Taking in the Sights (Val/Open)

[Valerian Blackburn]

There are two schools of thought that run through Valerian's head.

However, in this case, thankfully, the one that has more class wins out.

"How about a drink?"

[Cecelia Riddel]

"I would be delighted." Friendly enough, and one couldn't help a bunch of other girls swooning for him. he had that reputation for a reason. But Celia also found herself curious what else there was beyond the charming smile and sweet song.

"Do you have someplace in mind, or shall we explore together?"

[Valerian Blackburn]

"I've been around a few places close to the academy."

Valerian shrugs, stepping forward towards her, while the other girls sigh and huddle away from them.

"I haven't tried anything they have here, however. I would happy to guide you to whatever provisions await us here, my lady."

He gives another slight bow, before offering his arm for her to take.

"May I have your name?"

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Then let us see what delights await us." Words cannot express how happy she was for him to ask.

"My name is Cecelia Riddel. It's a pleasure to meat you." She dipped a curtsey with her introduction to match his bow, taking his arm as he offered it.

[Valerian Blackburn]

"Riddel?"

He asks, placing his other hand over hers.

"Is that... also one of the Noble families of Zukunft?"

[Cecelia Riddel]

Joy lit her eyes as his hand touched hers, nodding lightly at the question.

"None other. It is a pleasure to meet you personally, Lord Blackburn."

[Valerian Blackburn]

"Please. Lord Blackburn is my father."

Valerian laughs.

"Call me Val."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Val it is, then," she agreed with a smile. "Please, call me Cecelia then." Since they were being a little less formal.

"I'm glad to see you feel at home here."

[Valerian Blackburn]

“Of course, Cecelia.”

Val nods, walking them towards the main buildings of the academy.

“Truth be told, I’m still settling in. But it’s hard to be uncomfortable in a place with so many attractive people. And all their stories are so fascinating.”

[Cecelia Riddel]

"They are quite a lively bunch here." She chuckled softly, remembering a moment of just how awkward things had been. "They do seem nice beyond that. I can only imagine what kind of stories they have to tell. What's one that you've heard?"

[Valerian Blackburn]

"One came here because she wanted to follow in the footsteps of her dad, a scientist. Another came because his territory was war-torn, and he wanted a better life."

Val sighs.

"It's pretty amazing, when you think of it. I mean, I haven't had anything exciting like that happen to me, up until very recently."

[Cecelia Riddel]

She listened with an attentive tilt of her head, considering what she knew of the two people she had met so far.

"They seem more familiar with the violence in the world. I met one boy who seems from a place built off of combat, and the other a son of war heroes." She shook her head. "I've not seen like it, myself. Not since..." She trailed off, absently fidgeting with her skirt with one hand as if she could lay it into perfect place. As if it wasn't already.

"You were at the Grand Hall, were you not?" Her voice softened with the question and painful memory.

[Valerian Blackburn]

Valerian nods along as she mentions who she's met, and it seems in line with what he's experienced. Since the accords, there had been much less... violence, that he'd been exposed to. Not since... well, what Cecelia mentions after.

"I was."

He admits, frowning a little.

"I didn't think something like that was possible, since so much security was present."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Agreed." The gentle squeeze she gave his arm was one of sympathy and understanding as the conversation took a darker turn than either of them expected.

"It was fairly wide-spread. Hopefully a way will be discovered to prevent it from happening again."

[Valerian Blackburn]

"Hopefully."

He agrees, though he sounds as if he doesn't believe it.

"At least the casualties inside were kept to a minimum."