Hamilton says "Sounds good. Remind whre I was?"
You say "Hamilton was in her room. Raven was in some class somewhere else."
You say "Jolie came down to talk to Hamilton, but we can backtrack for that later."
Elysia doesn't really remember where she last was, either.
arcangel thinks Elysia was wandering around LEARNING stuff. O:>
Hamilton says "Okay. BTW, did you move your page? I'm getting a 404."
You say "Oh, yeah. Hang on..."
arcangel | http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~emccoy/IOU/myINIOU.html
Hamilton says "Got it."
Elysia goes to class. She has, with her, a 30-page paper on Animal Farm, including a great deal of ancillary information on such animals as pigs and horses, as well as interesting digressions on the color and scent of grass in different parts of campus.
<<Scene Start>>
Tarot makes her way to the room for the next lecture.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Jolie and Blaine are heading from Blaine's room, chatting about the book. Mallory and Daria are climbing the stairs to the lecture room. Elysia is at some stage of between Here and There. Jude is ensconced in a chair in the back of the room. Aimee is probably in the opposite corner."
<<OOC>> Hamilton recalls she read the book aloud with Leo.
<<OOC>> arcangel nods to Blaine.
Mallory walks into class with Daria, comprising major local subset of 'The Beautiful People'.
Indeed, nearly 3/4 of the students they pass are thumping into walls from distraction as they turn to watch Daria and Mallory. Jaws drop.
Daria meanders to class with Mallory, giving flirty smiles to all around.
<<OOC>> Daria hi5s Mallory!
Many people smile back at her, glassy-eyed.
Mallory doesn't flirt, except perhaps at some of the women. The guys get a cool, appraising look, that they probably mistake for 'Bitch Ice Princess' rather than 'So how good do you think *He* is with a foil?'
<<OOC>> Aimee snickers.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory will recognize Isabelle, from his fencing class, in a far front-corner desk. She seems to be doodling intently in the upper margin of her notebook page."
Meanwhile, Blaine and Jolie get to the building and climb the stairs.
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "How many floors?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "About three, Blaine."
<<OOC>> Hamilton is likely looking very winded.
Jolie has taken the stairs in stride.
Tarot sorts her notes on the desk, preparing for armed warfare... er, lecture.
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Of course. She probably doesn't even *think* about breathing hard..."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Tarot will note that Raven hasn't shown up, and that some of the other mundanes are likewise absent."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Leo of the red hair is also absent."
Hamilton notes that unhappily...
<<OOC>> arcangel says "(Maybe he had paperwork? O:>)"
Mallory blinks at Isabelle's presence, but greets her cheerfully enough before taking a seat. (With his back to the wall, where he can see all exits, etc.)
Isabelle waves to Mallory, her face lighting up.
Tarot takes a couple of notes, glancing across those present.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Aimee seems to have claimed the best back seat, and Jude the other, but Mallory can get a desk at the far wall and turn it around a bit."
<<OOC>> Aimee rar! "The best back seat goes to the strongest!"
Tarot then glances to the window, waiting for the clock to strike.
Daria smiles at people in the classroom, both those she recognizes and those she doesn't, and slides gracefully into a seat near Mallory.
Elysia races in, papers clutched in her hands, and grabs a seat by the door.
Mallory gives Aimee an appraising look, as well as Jude. Particularly Jude.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Jude is, well, kinda wimpy. And taking firm notes. He looks like he's reminding himself not to talk."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "And all his notes have exclamation points."
The clock makes a clicking sound, audible even from the Lud building, and then procedes to play "Do, a deer, a female deer"...
Aimee calmly watches the people around the room, occasionally adding lines to a teensy-weensy picture at the top of her notebook paper.
Isabelle is working on a picture of a dragon.
Tarot snaps her notebook shut. "Ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the lecture."
Mallory snorts softly, and sits.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Jolie is sitting near Mallory (probably in the desk immediately behind him unless Daria took that one)."
<<OOC>> Daria just wants to be nearby, within flirting distance. :^)
Aimee turns her head to watch Tarot.
Mallory nods to Jolie, making sure she has appropriate school supplies (as judged by watching others).
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Jolie seems to have notebook and pencil and book. She doesn't look out of place. Except for being more beautiful than anyone but Daria, in teh room..."
Hamilton smiles at Jude, just to confuse him, and sits near Mal and Jolie.
The human students all give Tarot their attention.
Tarot says "I hope that you have all read the assigned text. I have another by the same author for you to read before the next lecture, but that can wait till later."
Jude glowers at Blaine and mutters something about "bad humans."
Other students groan slightly. More reading.
Daria starts watching Tarot, occasionally glancing at Mallory. And Jude. And Aimee. And everyone else.
Tarot says "Today, we are going to consider perception, and its use by both individuals, and upon individuals."
Tarot considers the students.
Tarot says "Daria."
Daria starts briefly, but then smiles at Tarot. "Yes?"
Aimee glances back at Daria.
Tarot says "Why do you think that the animals wanted a stable society?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "(And now we find if Daria read her homework!)"
<<OOC>> Aimee says "We need Stonies ^.^"
<<OOC>> Daria says "Well, Daria's player has never read it. But I'll try to fudge. :^)"
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Ah, sorry."
<<OOC>> arcangel patpats.
<<OOC>> Aimee says "It just means that Daria didn't do her homework ;)"
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Basically, waffle about why _anybody_ wants a stable society. ;)"
<<OOC>> Daria attempts a Windy answer. :^)
Daria says "Maybe because they were afraid of too much change? I mean, you can't stop progress, but maybe everyone wanted to have some say in what the changes should be."
Tarot nods. "A fair answer."
<<OOC>> Aimee giggles.
Tarot turns to Mallory. "What would you say was a primary flaw in their attempts to establish an equal society?"
Mallory says "That no such thing is possible, of course."
Daria turns to Mallory while he answers, smiling.
Isabelle holds up one hand diffidently.
Tarot's mouth quirks. She looks to Isabelle. "Yes?"
Isabelle says, "Lack of equal resources, such as education. And gullibility."
Raven_D opens the door a crack and slinks in.
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel bluffs from what little she remembers. O:>
Mallory smiles back at Daria, with the implication that she's most certainly on the upper end of society, at least as far as students go.
Another mundane, with the air of someone who has a smart answer in mind, holds up his hand.
Aimee taps her fingers on her desk for a second and then raises her hand slightly.
Tarot nods to Isabelle, then looks to the mundane. "You first." She nods to Aimee. "Then you."
The mundane guy says, "Well, they're _animals,_ you know? They're too dumb to be equal, and they need dictators."
Hamilton rolls her eyes.
Raven_D sidles to an open chair and sits down quickly.
