Halcyon Halls

When: 7PM
Where: French restaurant in the city
Who: Sam, Easton, Kate and Rufus

Sam had spent the past few days being a wreck. What had happened with Kiernan had been completely out of character for her and the guilt was almost unbearable. How could she have done that to Easton? He had been nothing but fabulous to her and she had to take it and just throw it out the window. And right before his birthday too! Karma was no doubt going to push her down a flight of stairs later, she could just feel it.

But even with a confusing mixture of emotions swirling about her mind, she had one hell of a birthday to plan. She owed Easton at least that much. So she had worked her ass off on the gift she had been making for the past few weeks and made an extra effort to look presentable for the evening. Black dress, black shoes and a red handbag, couldn’t really go wrong there! Or so she hoped anyway. She really should have checked with Kate to figure out how dressy she was going to be. Oh well.

As soon as she was ready and it was time to go, she hurried down to the designated meeting place and couldn’t help but smile. Her heart even gave a familiar flutter and she felt warm. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” It wasn’t an easy feat in heels, but somehow she managed to run and essentially launch herself into his arms. “How’s it feel to be old?” she laughed as she kissed his cheek. “Is that gray I see?” Her eyes twinkled as she teased him but there wasn’t much time so she grabbed his hand and started to pull him along. “Come on, I don’t want us to be late!”

A black town car was waiting for them at the entrance and once they were inside, she popped open a bottle of champagne and handed him a glass flute for a toast. “Happy Birthday, Easty.” The bubbly was sipped but sadly there was only enough time for one glass. “Okay close your eyes, we’re almost here.” Sam made him keep those eyes closed as she helped him out of the car and into the restaurant. Inside awaited their other guests in a sectioned off back area that was littered with balloons and flowers. So maybe she went a little overboard. Oops. “Surprise!”

Who: Kate and Rufus
Where: The beach
What: An anniversary celebration
When: Early evening

She and Rufus had met earlier on in the week to discuss their approaching anniversary and what they might like to do to celebrate. Neither was truly a 'party person' and so something a bit low-key seemed the best way to go. Simply spending time with one another to recognize such an important date appeared to be the perfect way to pass the evening. It had been Rufus' idea to utilize the beach, knowing how fond Kate was of the water she assumed, and so they'd planned to meet up early that evening and spend it together outdoors, enjoying the warm summer weather and one another's company. She'd gone out earlier that day and selected the perfect spot, scouted about for a few pieces of wood to build a little fire pit - as the hours got later that night, it might get a bit chilly that close to the water.

They'd agreed to meet on the beach and so, after classes, Kate went about getting ready. Given that they would be camped out on the beach for awhile, her swim suit was the first thing she changed into. Sliding her feet into a simple pair of black flip flops, a light summer dress went over the top of it. She left her hair down, letting the dark strands dry into loose curls that framed her face. She gathered up his gift and the picnic basket she'd picked up from one of the delis in town, making her way out of their place and towards the spot where she and Rufus had agreed to meet, seeing as they both had plenty to fill the hours of their days.

She'd hoped to beat him there and she was happy to see that she had - it gave her time to spread out the blanket she'd brought with and set up everything from the picnic basket so that it'd be ready when he arrived. She'd left his present back in their room, laid out across the bed ready and waiting for when they returned. It would be impossible to hide, especially out in the open like this, so she'd simply give it to him later when they returned. Surely he wouldn't mind waiting, it was well worth it. She'd just finished setting things up, brushing a bit of hair from her face as the wind tossed it about, when she caught sight of him heading up the beach towards her. It seemed their celebration was about to begin!

Who: Jillian and Kate
What: Climbing trees
Where: Outdoors
When: Early Evening

Halcyon was...huge. Jillian was small-town bred, in that the small town she was from was minuscule compared to this sprawling campus. Her town didn't have a mall, barely had a grocery store, and certainly didn't have a beach. It was too easy to get lost here and Jillian had succeeded in that more often than she had finding anything. The benefit of it being large, though, was that it meant that Jillian didn't really run into too many other students. She was fairly good at avoiding people, mostly because she was like a broken radio. Silence sometimes burst into unfamiliar thought and she just moved in the direction where there was no more noise. Sometimes she had to walk in the direction of the thoughts, but she just kept her eyes low and her bag tucked close to her shoulder, moving down whatever paths she could find. Sure, she was a little paranoid since finding out that there were all sorts of creatures and kinds of people she hadn't knew existed twelve hours before, but she hadn't run into anyone who'd attempted to eat her yet. She knew that she was close when the paths ended and she saw the sand of beach. According to what Easton had said, the woods shouldn't be far from here, and she'd be able to find a tree worth climbing soon enough.

