Letters from Home (open)

[Cillian McWolfe]

Cillian sighed as he reread his Father's letter for the tenth time. It was a lot, even if it didn't sound like a lot. He wasn't ready, he didn't even know if it was what he wanted. Newly arrived and already being called upon by home. Typical. It was very typical.

Leaning back against the tree in the courtyard he found himself resting under, he would gently hit his head against the bark repeatedly as he leaned against it.

"At least I get to see the sights I guess."

He guessed.

[Allison Kazim]

Somehow, the sight of a young man banging his head against a tree like it would help him somehow felt like a more bizarre sight than one destroying a mock-city.

“You don’t sound convinced.” She raised a brow. She could think of a few who would appreciate the chance to see other places, but his tone suggested it was a poor consolation prize.

[Cillian McWolfe]

"I mean, I will get to see the sights."

He folded the letter up and tucked it into his inner coat pocket before leaping up to his feet, only to bring a hand to his chest with a flourishing bow.

"But lest I be rude, I am Cillian McWolfe, it is a pleasure to meet you Lady...?"

He left it hanging in the air.

[Allison Kazim]

She blinked and took half a step back at the bow, staring wide-eyed as Cillian introduced himself with a bow. It felt unreal. And calling her lady? She resisted the urge to look over her shoulder and see if someone else was there.

"Allison Kazim. Just Allison, if you please, or miss Kazim if you must." She cleared her throat and stepped forward again with a nod, determined to match his pace instead of fumbling.

"Pleased to meet you, Cillian."

[Cillian McWolfe]

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Kazim."

He straightened up and smiled brightly, determined to focus on the here and now and not home.

"Are you new as well? Forgive me, but your accent sounds just a little different than the general populous I've heard around campus."

[Deimian Kyrikk]

Deimian tilted his head a few times hearing the sudden voices and introductions. With unquenchable curiosity, he moved his head out from behind the tree he was meditating under and pointed his ear toward their voices, unaware of just how noticeable he was.

[Allison Kazim]

The consistent manners was pleasant, though the smile was surprising. He had just been consoling himself, and now this? Perhaps it was personal.

"You have a good ear. I recently transferred from Ayatlan, the protectorate to the north. Yourself?"  She seemed unaware fo teh young man somewhat behind her, tree and all.

[Cillian McWolfe]

"I'm uh, from the East a bit."

He didn't want to go into it. He did, however, see the super pale guy poking his head out from behind a tree when they started talking. Assuming he was just being shy Cillian would wave at him. At least this way he wasn't being rude.

"Ayatlan has an Academy I thought?"

The unasked question was why transfer.

[Deimian Kyrikk]

Deimian continued listening. The back of the mind question presented itself: Was he sticking out far enough to be seen? He considered the lack of words said to him. No, he thought. I'm probably hidden.

[Allison Kazim]

"I see. From the border, or less East?" he was genuinely curious, but it was hard to miss his sudden lack of eloquence. At his wave, she turned, seeing a slip of a pale figure with dark hair that seemed to be trying to hide? Or at least not be seen.

"We do. I transferred here to expand my studies and opportunities." She nodded, waiting patiently for the other boy as she raised her voice slightly, just enough to be heard.

"You can come out now."

[Cillian McWolfe]

He was just gonna latch on to the subject change and focus on the boy.

"We won't bite. What's your name?"

[Deimian Kyrikk]

Deimian went back behind the tree at the woman's words. Were they talking to him?

He poked his head back out following the man's question. He pointed to himself questioningly

[Allison Kazim]

She couldn't tell if he was shy, or playing games. For a moment, her lips tugged into a tiny frown, but there was only one way to find out. The expression disappeared as soon as quickly as it had come.

"Yes, you behind the tree."

[Cillian McWolfe]

"Unless we are bothering you. If that is the case, then my apologies."

[Deimian Kyrikk]

"Oh, no no, uh," Deimian carefully arose and approached the strangers. "It is I who apologizes for interrupting your greetings. I assure you Mr. Cillian I was not eavesdropping, I merely meant to keep to myself."