Aimee raises an eyebrow at the guy's answer and frowns to herself before answering "Not everyone even wanted an equal society. Some of them wanted to be on top. Others didn't care."
Tarot nods. She picks up a pen, and scrawls on the whiteboard, Impossible, Lack Of Equal Resources, The Stupid Need Dictators, Lack Of Total Commitment, and Ambition.
Mallory takes a few notes, and looks over to Jolie's desk, making sure her notes are presentable as well.
Tarot says "To return to the thesis I stated in my first lecture, we are considering human beings as an alien species in order to study them."
Jolie is taking very precise notes. They do not appear to be in english.
Aimee adds a few more lines to her picture.
Tarot says "If beings from some other order of existence were to appear on Earth, they might regard humans as being no more than the animals described in this book."
Isabelle is also taking tiny notes, in a sloppy scrawl that somehow manages to be very very compact. Clearly, she can read it, even if no one else can.
Mallory chuckles.
Tarot says "Thus, we have the "sheep" who symbolise the easily-led crowd, we have the "pigs" who symbolise the ambitious politicians struggling for power, we have the "horse" who represents idealism but who fails to act, and so forth."
Daria digs out a piece of paper and a pen from her bag, ready to take notes when she hears something important. She's not writing anything yet, though.
Tarot says "If we look at people around us, many of us would claim that we saw "sheep" or "pigs", rather than simply "people"."
Hamilton is taking scant notes-- enough to remind, but that's about it.
There are a few chuckles from the students.
Raven_D pulls a notebook out of her bag and starts scribbling furiously.
Tarot says "However, this sort of judgement leaves us open to _pre_-judgement -- we lose valuable information if we classify a person too swiftly."
Tarot says "Has anybody any thoughts?"
Hamilton raises her hand.
A few other students follow suit, a bit hesitantly.
Tarot turns to Hamilton.
Hamilton says "While we may perceive some of those around as being pigs, or sheep, humans are more likely to surprise you than animals are. The sheep may suddenly develop some backbone on an issue, or save a drowing child, or take a high powered rifle and open fire in his workplace. Not only do we lose information when we pre-classify, but we open ourselves up to potential threats that could be averted."
Raven_D grins to herself and draws a sheep with an Uzi.
Some of the other students lower their hands, a couple leave theirs up.
Hamilton says "Prejudice blinds us."
Tarot nods to Hamilton. "Point." She turns to the other students with their hands still up.
Daria does not put her hand up, but nods in agreement with Hamilton.
The first indicated student says, "Well, you just have to keep an open mind -- you can walk down an alley and classify the people in it as maybe wolves who'd eat you, and be pretty right."
Tarot nods, looking to the second student.
Raven_D raises her hand tentatively.
The second indicated student -- the smart-aleck with the Dictator comment -- says, "I figure that you just have to watch them a little while. Then you can tell if they're a sheep or not."
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel | Tarot . o O (Yay. Human troublemakers.)
Tarot asks, blandly, "Would you say that most people take the time to watch, from your observation of the world?"
From afar, Tarot | Tarot . o 0 ( I wonder if this self-proclaimed intelligensia has any idea of who he's sitting to class with. )
The mundane shrugs. "Nah. But most people are idiot monkeys, right?"
The mundane seems to be trying to catch Jolie's eye, or Daria's, with an expression that they're not Most People.
Aimee snickers softly to herself.
Daria frowns at that remark. Can't he tell the difference between a person and a monkey?
<<OOC>> Hamilton thinks he's not impressing people...
Tarot says "Interesting."
Tarot says, towards Mallory, "How, in your view, should a wise leader lead?"
Tarot also gestures slightly towards Raven, opening the question to her as well.
Raven_D says "Well, it's easy enough to put people into classifications, but a wise leader knows that you have to classify within those classifications, and then classify within /those/ classifications.. and so on until you've got a separate classification for every person. It's helpful for making policy decisions... you can decide which subsets you want to please at any level, and to an extent determine how people are going to react to your decisions."
Long distance to Aimee: arcangel hugs.
Tarot says "If you classify to such a degree, are you not in effect going to so large a scope that you are going outside the scope of classifications?"
Raven_D says "Sometimes. But if I know that two people will react the same way, I can put them in the same class... so on and so forth up to millions of people. I guess what I mean to say is that a good leader needs to be able to see the individuals as well as the classes. The perfect leader would know everyone in his constiituency on a first-name basis."
Tarot nods. She glances to the rest of the class, a gesture making the question open.
The Smart-Aleck student mutters, "LIke God or something?"
Raven_D says "If you happen to subscribe to that philosophy, then yes, exactly. God would know everyone by name, but could make decisions based on classification - worshiper versus non-worshiper, and so on."
Mr. Smart-Aleck makes a face.
Raven_D says "Well, you did bring it up. On the other hand, prejudging leads to being prejudged... a mistake that God's followers have made quite a bit. The same is true of all assumptions, though, I guess."
Tarot glances to Elysia. "What do you think?"
Elysia says, "I don't think God uses that particular set of classifications; I'm sure he has standards of some sort, however."
Mr. Smart-Aleck looks uncertain enough not to start religious debates in class at the moment, though he'd clearly like to.
Tarot picks up her copy of Animal Farm, and riffles through it.
Tarot says "I take it that none of us would list ourselves among the "sheep", who we might consider needed to be "led"?"
Tarot's voice has a slight edge of irony to it.
<<OOC>> arcangel swaps reply around?
Hamilton shrugs. "I'm sure we're all sheep to some trends, at least."
The various students chuckle, some a little uncertainly. No, no, no sheep here.
Elysia says, "I hope to lead those more foolish and be led by those wiser. I think."
Isabelle doesn't chuckle, though she does look a little wry.
Tarot says "However, is anybody ever likely to classify themselves as foolish?"
Jolie takes notes.
Isabelle raises her hand slightly.
Raven_D says, quietly, "If I meet a hundred-year-old man to whom I have something to teach, I will teach. If I meet a child from whom I have something to learn, I will learn."
Tarot nods to Isabelle.
Isabelle says, "Can it depend on circumstances? I mean, some things you don't realize are foolish till after, and sometimes you know you're ignorant, and sometimes you grow up and wonder how you survived your idiocy, right?"
Tarot says "It can, yes."
Tarot says "But would everyone also agree that none of the sheep in the book would have admitted that they were stupid?"
Hamilton nods. "We can certainly classify our *actions* as foolish. But no one likes to classify himself a fool."
Isabelle nods.
Other students also nod, since it seems expected.
Tarot writes up Self-Perception on the board.
Tarot says "Does anybody have any comments they specifically want to make, after reading the book?"
Raven_D says "How about "Justification", too?"
Mallory, having thought over his answer, finally responds.
Mallory says "The wise leader knows his enemies, knows his subordinates, and knows when to take advantage of an opening."