She'd worn her hiking boots and jeans, even if it was a bit warm for that, and a dark thermal that she knew wasn't going to make her stand out in the leaves. Her bag was filled with tree-climbing goodies. Gloves, a flashlight, some snacks, even a book. She loved to read hidden up inside of trees, and at least she'd be able to tell her aunt that she'd actually been outside and that she had met some people (and she had, even if they weren't face to face.) Maybe her Aunt wouldn't even disapprove, cause frankly, online interactions were great, since she wasn't going to be picking up on any stray thoughts from the person she was conversing with. It was getting dark, so Jillian pulled her bag off of her shoulder and reached into it, fishing around for her flashlight.

Palming it, she found the beginning of the woods and moved into the trees. For once, she didn't trip over her feet, moving over the fallen limbs and branches and roots easily. It was funny, really. Give her a flat surface and she'd fall on her ass. Mess it up with some greenery and she skated over it like flat perfect ice. Flashing her light into the trees, she found a large one, smiling at it's promise. Slipping her gloves on, she shifted her bag back onto her shoulders and started the upwards trek, getting a good foothold before she lifted herself against the trunk.

Who: Kate and Rufus
Where: London, England
When: Morning
What: Spending the day together. Aw.

To say that Kate hadn't been looking forward to meeting up with Rufus would have been a complete lie. Honestly today was one of, if not the, highlight of her break. The rest of the days had been filled with archery practice, shopping for new equipment and arguing with her father about the time she was 'wasting' at Halcyon when she should have been at home competing. So far she'd managed to slip away once or twice to head down to the boardwalk, to comb aimlessly along the beach, but those little adventures were too short-lived for her tastes. Today, meeting Rufus, left her feeling nearly giddy as she made the drive up to London to meet him. They'd spoken the night before, arranged a time and a meeting place and now that they day was here, Kate hope they managed to make the most of it. Their plans coordinated perfectly, really, seeing as Rufus was flying out to India that night. Maybe she'd even take him to the airport, say good-bye...wasn't that what a good girlfriend did?

Parking was surprisingly easy to find, though Kate knew the city well enough to know where to look. She was a few minutes early, but the cafe across from Big Ben where they'd decided to meet up was already crawling with people. Not tourists, thankfully, they seemed to prefer the more commercial eateries in the area, but locals often packed the place for a cup of tea at this hour. She figured, given his hair, Rufus would stand out and be rather easy to find once he made it, surely he wouldn't blend in the way that she did.

It was supposed to be an unusually warm day and so Kate had dressed accordingly in a pair of khaki shorts and a blue tank top layered over a green one, a tan messenger bag slung across her frame. Her dark hair curled loosely around her shoulders, pale eyes covered by a pair of dark sunglasses, feet covered with a pair of new trainers - the appropriate 'vacation' outfit really. She stepped out of the way of the bustling crowd, leaning back against the side of the door way as she kept an eye out for Rufus. Being early meant waiting, not that she truly minded - the drive up from Brighton had truly been quicker than she'd expected. Finally, she spotted him heading towards her, unable to bite back the smile that spread across her face. "Rufus!" she stepped away from the heard of people packed into the little cage, walking across the distance between them to meet him. "It's good to see you," Kate admitted with a smile, leaning up to greet him with a hug.

Who: Kate and Rufus
Where: Their normal pub spot
When: Early evening
What: A belated surprise.

