Mess Hall

Suggested Audio Halfling Lodge

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The spacious walls of a long dining hall contain a bustling and clamoring throng of teens as the new members of the procession rouse and navigate the compound. Clusters of tables capable of seating entire units litter the hall and might remind one of a tavern. However, this far-reaching structure could hold several taverns within its walls! There is also upper balconies which host aerial recruits while more luxurious booths are set apart from the bulk of tables. The mess hall is divided up sequentially, the senior recruits sitting on the far left while newer recruits sit on the opposite side of the gradient. With each compound, recruits gradually move farther to the left until they begin service. There were no official rules enforcing this practice but each group continues the tradition. Security staff monitor the hall for aggression or inappropriate behavior but otherwise let the recruits do as they please. Aldric and Florio are settled into one of the more private booths, a respectful if not reverent distance left between the prince and the rabble.

Good morning, Aldric! Zetian speaks delicately despite the clamor, greeting Aldric but not so much as glancing to Florio

Aldric has to stop himself from sighing, having hoped no longer staying in the castle together would result in some distance between them. He realizes this was wishful thinking. No one could match Zetian's persistent ambition. Zetian is refined and carefully well mannered despite this tenacity and a brooding temper. Her face is comely, consistently complimented by rich makeup and framed by fine alabaster hair. Zetian tends to adorn herself with highly decorative and often vivid embroideries with flowing sleeves. Sapphire scales dust the edges of her face and body, her attentive eyes nearly always shining yellow, while regal yellow antlers poke out from beneath her hair and a reptilian tail sways behind her. As usual, one could feel a steady warmth radiate from the princess and varying crimson and amber hues creep underneath her scales, glowing along their edges.

Are you adjusting well to your new lodgings? Zetian asks, fluttering her lashes at Aldric

Good morning, Zetian Aldric answers, attempting to sound polite but coming off stiff Well enough. And you?

Splendid, really Zetian answers with an indulgent smile Your kingdom can be so accommodating! My roommate is so respectful and the two across the hall were quite entertaining last night.

I see Aldric answers with a hollow smile I'm glad you are comfortable. I was fortunate enough to have Florio as my roommate. I'm very familiar with Danut as well but... Aldric pauses, wishing to say something less than pleasant but abstaining Euan and Danut don't seem to mix well.

That must be... troublesome. Zetian answers after a brief pause, the mention of Euan souring her expression But nothing you can't handle, I'm sure.

Aside from a forced smile from Aldric, Zetian's comment is met with silence bordering on the uncomfortable. Her eyes slide to Florio as the moment drags on, absentmindedly picking at his food and squinting at her before giving a sharp, duplicitous smile.

I suppose I'll leave you to enjoy your breakfast! I'm sure we'll see each other later, your highness. Zetian gives a slight sigh and offers him a small wave before moving on

I saw that face! Florio snickers, nudging Aldric I don't understand what your problem with him is. He's a funny guy!

Aldric's mood darkens but he maintains a simple frown

He's just another shady prospect looking to leech off of father. Aldric derides Another candidate hoping to join that project of his.

Ah Florio releases a thoughtful sigh His secret-but-not-so-secret society he pauses to wiggle his fingers in false ominous theatrics, extracting a chuckle from Aldric "The King's Shadows". His majesty has such a skill for names!

Eh, I dinnae Euan sounds, plopping himself down next to Aldric and surprising them both It's a wee bit on th' nose, not really ma style!

Aldric looses a scathing leer at Euan for his audacity, something which usually frightens any transgressor. Euan is unfazed, flashing a pleasant, chuckle-laced smile at the prince.

Damn, Euan Florio remarks, almost laughing You're either stupid or you have guts of steel. I haven't decided! Aldric huffs and decides to ignore Euan entirely. Florio munches on his breakfast before continuing Is there anything that does scare you?

Euan scans the hall and his eyes lock onto someone, his smile widening into a grin. Euan gestures behind Florio and Aldric peeks as well despite his initial protest. Euan points out Tia meandering between tables and seeking out a place to sit.

Tia? Florio laughs in disbelief She has a temper, sure, but she's hardly someone to be afraid of! Have you even seen her fight?

Ye might be surprised by what she can do. She's a wildling! Euan answers and sighs fondly She nearly killed me th' first time we met.

They both blink at Euan and glance to each other, sharing their bewilderment. Florio looks over his shoulder to Tia again who seems uncertain and overwhelmed by the crowded gathering.

What in Luxis name did you do Florio squints at him To earn that?

Weel... Euan continues with food stuffed into his cheeks I wis trying to kidnap her!

Florio blinks at his candid admission while Aldric narrows his eyes at Euan

But 'at didn't work out so I went fur her da his shoulders shake with laughter An' she zapped me good! Saved ma life though, ma uncle would've sliced me clean in half like he did Brochan.

I have so many questions...! Florio sighs as Euan gestures with his hands to imitate Martin's attack

Aldric shakes his head at his friend, so easily ensnared by Euan's dramatic storytelling.

She's a bonnie lass 'at one Euan continues, watching her and chuckling

Its a rotten thing to say that from over here Aldric complains, looking for any excuse to fault him I doubt she'd appreciate it.