Mallory says "The wise leader also knows to watch his back."
Mallory looks amused. "The wise leader often sleeps very little.
Tarot's mouth quirks. She nods to Mallory, as she adds Justification to the board.
Mallory says "There are other such details as planning, physical courage, and how he looks in his uniform. Some people get astonishingly far on that last."
Tarot says "The wise leader expects treachery as a matter of course, then?"
Mallory says "Naturally. Underlings can be bought off. Or have their own ambition. Allies change sides. The world revolves."
Mallory says "And, of course, the wise leader realizes that his superiors' goals may change, and takes that into account."
Mallory says "The horse would have done well to remember that. Past battles gain you glory, but one's superiors tend to care about the next battle, not the last."
Tarot glances to Isabelle, as if curious whether she'll choose to add something.
Mallory says "The reward for winning a battle is often to be tossed into the next one, with even fewer resources than before, in more dire circumstances. Wouldn't you agree, Madame di Ordo?"
Isabelle seems to be taking intricate notes.
Isabelle mutters something about, "A good deed is its own punishment."
Mallory's mouth quirks.
Mallory says "Vraiment."
Tarot says "I would agree that the consequence of success is often to be expected to better it the next time, yes."
One of the other students says, "What about the Peter Principle?"
Tarot leaves the question to another student.
Mallory smiles at Jolie. The 'reward' for his 'good deed'.
And, so far, a major drain on his financial resources.
Jolie takes notes very tidily. Not in english, but hey.
Tarot says "It is possible for the effective to succeed as well as the mediocre or the incompetent."
Mr. Smart Aleck pipes up, "And then they get more stuff, because most people are mediocre. So they get worked to death."
Tarot says "Ah, but what of an ideal society?"
Mr. Smart Aleck says, "You mean where I'm emperor?"
Aimee chokes quietly.
Mallory snarls softly. "One where the insolent are cut down like dogs where they stand?"
Mallory looks directly at Mr. Smart Aleck.
Isabella, not too far in front of Mallory, mutters, "Don't get blood on the floor. Sticky."
Tarot's face is interestingly bland.
Mr. Smart Aleck appears to be oblivious.
Aimee says, somewhat whimsically, "A society where people are allowed to be happy, allowed to be sad, allowed to smile and frown. A society where people understand that - hey, mistakes happen."
Tarot says "Here we see part of what keeps society functioning -- the societal "grease" of courtesy or politeness, which prevents open warfare over the slightest word."
Hamilton says "I'm not sure it's really possible for a person to be permanently incompetent, unless he is in some way disabled."
Hamilton says "Only the person who gives up and chooses not to learn is incompetent. Now, you may not be able to learn fast enough, I suppose..."
Mallory says "Voltaire put it the best, I think. 'We live in the best of all possible worlds.' It is a true Meritocracy. The cleverest, or most competent, or strongest, all rise to the top, given enough time."
Mallory says "The world is already this way, if one discounts an early death."
Mallory smiles nastily at the Smart Aleck.
The Smart-Aleck seems to be utterly oblivious to Mallory. This may be because he has practice being oblivious, or because he's trying to catch Daria's or Jolie's eye.
Mallory says "Of course, Pangloss was something of an ass, but that's entirely his problem. Had he been smarter, or wiser, or stronger, he might have done better."
In the back corner, Jude scrawls stuff in his notebook, muttering about Bad People.
Mallory rather liked Voltaire. He was very good at criticizing the Church. Always an amusing spectacle, that.
In the front corner, Isabelle is working on an idealized human form to the left of the dragon.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Doodling, that is."
Tarot says "We seem to have covered a fair spectrum of opinions here."
Many of the other students look quite blank at "Pangloss" references. One is flipping through her book.
Tarot says "Our next assigned text will examine the use of perspective, based on information, in controlling people."
Students make notes.
Hamilton looks forward to that. Useful in the courtroom...
Mallory makes notes as well.
Aimee frowns to herself and checks her watch quickly.
Jolie is on approximately her fifth page of tidy notes.
Daria has been only vaguely listening, doodling motorcycles and tornadoes on her paper.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Aimee notes that it is edging close to the time when the class will let out."
Tarot glances up at the doodling Daria, then takes a breath, and starts distributing the new book, and collecting up _Animal Farm_. The new book is -- 1984, by the same author.
Students groan and accept the books with sighs.
Daria sets down her pen, and looks up and Tarot when she hands out the book. She appears deep in thought.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Mallory will just _love_ this one."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "No kidding... ;>"
Mr. Smart Aleck looks at the book and asks of no one in particular, "Isn't it a little past its due date?"
Mallory raises an eyebrow.
Aimee nods in approval of the watch, eyeing the book closely and carefully checking all sides of it.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Aimee's book appears to be perfectly reasonable, as a book. It is, however, a used paperback and would probably not be a good weapon. Except maybe for papercuts."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Nah, used books aren't even good for that..."
Tarot says, to Daria, "I will be expecting an essay on this one."
Daria nods, writing the word "Essay" on her piece of paper. She ponders.
<<OOC>> arcangel suspects Elysia is flipping through her book at Very High Speed and bouncing in her seat.
More students groan at the "essay" comment.
Mallory glances through the first few pages.
Jolie continues to take notes, glancing up and around, with her book set neatly to one side.
Mallory chuckles softly. "The author seems to be fond of non-standard English."
Tarot returns to her desk. "I will be expecting an essay on the feasibility of introducing Newspeak in your home country, and the probable repercussions."
Hamilton says "You ought to read a Clockwork Orange."
Someone in the back (not Mr. Smart Aleck) mutters, "Doubleplus ungood."
Aimee raises an eyebrow.
Aimee snickers softly.
Isabelle snickers too, jotting this down.
Daria frowns in confusion, writing down the assignment.
<<OOC>> Aimee says "Repercussions: Triads assume you're speaking Demonspeech slang and take you in."
Mallory tucks the book away.
Tarot's mouth quirks.
Tarot says "I note that this essay is not due for a week -- and, indeed, my next lecture is not for a couple of days."
You paged Tarot with 'Tell me when I should cue clock chimes.'.
Tarot says "So I wish you well with your other studies."
Tarot pages: Just about n ow.
Outside, from the direction of the Clock Tower, comes the chorus line to "Sunny Came Home."
<<OOC>> Hamilton thinks Newspeak has already been introduced to her native
country.
<<OOC>> Tarot grins.
Tarot says "A good day to you all."
Students begin to gather up their equipment and file out the door, and the room is filled with the sound of desks scraping, people talking in Newspeak, and Mr. Smart Aleck laughing too loud at something.
Tarot begins to gather up and sort her own books.
Daria is still somewhat confused, but puts her things in her backpack and shrugs. It'll sort itself out, yeah.