It had all taken a bit of planning, and if Rufus was quite honest with himself, he doubted whether or not he would be able to pull it off. It might seem suspicious, if he acted any differently, which is why he took extra measures, to make sure that he wouldn't have to be out of characters, until after they arrived. So far, so good. The two arrived at the pub that evening, as they always did for their weekly visits. It had become a Halcyon tradition for them. The two didn't share any classes, nor were they in the same house, so this was their way to make time for one another. That's what friends did after all. The previous week hadn't allowed him the chance to get out, thanks to the full moon having him so on edge. During that time, he tried to meditate, and keep his mind as focused as possible... he thought maybe it would help him when it came to shifting. Though, Rufus wasn't sure if it was doing any good thus far. Perhaps eventually, he'd begin to see results.

His arm extended over their heads, as he pushed the door open for her. "Grab us a table, if you would please, and I'll get the drinks." Normally, they took turns buying drinks, but tonight it was his treat, Kate just didn't know it yet. Once inside, he headed towards the bar, ordering their normal drinks, before questioning the bartender. "I hope it wasn't too much trouble, storing the cake, and what not." Rufus had rushed over after classes, to ask them to place the cake Frankie had been kind enough to make him, in their fridge. They'd also agreed to hide his gift for her behind the bar. Seeing as they were regulars, the man hadn't minded too much. When the bartender said it was no trouble, he smiled. "Thanks, mate, it was a big help, truly."

It had come to his attention, some time before, that Kate's birthday, and come, and gone. She hadn't said anything to him about it. Whether she had simply forgotten to mention it, or didn't want to make a big fuss about it, he wasn't sure. But, ever since finding out, he'd wanted to do something special for her. Last week had been a loss, but this week seemed perfect. It was right before leaving for break, so, why not make the weekly pub visit that much more special? With their two drinks in hand, he made his way through the small crowd, locating the table she had decided upon for them. He was a bit nervous... wondering if she would be pleased, or upset. Some women seemed sensitive about their birthdays, he didn't get the impression that Kate would, but one could never be too sure. "There you are." He said, placing their drinks down on the table top. "I think the bar man finally knows our names." He said chuckling. About time really, they'd only been coming here for some time.

Who: Everyone who received an invite, and their guest (Check Wes' page, if you're not sure about an invite.)
Where: Gun Smoke Tattoo
When: Thursday Night
What: Shop Warming party, and small gig

There was a goal here. After living in Vegas, having been to so many bitchin' parties, your standards for them rose. The normal, punch, and cookies, with a shit ass dj, lurking in some corner, wouldn't cut it here. Hell no. The goal, was to make this party, just as fucking killer, as any party he'd been to in Vegas. To make those parties jealous even. With the help of his friends, and brothers, it seemed as if that was going to happen. All the elements were in place, now it would be down to those in attendance, to make the most of it. Wes was sure of one thing, he was going to have an amazing time, there would be no stopping that.

The Spooks had been a huge help, in their time on the island. While Wes tended to his classes, they took care of setting up for the party. Doing little things here, and there. Anyone who came into the shop after that Monday, would notice that certain things were off. It was all in preparation. Now, it was ready, everything was good. A bar had been constructed against on the walls. Bottles, upon bottles were either stacked beneath it, or on the packing crate shelves they had built last Monday. Wes had been told that there was more than enough liquor... he was starting to question whether it was enough. Also available at the bar, one would find certain goodies upon request. That was one good thing, about knowing drug dealers. They made excellent party guest. Aside from the bar, another sofa had been added to the sitting area, similar to the one all ready occupying the space, but not nearly as detailed.
( Let the fun begin. )

Who: Aramil, Kate, and likely Braden
Where: Archery Range
Why: Ego's this big need some deflating. Archery contest of course. Elves vs Humans
When: Monday Afternoon, after school

The werecreatures might be having their own anxiety attacks that week, but the elf had a style of his own. This was one of those moments that he lived for. To prove himself better than others. It was one reason why he was always hunting, and so often ‘stalked’ intelligent beings. They were always so much more fun to hunt.

So when a human of all creatures claimed to be as good if not better when it came to using a bow than an elf, that was more than his ego really could bear. An archery contest was just what the doctor ordered. Just the thought of what the foolish young human’s expression would look like was more than enough to keep the young elf amused for the entire day.