Euan nods with a false frown before giving a sharp bark of a laugh

Oy, Tia! Euan bellows, locking eyes with her as she turns with a relieved smile Yer a bonnie lass!

Florio and Aldric gape, aghast, and there is a slight hush as other recruits listen in with confusion. With so many eyes on her, Tia's face reddens with embarrassment and anger. The eager hope in her eyes sours under the public scrutiny, whispers sounding in her feline ears, but Euan doesn't pick up on the tinge of betrayal in her scowl. Her glare only prolongs Euan's plastered grin as he awaits her response. Her ears flatten to her skull, her eyes narrow and her markings flash voraciously across her body.

Drop dead, Euan! Tia shouts back, less tolerant of his teasing after the morning she's had

Already feeling particularly set apart in the crowded hall, seeing so many peers so at home in this foreign atmosphere, only compounds her solitary perception and Euan's teasing channels this discomfort into anger. Electricity fries the food on her tray and dances across her body. Security eye Tia warily as Euan gathers a snarky response. Tia breaks away and storms outside before he can embarrass her further, bitterly deciding to dine alone. Despite this, Euan sighs and smiles back at Florio and Aldric.

Stupid Florio states decidedly Definitely stupid.

Too exhausted to maintain her anger, Tia sighs and slides down the trunk of the same tree—decidedly her favorite spot.

Stupid Euan Tia mutters, scowling and picking at her charred food

As Tia tries to salvage what she hadn't ruined, she spots Albert passing by. She stiffens, nearly rising, but her fatigue and his quick steps deprive her of the opportunity. After collecting his own food, Albert scours the hall for Ifani. He finds her quickly, given a wide berth as though she carries some invisible disease, and slides into the seat across from her. Ifani is adpetly spinning her fork around in her fingers and staring blankly at her own untouched food, expressionless.

You look terrible! Albert jests with a gentle smile Was it the new bed?

She doesn't seem to recognize he spoke to her at all

Ifani....? Albert repeats in a more serious but ever gentle tone. Yet she still doesn't respond. Please, talk to me.

Ifani pinches her eyes shut and gives a sigh, attempting to find the right words

I had... an episode Ifani states haltingly and Albert's eyebrows shoot up, a concern deep inside his mind validated I-I thought that I was better, that I had control but- Ifani speaks quickly, loosing a sharp breath I blanked out and I...

As Ifani chokes on her words, her face wavering, Albert places his hand in front of her slowly, palm up. She grasps it without a word, averting her gaze but squeezing his hand steadily. Ifani covers her eyes with her other hand, pinching them shut. Albert knows how bright and raucous the mess hall must be, grating at her in this vulnerable state. He taps her hand lightly with his thumb before speaking.

Let's go somewhere else Albert suggests You can tell me what happened, if you want to talk about it.

Ifani nods and lets him guide her out of the mess hall. She squints, the lights feeling too loud and pressing onto a burgeoning pressure building up inside of her. Albert finds a quieter corner of the plaza, carefully guiding her into the shade. Once Ifani is settled, Albert rifles through his satchel.

Ah! he breathes, drawing out a mandolin he had stashed away for just this kind of moment

Albert plucks at the instrument wordlessly, producing a mellow but pleasant melody. This continues for a few minutes, Ifani focusing on the familiar song, eyes shut. She begins to hum along and even vocalizes the tune, off key but keeping with the tempo, feeling the notes carry away that building pressure. When she opens her eyes again, she is far more composed.

Thank you... Ifani replies delicately, her voice as fragile as she feels I knew it was going to be hard but... I really thought I was ready.

You're being too hard on yourself. Albert reasons

But I attacked her, Albert! Ifani emphasizes And she never came back!

Who....? Albert questions, his tone patient despite his confusion. Ifani huffs, leaning back and forming a tight frown.

Tia Ifani grumbles, her expression sour despite her concern, and Albert blinks She's my roommate.

Ifani doesn't attempt to hide her disdain for the concept, triggered in general by sharing her living space. Albert lets loose a pressured breath and considers the implications and potential consequences.

Normally Albert mutters I'd say she isn't someone to... worry about. How she may react... I don't know...

I thought you said she was "different" Ifani teases. Albert shrugs, his gangly limbs rising and falling in Ifani's vision, and his eyes narrow.

I may have been wrong, I'm not sure. Albert admits, painted with uncertainty and a stern intolerance She's hiding something but I can't place it. Maybe she's just pretending...

Ifani watches him quietly, with understanding. While others might find his doubts paranoid, she was all too familiar with the true source of his distrust.

And here I was hoping you could talk to her for me! Ifani complains, her eyes narrowing with annoyance She's so chatty.

You think everyone is chatty! Albert laughs She can't avoid you forever if you're roommates. Just try to think of what you want to say ahead of time.

Ifani groans at the prospect but rises to her feet. Albert follows suit but gasps suddenly before they can depart, mirroring Ifani with a groan of his own.

What? Ifani questions, popping a brow at him

I have a lesson with her...! he gripes, already dreading the exchange, but earns a snicker from his friend

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