Isabella looks over her shoulder at Mallory, Daria, and Jolie, then turns back to gathering her books.
<<OOC>> Hamilton has, somewhere around here, a book called Doublespeak-- actual publications where the obvious intent was to mislead while actually, technically telling the truth. Scary one was the recall notice, that, when you cut through the doublespeak, basically said your car's axle could break and result in serious injury and death.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Chaaaarrrrrrrrrmmmming."
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "But looked like just some minor problem you might want to have checked out."
Mr. Smart Aleck seems to be trying to loiter just next to the door.
Mallory collects up his possessions, and perhaps Jolie, and makes his way toward the door. Taking careful note to brush by just the Smart Aleck in such a way that the other student's head flicks back against the doorjam in startlement (if at all possible).
Aimee stands slowly, stretches for a few seconds, and begins to work her way to the door, gathering her book and papers. She gives Mr. Smart Aleck a bright smile on the way out.
Jolie is quite collectable.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Amuse me, Mal. Would you say that's Agility or Precision?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Precision, but then again, I would, wouldn't I?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Hand-eye coordination? Okay. Roll."
Mr. Smart Aleck smiles at Aimee, distractedly. He seems more interested in Daria.
Daria exits the room, trying to catch up to Aimee. She flashes a quick smile to the smart aleck guy, but walks on.
Elysia is out of the room almost before anyone realizes it!
Aimee snickers softly after she passes Mr. Smart Aleck. She isn't going too fast, so catching up is possible.
Hamilton stows her stuff and decides to go see about Leo. She smiles at Jude on her way out.
Jude glares at Hamilton and is still taking notes.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 2 1 CHECK: 5.
Mr. Smart-Aleck is turning towards Daria, obviously to follow her out -- and Mallory brushes past, Jolie in tow. What happens is not clear, but then Mr. Smart-Aleck is jerking back, and does, indeed bash his head against the doorframe and starts cursing unimaginatively. (Mostly repetitions of words with S and F.)
Mallory gives the student a dismissive little sniff, and motions to both Jolie and Isabella to please preceed him.
Isabelle smiles, and says, "I need to ask the teacher something first, okay?"
Mallory says "Bien sur. I'll see you later, at fencing practice?"
Isabelle's smile falters perhaps a trace. She shrugs. "I hope so."
Tarot pages: Do I know anything about Isabelle?
Tarot pages: Anything official, that is.
You paged Tarot with 'Log 25 -- the ArchDean warned you away from her father.'.
Tarot pages: Ah, yes.
Daria looks back at the smart aleck, saying "You okay?" She keeps walking to catch up with Aimee, though.
Mr. Smart-Aleck tries to stagger after Daria, "Uh, yeah?"
<<OOC>> Aimee considers kissing Daria. >:)
<<OOC>> Daria laugh!
<<OOC>> arcangel says "That'd be mean."
<<OOC>> Aimee says "And then wink at the guy :)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Sadist.,"
<<OOC>> Daria says ""You're so mean!"
<<OOC>> Aimee smiles sweetly.
Mallory says "Is there a problem?"
Hamilton watches with her usual interest...
Isabelle shrugs again. "Not really. Don't worry."
You paged Mallory with 'Going to try Detect Lies or anything? O:>'.
Mallory whispers "Of course."
You paged Mallory with 'Rollem.'.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 4 CHECK: 2.
Mallory whispers "Mmm. Not so good."
You paged Mallory with 'That's a fail. But she is acting a bit odd. It's not clear if she's troubled about class, or just troubled.'.
Daria bounces up to Aimee. "Hi! Where ya off to?"
Mr. Smart-Aleck tries to trail along after Daria and Aimee.
Aimee turns her head towards Daria "Oh, nowhere special. Probably back to the room. Maybe to the mall later."
Tarot finishes stacking her notes, and waits for Isabelle.
Mr. Smart-Aleck trails Daria and Aimee. Especially Daria. It's a wonder there's not a trail of drool behind him.
<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Snail!"
Mallory nods to Isabelle. "As you wish. If I may help, please, feel free to call upon me."
Aimee glances back to see where in specific his eyes are gathered.
Isabelle smiles at Mallory again. "Thanks. Carefully -- I'll remember that." She heads back to Tarot.
Mr. Smart-Aleck appears to be focused on Daria. Dariachest, Dariahips, Darialegs...
Daria nods at Aimee. "Wanna get pizza later on?" Since she has no eyes on the back of her head, and is fairly used to people staring anyway, she doesn't give much thought to Mr. Smart Aleck.
Mallory tarrys a moment, in apparent conversation with Jolie, though he says little, and perhaps tries to pick up the gist of Isabelle's conversation with Mme. di Ordo.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Heh. And Loriel should be waiting to jump Jolie and Mallory."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She's not trying to keep her voice down overmuch, Mallory. If you listen, you can probably get most of it."
Isabella holds out the Animal Farm book to Tarot. "Could I give this back, for your next semester? The bookstore doesn't buy back used books, and... well, I'd just have to throw it away if I kept it."
Tarot nods to Isabella. "Certes. I thank you for your courtesy, lady." She takes the book.
Tarot idly and unobtrusively puts the book with her own personal books, with the intention of later checking it for any little inserted messages.
Isabelle smiles. "Thanks. I don't like to waste books." With a wave that's half a salute, she heads back to the door.
Tarot nods in response. She collects her books, and heads for her own office.
Aimee nods to Daria "Pizza. Is good. We can order out and just eat in bed, you know. Late-night pizza in bed is great."
<<OOC>> Tarot says "And gives that copy of _Animal Farm_ a good shake/examination once in privacy. Paranoia ho."
<<OOC>> arcangel falls over going pantpantpant. "Okay, which groups or sub-groups do I do next?"
<<OOC>> Tarot can wait.
<<OOC>> arcangel giggles at Tarot. Okay.
Mallory says to Jolie, as Isabelle passes, "Nowhere in particular. I thought we might just walk..."
Daria looks enthusiastic about this. "Great!" She turns and gives Mallory a wave, if s/he's still in sight.
Jolie smiles and nods. "That suits me, Mallory. Though I might have to check in regarding the job..." She gives a glance between Isabelle and Mallory.
Mallory says "Of course. Do you know when you begin work?"
Mallory waves to Daria, with a broad smile.
Jolie shakes her head. "Not yet. But I thought I might go to their library and find out."
Mallory says "Ah. Perhaps you'd best go then. I'll find my own way back. If you're not to work, I hope I'll see you at fencing."
<<OOC>> arcangel assumes Mallory and Jolie are trailing Isabella down the stairs?
Mallory is, certainly.
Jolie nods. "All right. Perhaps you should go on ahead -- I want to readjust one of my shoes."