As he entered the archery range outside the school, Aramil removed the quiver he tended to wear while hunting, and let it rest against the ground at his feet. He then slipped his bow off his shoulder and ran his fingers along the drawstring, as he tested its hold. He then regarded the targets.

Once the others arrived, he pulled back on the string one last time before he let the bow relax in his hold. “Did you have any thoughts as to the rules? Hitting an unmoving large target does not seem to be quite a suitable test. I had a thought, but was not sure if you had one as well…”

Who: Noah and Kate
Where: Outside the school, the archery range
When: After clubs meet in the afternoon


Noah was competitive by nature. One didn't play a sport as long as he had, at the levels he had without having that desire to reach the top pushing you along. There were too many other things to be done in life to sacrifice free time, friends, other activities, all in the name of being the best that you could possibly be at one thing. Lord knew that Noah's grades in school could have probably enjoyed a few extra hours of study. Granted he'd done a lot better than most of his teammates. He'd always refused to just let the tutors take the notes for him. He'd actually attempted to get some kind of education. While he'd put almost all his eggs in the football basket, he couldn't just put them all there. He had to have some sort of backup plan, even if it seemed to not even compare...

But it was a reality now. At least as far as Noah could tell it was. That was a fact though that he tried to not think about very often. No, Noah had not really dealt with that whole, dreams over and time to figure out what in the hell he was going to do with his life thing. It was still... a bit too raw to manage for him yet. That and if he was being honest with himself... he was still holding onto that small belief that maybe, if he gained enough control he'd be able to play again... and not take another players head off. Right.

It seemed a bit easier to put all that thought off though when he had a football and a baseball club to get some of it out of his system during. Football was a bit more rag-tag than he was used to, and baseball while he loved it hadn't been his sport the way football had been. They were good though, definitely something to pass the time. Though they weren't what he was currently feeling frustrated with. It wasn't what was making that competitive nature in him chomp at the bit at the fact that he hadn't mastered a particular skill.

Was definitely this damn bow in his hands. He wasn't... terrible. But by no means was he about to enter any competitions. Hell he was still a little worried that he was going to shoot someone in the ass on accident. He had the strength to make it work, it was just coordinating it all and even if he didn't want to admit it... hurt his hands like a sonofabitch. Worse than the game he'd played in below zero and every time the ball was snapped to him it felt like his skin was cracking. So to recap, shit hurt and he wasn't nearly as good at as he wanted to be. So practice and more practice it was... Even though it was starting to get late and the light was starting to fail, luckily better eyesight was a perk of the whole were thing.

Who: Kate, and Rufus
Where: Some pub, in the city.
When: Saturday evening.
What: Putting a toast to good use.

It was amazing, absolutely amazing. The minutes between the moment he asked her to go to drinks, to the moment he meet her in the commons, were complete insanity. He'd been so worried about what to wear, what to say, how to act, what they would do, where they would go... But, the moment they actually meet up, that all melted away. Just a bad dream in the back of his mind. Why had he been sweating this? Rufus was perplexed that he'd been so worried. Now that he was around her again, it didn't make any sense. Kate was cool as hell, and he felt relaxed around her. Just as he had the first time they meet. All of this none sense hadn't been necessary.

Though, he'd dressed up a bit. A newer t-shirt, jeans, and decent looking jacket. His father would say it was too sloppy for the outing, but Rufus didn't give a damn what he thought. Besides, if he dressed up too much, he'd be uncomfortable. Then the awkwardness would return, and he'd be horrid company. If he was just himself, things would surly go well. Or so he hoped. He was also determined to NOT think of this as a date. That was another train of thought, which would bring about the awkward. If Kate wouldn't bring it up, neither would he. This was a get together of friends, that was all.

Rufus stood back, as he pulled open the pub door for her. "After you." He said lightly, smiling as she passed him, and then he followed. It was a nice enough place. A complete difference from Heaven and Hell. That was a good thing though, they'd actually be able to hold a conversation here. How people could stand the music being so loud, was beyond him. "What do you reckon? Table, or bar?" He asked, tucking his hands into the pockets of his coat.

