in a faint frown, before inclining his head in her direction. "Given that we are in a foreign country as fellow students, I can see no harm in dropping such formalities in informal setting such as this...Ngofu. You may call me Relivke."

Ngofu seems surprised for a fraction of a second at Shadow's response, but then smiles and nods. There's a poorly concealed hint of smugness in that smile.