Aimee follows Daria's gaze back, making sure to give Mr. S-A another bright smile.
Mallory nods, and walks down the stairs.
Mr. Smart-Aleck smiles at Aimee, distractedly, and starts walking a little faster, obviously hoping to be included in the Aimee-Daria group.
Daria gives a small smile to Smart Aleck Guy, and runs down the stairs.
Aimee grins at Daria and then runs after her.
Mr. Smart-Aleck starts to follow, but doesn't want to seem in pursuit. Confused, he straggles down, looking depressed.
You paged Tarot with 'Amuse me. Make a Perception roll. Two, actually.'.
<<GAME>> Tarot rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 2.
<<GAME>> Tarot rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 6.
Tarot pages: Sorry, was afk.
You paged Tarot with 'No problem, didn't have a time critical.'.
Tarot pages: Well, unless modified, I think I failed the first but succeeded in the second. :)
You paged Tarot with 'Tarot is POSITIVE that this book has nothing Relicy about it whatsoever. It is not a corporeal artifact, it is not a talisman, it is not a relic, it is not a reliquary.'.
Tarot pages: But does it have any secret messages folded into it or scribbled in it? :)
You paged Tarot with 'Tarot can't find any...'.
Tarot pages: Right. ;)
You paged Tarot with 'The book appears to not be underlined or even particularly dog-eared beyond the obvious Used Book degree.'.
From afar, Tarot will just stick it with the other books, then.
<<OOC>> Aimee eee! And may need to goooooo soon.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Shall I swap over to Mallory, then, and do Daria-Aimee later?"
<<OOC>> Daria hugs Aimee tight!
<<OOC>> Tarot hugs Aimee.
<<OOC>> arcangel snugs Aimee.
<<OOC>> Aimee nodnods and huuuuuuuugs.
<<OOC>> Daria says "That's fine with me."
<<OOC>> arcangel hugs Daria and Aimee. Good, good. Now we can break everyone apart and not have to worry about getting everyone. Have class off-screen.
<<OOC>> Aimee plots evil with Daria >:)
<<OOC>> Tarot grins.
<<OOC>> Daria grins evilly!
<<OOC>> Hamilton ;>
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Hey, you're angels! You're not allowed to plot evil!"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Or have sex. It's a PG-13 thing. <g>"
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs! Right!
<<OOC>> Aimee sniffles.
<<OOC>> Daria says "It's NICE evil! Yah, or we could have sex."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Well, not on screen, at least."
<<OOC>> Daria is flexible about these things.
<<OOC>> Aimee goooooeees. See everyone to-morrow.
<<OOC>> Aimee huggles!!!
<<OOC>> Hamilton thinks Daria is more flexible in celestial form... ;>
<<OOC>> arcangel hugs!
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Now that's kinky, Blaine..."
<<OOC>> Daria says "Wouldn't *you* like to know! O:^)"
From afar, Tarot now waits for the Pounce of the Elf Loriel. ;)
Mallory lets himself fall behind Isabelle far enough to not be completely obvious about it.
Mallory does keep her in sight, though.
Isabelle is fishing in her purse, and pulls out an elastic, apparently not noticing that she's followed. She gathers her hair to one side and snaps the elastic band around it so that it's in an off-center ponytail.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mal, Perception roll, at a bonus."
Behind Mallory, Jolie seems to have attracted the attention of Mr. Smart-Aleck, who is telling her about himself.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Mallory hopes that's some big bonus.
<<OOC>> arcangel snickers.
There is a tap on Mallory's shoulder.
Mallory blinks.
Mallory whips round.
It's the jogger Mallory noticed earlier, with the sweatband pulled down over the tips of her ears. Her eyes are tilted a bit, rather like Jolie's, and she's attractive. Her voice, though, seems a little edged. "Hi, there."
<<OOC>> Tarot chuckles.
Mallory says "Ah, hello."
The jogger says, "So, where's the earring I'm supposed to look at?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mal may remember that someone ws going to look at Jolie's earring."
Mallory says "Still in Jolie's ear. She is a bit behind me, and on her way to the library to check on work."
Mallory keeps an eye on Isabella
The jogger smiles, edgedly, and looks around, spotting Jolie. "Right. Any other artifacts I should know about? Mind if I rescue her from the sleeze over there?"
Mallory says "None that directly concern her or you, and please, be my guest."
Mallory gives the Jogger his room number. "I would greatly appreciate hearing the results."
The jogger grins, showing teeth. "Right. Will-do. You be good." She turns and heads off to rescue Jolie from Mr. Smart-Aleck.
Mallory smiles in return, and moves quickly after Isabella. He mutters, 'Either she's very good at that, or I'm badly out of practice...' as he almost-jogs.
Ahead of Mallory, Isabelle is in a power-walk toward the main building, moving very fast and steady, tipped forward slightly.
Mallory frowns, and closes, so that he doesn't lose her immediately when she goes inside.
It's easy enough to catch up, with Mallory's endurance. Isabelle is breathing a bit hard by the time she gets to the Main Building. She detours around it, heading for the parking lot on its other side.
Mallory ahas, and 'reels her out' a bit more.
At the parking lot, Isabelle hops up onto an ornamental boulder and starts looking around. She's definitely breathing hard.
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel notes that she's gotten Jolie off-screen, with the Jogger. BUWHAHAHA! The NPCs are away! I don't have to worry about playing that out! Hee.
From afar, Tarot cheers!
Tarot pages: Now as long as Beleth doesn't emerge from the earring, and gobble Loriel up...
Long distance to Tarot: arcangel laughs manically again.
Tarot pages: Aie.
Mallory coasts to a stop, bending over to retie his shoes, and therefore out of immediate sight lines.
Apparently not seeing whatever she expected, Isabelle sits down on the rock, over-looking the parking lot, and pulls the 1984 book out of her backpack. She starts reading, glancing up every few seconds.
Mallory wanders around, out of Isabella's direct sight lines, and makes himself comfortable on a bench or against a tree.
There's a fountain over in front of the main building, facing the street, to one side of the parking lot.
After about 10 minutes of waiting, a car pulls into the parking lot and begins cruising, looking for a space. Isabelle puts away her book and stands upon the rock.
<<OOC>> Tarot eyes this suspiciously.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Paranoia ho!"
Mallory looks at the car, and more particularly, its driver.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "For some reason, I'm thinking of _Eight Days Of Luke_ by Diana Wynne Jones. ;)"
<<OOC>> Tarot says "There's a certain Mr Wedding, one-eyed, chauffeured in a big car by a young lady, and there's a boy called Luke who can call fires, and there are two ravens..."
As the car coasts to a stop, Isabelle hops off her rock and goes over to it. Mallory recognizes Janice as the driver. Isabelle opens a back door on the car and pulls out her fencing-gear bag.