Where: The kitchens
When: Dinner time
Who: Brayden and Kate

Brayden had been at the school for a whopping four days now and so far it wasn’t all that bad. His classes were interesting enough and his roommate was amusing if nothing else. The guy seemed to think himself a bit high and mighty but it wasn’t anything Bray hadn’t dealt with before. In fact it seemed like a lot of elves carried that confidence about them, himself included. So all in all he was settling in quite nicely. Well unless you took into consideration the whole computer thing. Yeah, he was still trying to figure out how typing wasn’t a complete waste of time.

Today he had decided that another go on those wretched machines was in order but decided to wait until after classes and after he helped himself to something to eat. He was a growing boy after all and the school’s chef was highly attractive so why not, right? Nothing better than a little eye candy with one’s dinner after all. Ahem.

Unfortunately said eye candy was no where to be seen when he arrived so he made due with pulling something out of the rather vast box of cold food. Not really knowing what half of the items in there were, he grabbed a couple of random containers and set about scooping the stuff out onto a plate. He was fairly certain that one of the piles was a salad made from potatoes but the other stuff he had no clue. That being said, he also wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be served hot or cold and since he didn’t know how to work the warmer thing, he settled on cold.

With a fork in had, he wandered on over to one of the tables and got to eating. Well now this was rather boring wasn’t it? Somebody needed to show up and keep the boy entertained.

Who: Kate and Rufus
Where: School grounds
When: Saturday afternoon, after the rain has stopped

Kate had always been quite the fan of the rain. It made perfect sense, really...being from England and all. To experience it now made her thing of home in a warm, fond way in which her brain blocked out out those rather unappealing little memories that would only darken a little shower on Mother Nature's behalf. As much as she loved it, however, she wasn't such a fan of hiking around in the mud generally left behind and since she'd intended to take a walk that morning, it was understandably pushed back until things outside were a bit drier. There was still mud left to contend with, but Kate was a rather outdoorsy girl and so it was nothing she could handle. After all, hiking boots had been created for a reason, had they not? She'd dressed casually for her little afternoon excursion....her hiking boots (of course), a pair old jeans with a rip in the knee, fitted black thermal that showed the smallest line of midriff and a black Columbia fleece jacket was knotted around her slim waist. Her dark hair was loose about her shoulders in its usual loosely spiraled curls, her quiver and bow strapped across her back. If she was going to go out and hike about the woods, after all, she might as well get in a bit of practice. She paused in the kitchen on her way outside only long enough to fill the Nalgene bottle she carried with her. Best to be prepared and all that.

It was beginning to warm up outside, though she stopped to pull her jacket on anyway before continuing towards the tree line in the distance. It felt nice to be outdoors again, the grass still damp and carrying with it that freshly rained-upon scent. She was such a nature nut at heart, it was no wonder that the campus was half of Halcyon's appeal. Who didn't love such easy access to the beach? Or the woods? It was the perfect set-up really. Perhaps now she'd learn how to surf, depending on the waves of course. She'd tried it once years ago and had been quite mediocre; with a bit of practice she was sure she could master it as well. It was less ego on her part and more the knowledge of what a more than healthy dose of hard work and determination could get you.

Save for the breeze rustling the leafed branches overhead or the occasional call of a local bird, the woods were relatively quiet. Kate knew that many of the other students were loads more social that she was and so perhaps they had better plans for a Saturday afternoon than a solitary hike. It was probably for the best - one wouldn't find much peace and quiet if the entire student body was loose wandering about the same patch of forest. For the next hour or so she walked, navigating unfamiliar territory as she got her bearings, learning the layout of the land around her. Kate liked to know what she could about her surroundings and that was even more true when she was out alone as she was today. She used minor tracking techniques to ensure she could find her way back, should she doubt her usually stellar sense of direction...bent branches slightly, shifted rocks....little otherwise untraceable signs that would show her her way back to the school.