Mallory moves round to the other side of the fountain, and ostensibly pokes his nose in _1984_.
There is a brief conversation, and then Isabelle is rearranging her purse, her backpack, and her fencing-gear bag upon her person. She waves and starts power-walking back onto campus proper as Janice continues to look for a parking space.
<<OOC>> arcangel . o O (Follow mundanes, and you get mundane actions!)
Mallory lets Isabelle get to decent trailing distance, and follows along.
Mallory will, if Isabelle heads for the fencing room, divert back to see if he can find Jolie and the Jogger.
Isabelle appears to be heading in the direction of the Library, or perhaps the building on the other side of it.
Mallory goes Library-wards, then.
<<OOC>> arcangel tries to remember how much time there is between Tarot's class and fencing -- thinks it's a few hours?
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Since Mallory missed the first class, but got in in time for fencing? Or did he miss it by a full day?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "A few."
<<OOC>> Tarot says "A few hours, I think."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That I forget. GM fiat."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "A few hours, at least, then. Perhaps it's a 4-day class. O;>"
<<OOC>> Hamilton chuckles. -> You know how it is when you go to be the subject of a psychology experiment and nobody else shows up, and you think maybe that's part of the experiment? I'm like that all the time. <- Friend sent this to me.
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs.
Isabelle detours to the book-drop of the Library and sends a few books into it from her backpack, and then continues on to the building beyond.
Mallory trails along, looking to see if Jolie happens to be along yet. If the Jogger took a little while to examine the artefact, she might be.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 1 1 CHECK: 4.
Jolie and the Jogger can be seen, walking together toward the Library. They seem to be deep in conversation, of the sort of two women confiding deep secrets together. Usually about who's good in bed.
Mallory diverts over to join them, then. Unlike the Jogger, he gives rather more notice that he's approaching.
Jolie looks up, notices Mallory, and straightens, instantly giving Mallory all her attention. The jogger wrinkles her nose.
Mallory favors Jolie with a smile, and gives the Jogger a rather even look.
The Jogger says, "It's an artifact. I need to consult some references before I can be sure what it does. At the least, it's a tracer. At the worst, it may be a spy-bug."
Mallory says "Of course. Is it permanently attached?"
The Jogger nods. "It's part of her vessel -- artifact Discord, sort of."
Jolie stands, eyes downcast demurely.
Mallory says "Ah. And if it were to be removed?"
The Jogger shrugs. "You'd have to take most of the flesh around it, and it might come crawling back. Or it might blow up. It's tricky. That's what I need to check some references for."
Mallory nods. "We'll discuss it later, then."
The Jogger nods. "You bet."
Isabelle is vanishing off toward one of the other buildings, if Mallory's still keeping an eye on her.
Mallory says "In the mean time, Jolie, I trust you'll be able to live with the situation?"
Mallory is. It would help if he knew which building.
Jolie nods. "Yes."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She seems to be heading towards the entrance of the building right behind the library. Has Mallory pondered a Campus Map?"
<<OOC>> Mallory has, of course. Know the Territory.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Give me a Int roll with heavy heavy bonuses."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 5 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Not great, but not bad."
<<OOC>> arcangel | http://www.nh.ultranet.com/~emccoy/IOU.JPEG
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory recalls that the building has the somewhat ironic lable of... Lilith. The one next to it has a sideways figure 8 on the map. One behind them is Slocum."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Isabelle is heading for the Lilith one."
Mallory adds, "Good. I'll see you for fencing, then. Work allowing."
Jolie smiles. "Yes."
Mallory half-bows to the Jogger. "My thanks, Madame. And if you would stop in every so often to keep an eye on this one, I would deeply appreciate it."
The Jogger smiles to Mallory. "No fear I won't."
In the distance, Isabelle is almost at the doors of the Lilith building.
Mallory nods, and stalks off towards the Lilith building.
The Lilith building swallows up Isabelle (metaphorically) as he is about half-way there.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "Slurp."
Mallory 'power walks' to the doors of Lilith, and then inside, barring opposition.
The inside is a bit darker, though not so much as to require his eyes to adapt overmuch from the outside light. Isabelle is nowhere to be seen in the corridor ahead, but there is the sound of footfalls upon the stairs to his right.
Mallory follows the footfalls.
Mallory is amused. This is almost like playing a little game.
Peering up the gap in the middle of the stairs, he can see the pointed end of her fencing-gear bag bobbing upwards. On the third floor, Isabelle passes through a firedoor.
Mallory takes the stairs at a near-run, using his super-natural abilities unfairly, and attempts to catch the door before it closes.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Agility!"
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 2 CHECK: 3.
Success! Mallory grabs the door before it closes noisely.
Mallory slips through the door, and then lets it close, as expected.
Isabelle is walking down the hallway. She detours into a door which is marked with an upright triangle on two rectangles, supporting a circle upon its tip. It would appear to be a crude representation of a human in a dress.
<<OOC>> Tarot pauses. Oh dear.
<<OOC>> Hamilton ;>
Mallory ponders this.
Mallory has, by now, grasped the essential dichotomy of 'Men's' and 'Women's' bathrooms.
Mallory finds himself a doorwell in which to wait for a minute or three until she comes out.
It takes more like five, but Mallory is surely aware that Isabelle has to cope with her backpack and fencing-bag as well. There is a distant sound of the roar of water, and then Isabelle opens the (squeaky) door.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 3 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Empty doorwell, Mallory? There are several doors into empty classrooms, but no door-wells per se."
<<OOC>> arcangel is assuming Mallory is tucking himself into one of those, as several hang part-open, into the unlit (save by windows) rooms.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Fair enough."
Isabelle pauses at a water-fountain, takes a drink, and then heads back toward Mallory's position.
Mallory slides further into the empty classroom.
Mallory pulls out _1984_, and takes a seat, opening to an early page.
The door across from Mallory's chosen one creaks. No Isabelle appears in his. The door across from Mallory's room closes.
Mallory mmm.
Mallory gets up, tucks away 1984, and looks across the hall without exiting into it. He gets very quiet, and listens.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Perrrrrception? (Shall I assume that you're doing the +1 to target number, -1 to CD trick?)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Since your Perception really hasn't been the same since that nasty pack of Cherubim..."
<<OOC>> Tarot says "The swine."
<<OOC>> Mallory among other things.
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 4 3 CHECK: 3.
Mallory perceives the faint noises of things being thumped onto the floor, the scrape of a chair, and then silence.
Mallory makes himself comfortable, and pulls out _1984_ again, and waits. Eventually he gets drawn into the book, despite his best intentions. Fascinating.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "How long is Mallory going to read?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Until it comes time to depart for fencing, or until someone comes along, or until Isabelle leaves."
After about an hour and a half, from the obscure chimes of the Clock, there is the sound of others coming up the stairs -- voices and footfalls.
Any noises that might be coming from the room Isabelle is in are drowned out by those from the stairwell.
Mallory checks the other room, listening for pages turning, or sobbing, or anything else.
The door is still closed, and without a window into it. The students upon the stairs appear to be headed up to the third floor.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Going to spend Essence on a Perception roll? O;>"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "How long until fencing?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Another 2-3 hours, probably."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "And were the studens all women, or a mix?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "The sound of the students on the stairs is a mix."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "No essence."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 6 4 CHECK: 3.
<<OOC>> arcangel thinks that's a rather appalling fail. O;>
Silence from that room.
The stairwell door opens, letting in even more noise.
Mallory shrugs, and goes back to reading until it's time to fence. Fascinating book.
<<OOC>> Tarot says "What have I done?"
One woman's voice has the authority of Tarot's -- probably the teacher -- and she seems to be discussing something with a student as they approach the room. The door is opened, and students file in. Isabelle's voice can be heard greeting people.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "We can close there, unless something unusual happens."
<<OOC>> arcangel closes here, then.
<<Scene Stop>>
You say "If you follow a human, they may do human things..."
Tarot says "Mallory learns valuable things about how Asmodeans view the world from 1984, I suspect."
arcangel giggles. Needs to see if she has a copy of that around to read.
arcangel idly tells the cat in her lap, "Choplicker, that's my ankle you're licking."
arcangel can idle around here a tad longer, if there are questions.
Tarot hugs arcangel, and heads for sleep, she thinks.
arcangel hugs Tarot. "Good dreams!"
Mallory looks amused.
Mallory should have been following the Jogger? ;)
arcangel grins at Mal. "Did I say that?"
Mallory says "You did not."
arcangel is slightly curious about _why_ Mal followed Isabelle.
Mallory says "She seemed rather more vague about attending fencing than she ought."
arcangel laughs.
Mallory says "As if something were going to prevent her and she didn't want it to."
arcangel will leave that for another day, perhaps. Especially since Mallory is now on his own and can commandeer the GM more easily. O;>
You say "Night, all!"
<<Scene Start>>
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Okay, since we don't have a Raven, there's no real reason for me to detail the history class. But, Mallory is going to have to decide -- does he wait for Isabelle's class to get out and run (somewhat undignifiedly) to his class? Or does he go now to make it in plenty of time?"
Mallory sits in the classroom, paging through _1984_, until he gets a good look at the time.
Mallory curses, and hustles across campus to history.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "That answer your question?"
<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.
Mallory is not in the least bit sure he likes this 'fixed dates/times' thing.
Shannen pages: Mallory is weird :)
You paged Shannen with 'Mallory is a Bal.'.
Shannen pages: He's still weird :)
You paged Shannen with 'Demons are weird. O:>'.
From afar, Shannen shakes her fist at demons and threatens to whup them real good?
Shannen pages: That'd be Aimee, of course :) Shannen would cuddle Mallory until he exploded :)
Long distance to Shannen: arcangel laughs!
History is... well, history. The professor (male) drones a bit. The history book is full of interesting political speculation. The outfits in the pictures are dubious at best. The other students take notes, or doze in their seats, or ogle Mallory.
Mallory ignores the ogling, squeezes what meaning he can out of the professor, and pays particular attention to the poltics, and the wars, and oh my tactical doctrine did get different.
Long distance to Shannen: arcangel asks if that's Shannen or Aimee talking?
The professor seems to be teaching the chalkboard more than the class -- but at least he writes down nearly everything that seems to be important.
The minutes crawl, but they do move. Mallory, having a vested interest in playing catchup, at least isn't as bored as some of the other students.
Mallory wishes he could get a private tutor for all of this. Private tutors are so much more interesting. And one can -fire- them.
Finally, there are the carillion peals of "Shave and a Haircut" from the Clock Tower, cutting the professor off mid-sentence. He instantly turns back to his book, mumbles something in a raised voice about pages 100 through 500 in the book by next class, and begins gathering his materials.
Mallory makes his way to the front of the class, and attempts to aquire the reading list and syllabus for the course.
Eying Mallory with the wary paranoia of someone who's heard one too many stories about lawsuits of inappropriate student-teacher relationships, the professor can finally be made to relinquish the reading list and syllabus. Mallory, fortunately, has the required books from his little bookstore shopping trip (with Raven and Blaine) earlier.
Mallory gives the professor a disturbing little grin that could mean damn near anything, and heads off to the gym.
At least two male students, and one female, are hanging around eyeing Mallory surrpeticiously.
Mallory eyes the students back, with rather more frankness.
The males pose. The young woman smiles.
<<OOC>> Shannen falls over.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 3 CHECK: 4.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 6 2 CHECK: 6.
<<GAME>> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 5 3 CHECK: 1.
<<OOC>> arcangel snickers.
<<OOC>> Demiurge says "aIE."
From afar, Shannen eyes Mal's Charisma.
You paged Shannen with '+3.'.
From afar, Shannen figured :)
You paged Shannen with 'Jolie has +3, Daria has +3, Mallory has +3. They are a large percentage of the Beautiful People on campus.'.
From afar, Shannen isn't a Beautiful Person :(
Shannen pages: But I'm beautiful on the INSIDE :)
Long distance to Shannen: arcangel reminds Aimee that she can be beautiful at any point -- aren't birds lovely? O;>
Mallory smiles at the woman, although one hopes she's at least fair in appearance.
<<OOC>> Daimon is still recovering from full warfare.
The young woman isn't bad looking, though her hair is cropped rather shorter than Mallory would really approve of. It's not even shoulder length. Her physique is a bit on the lean side, but not scrawny.
Mallory has better prospects elsewhere, and so saunters out of the classroom, and off gymwards.
The female "coincidentally" takes a path that lets her see Mallory go into the gym. The males drift off before that.
Ah, the sounds of fencers getting ready. Even if they're hardly any good at it, it's still a comfort.
<<OOC>> Mallory would prefer to just gloss fencing, much like the class, unless something unusual happens.
<<OOC>> Mallory grins. Want Plot.
<<OOC>> arcangel grins. That works.
<<OOC>> arcangel writes some gloss.
From afar, Shannen plots to knock Mal on his ass sometime :)
Long distance to Shannen: arcangel laughs.
Mallory does make sure that Isabella shows up for fencing. If she doesn't, her friend gets a friendly little question as to what happened to her.
Class goes well enough, with Mallory beating the other students until the teacher drags him off for some sparring -- mostly drilling him on the sport-rules than the actual fencing, and giving him some quiet pointers on competition bouts.
Isabelle does indeed show up.