The perfect area for practice seemed to be a clearing she came across just as she'd been ready to take a break. Sliding her bow from her shoulders, she unfolded the compact model, stringing it quickly. She hadn't brought her balance or even her usual glove, this was about as bare bones as her practice ever go - just her, her bow, the arrows and whatever target she picked. For the moment it was a tree a noticeable stretch away, nearly opposite the clearing of her. Reaching back for an arrow, Kate notched it with an eased excellence. Fingers on either side of the tail, she drew back and took a moment to let her surroundings shape her shot...she adjusted for elevation, then for wind...lined it up and let loose her shot with a satisfied smile. Before it ever struck the center of the tree trunk, she'd known where it would land. Though it seemed impossible to do so, it was nice to know she hadn't lost her touch. And to ensure that she truly hadn't, she kept on in the same manner until the quiver she'd worn was empty. Folding her bow closed, she jogged across the clearing to carefully retrieve her arrows. A few refused to give, sunken too deep into the rain-softened trunk and so she broke them off as close to the bark as she could. It was only once she was sure she'd gathered all of her things, tucked them safely away, that Kate turned to leave her practice clearing and head back towards the school grounds.

Who: Nyobe and Kate
Where: Halcyon gymnasium
When: Thursday, before classes

It was still dark outside when Nyobe got out of bed. She went through her morning routine like a drone; dressing, showering, and minimal primping. Her hair was pulled back from her forehead into a ponytail with blue running shorts, a grey tank top, and some blue trainers. Beginning her day, she jogged slowly to the gym amongst the almost empty main hallways.

Two hours later she was just winding down. Having the time, and freedom, to test her limits in the open was already showing her results. Everyday she felt like she could do a few more pull-ups or sit-ups. Not having anything in the way of a social life had to help to. Why not train an extra half-hour if you didn't have anywhere to go?

The silence around her felt so deafening sometimes it made her wonder if it was her. If there was one thing she knew, however, it was to stick to her guns. Halcyon was a completely new world from the one she knew. Nyobe's nature was to get her bearings before venturing out into it. Most wouldn't guess, from her glib remarks and quick bite, but it took more coaxing to get some nice out of her. She didn't give nice for free.

So far, Halcyon hadn't done anything crazy to her or other students yet. Seemed like a lot less happened in this school than others. Considering the attacks and things that happened at her college it was, dare she say it, a little drab? No one had take back the night marches or anything. There was a definitely serious gym crowd though. Each day Nyobe was getting a little more comfortable with them. She had to, she spent a lot of time in their direct line of sight everyday. She saw them and they saw her. First it was maybe a nod or acknowledgement of their existence, maybe a word or two.

One of the girls showed up pretty regularly, sometimes carried a bow around which caught her attention. She looked pretty good, seemed like she was human or human-strengthed anyway. It brought up a whole question about whether or not she considered herself human anymore, but she steadfastly refused to answer that question. This morning she had pretended, as usual, not to notice the presence of too many, but found herself in a quandry. She had put her towel down and either not noticed or the other person hadn't when theirs was right next to hers.

One of them was hers and one of them was not. She couldn't go without one, but she was not going to risk putting someone else's sweat on her body. Hands on her hips, her boxing gloves hanging over her right wrist, she looked for any telltale signs. Looked like it was time to start writing her name on shit again. "This yours?" She asked, evenly, still breathing a little heavy from her workout.

Who: Ari and Open
Where: Just outside of the school
When: Afternoon, after classes

It was a day of days in his life that much was for certain. There had never been a day in Aramil’s life that he had ever been as quiet or reserved as he had been all day. Something that might have even had his parents worried to see him so quiet. Not that it wasn’t a natural reaction for the young elf. He had moved to new areas before, but unlike the last time, this was a complete change for him. Never before had he been indoors for so long, or been around so many people, and it would only take him a bit of time to adjust to the new surroundings and become active once again.

A quick stop to his room to make sure everything was in place, and to change into a slightly heavier jacket, and moved out into the hall, and then through the doors out onto the grounds of the school. He kept the jacket open, despite the cold. The temperature, in fact, was one of the few welcoming moments of the day. The cold reminded him of home, and the world he had left behind. And, of course, the family that was all together quite angry with him.

A rumbled growl escaped him at that thought, but he quickly shook it out of his head. No, he was going to prove to them that he was capable of everything they had wanted. Despite his anger at his father for sending him here, Ari was still his father’s son and had every intention of proving himself to him. Even if they had different opinions about how to go about the methods to their means. He swept his eyes over the grounds, just outside the building and then shook his head a little.

“This is such a strange place…” he muttered out loud.