Halfway through the class, however, there is an odd beeping noise from Janice's bags.
Mallory grins cheerfully enough at the 'sport' aspects, and trades off 'sport' for more 'combat' oriented lessons.
Ms. Dimitri is a fast learner, for a human...
After the beeping, Janice comes over to where Ms. Dimitri and Mallory are and waits for them to pause.
Mallory puts his guard up, and turns to Janice.
Janice smiles at Mallory, then turns to the teacher. "Ms. Dimitri, I need to get back home. My mother's gotten really sick, and they're taking her to the emergency room."
Ms. Dimitri nods. "Right. Excused. Good luck."
Janice says, "Thanks. Can you tell Isabelle I can't wait for her?"
Ms. Dimitri nods again. "Right."
Janice trots off to her equipment, while the teacher asks Mallory, "En garde?"
<<OOC>> Demiurge gets suspicious. Paranoia on!
<<OOC>> arcangel eyes Demi.
Mallory turns back to Mme. Dimitri, and goes en garde.
Back and forth, swords engaging and disengaging. She's still wearing that talisman glove, which means Mallory doesn't get as many touches as he would otherwise. Eventually, the class is wrapping up.
Ms. Dimitri steps back, giving Mallory a salute. She's breathing a bit heavier than when the class started, of course.
Mallory salutes Mme Dimitri with cool precision, and an almost happy sparkle in his eye at having fenced. Most pleasurable.
Ms. Dimitri pulls her helmet off, and looks almost as pleased as Mallory feels. "Thanks for the bouts. I need to catch Isabelle now..." She starts looking around for the student.
Isabelle is over by her equipment-bag -- where Janice's equipment was as well, looking lost. The teacher strides over to her.
Mallory follows along, looking suitably concerned.
Ms. Dimitri informs Isabelle that Janice had a family emergency come up. Isabelle fingers the top of her equipment bag, thanks the teacher, and goes off to get changed. (And it would take a Divine Intervention for Mallory not to notice that the student looks troubled.) Ms. Dimitri watches after her, also looking concerned.
Mallory says "If you like, I'll look after her. Perhaps she would care for some dinner or the like."
Ms. Dimitri eyes Mallory. "Look after her?"
Mallory nods. "Make sure nothing happens to her, at least until she gets sorted out for the evening."
Mallory says "I assure you, Madame. She's quite safe with me."
Ms. Dimitri considers this. "All right, if you want. You're both grown students. Just stay on campus."
Mallory says "Naturally."
Mallory says "Good day."
Ms. Dimitri nods. "Good day."
Mallory gets his stuff, and heads for the men's room. He hurries his toilette a bit, so that he's sure to beat Isabelle out and be in the hallway when she exits.
As Mallory exits into the hallway, Isabelle is pushing the door open from the women's room, her expression thoughtful and her eyes downcast.
Mallory walks over, equipment bag in hand, foils casually hung back over one shoulder, and says, "I heard your friend had to depart early. Perhaps I might be allowed to escort you to dinner?"
Isabelle looks up sharply, blinking. "Ah, yeah, Janice had to leave... Dinner?"
Mallory looks smoothly at the clock. "It will be that time shortly. Particularly as it may take us some time to find edible food on campus."
Isabelle grins. "I... don't usually eat on campus. I've got an apple in my backpack."
<<OOC>> arcangel will assume that the pair are making their way out of the building?
Mallory smiles. "Then I will buy you something to drink."
Mallory says "I'm tolerably sure that it's easier to find something drinkable than edible on this campus."
Isabelle chuckles again. "Well, if you insist, I won't stop you. I'll try to pay you back next class."
Mallory smiles, and lets the matter of payment drop.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Are there any decent little cafes on campus? Perhaps where the campus equivalent of CoffeePeople hang out?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "There is the Student Union and the Student Scab, as well as various drink machines (of which Isabelle seems familiar with the placement of), and pushcart vendors on the edges of campus or in the Pent."
<<OOC>> Daimon says "HOTDOG"
<<OOC>> Daimon attacks the hot dog vender and demands enlightenment.
<<OOC>> Mallory makes Daimon one with everything, in the hopes that he'll disappear?
<<OOC>> Daimon cannot be dispelled in a puff of logic.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Student Union, local 666, would appear to have CoffeePeople around it, on the elegant tables just outside it."
Mallory steers Isabelle towards the Student Union, then, towards one of the nicer tables. One with a good view of those coming, going, or attacking, as their natures dictate.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It's just off the Pent, next to the Avant Gardens."
A nice table can be found, and Isabelle divests herself of her carefully cross-slung equipment bag, backpack, and purse. She tangles their straps together and pokes a foot through said straps to anchor them. "Hot chocolate?" she asks hopefully.
Mallory nods, settling his equipment next to Isabelle's as a gesture of trust, and walks over to the counter to procure her a hot chocolate, and himself a mocha, with extra whipped cream.
Mallory seems to be developing a taste for them.
The drinks are easily procured, and it can be seen that Isabelle is indeed keeping a suitably watchful eye on his equipment.
Mallory walks back, and sets down a hot chocolate and napkins in front of Isabelle.
Isabelle smiles up at Mallory. "Nice gear you have," she comments, blowing on the chocolate to cool it.
Mallory seats himself, and goes about the involved process of ingesting a whipped cream, looking nonchalant, and smiling at Isabelle. "Thank you. I'm still getting used to it, but it seems servicable enough."
Mallory adds, "I'm considering adopting your trick with the braid. I'm not used to a full-coverage helmet, and my hair's been getting in the way."
Isabelle smiles and tugs at her ponytail, a bit self-consciously. "Sure -- it's not a trademark. It's kind of useful."
Mallory nods.
From afar, Demiurge imagines if the Hellsworn of Lust turned up at this point... wait, they're safe on campus. Phew.
She adds, "And if you fence like that when you're getting used to things..." She shakes her head admiringly.
Mallory chuckles.
Mallory says "Ah, well. I've been fencing for a long time. The rules here are a bit different, but the principle is the same."
Isabelle says, "You're very good. Even I can tell that."
Mallory smiles. "Thank you. You show promise as well, despite your newness and your lack of arm strength."
Isabelle smiles back, probably all unawares. "Thanks." She sips her chocolate. "Um..."
Mallory says "Yes?"
Isabelle bites her lip, but doesn't do as good a job at it as some Lilim. "You remember how you said that if I needed something, after the Earth 101 class?"
Mallory nods. "Bien sur."
Isabelle turns her cup around in her hands. "Could you hang onto my fencing gear? Just till next class, probably. Janice'll probably be back then."
Mallory says "Of course. You do not live on campus, then?"
She shakes her head. "No. No, I don't."
Mallory says "Ah. Will you be all right getting home this evening? Several people have implied the neighborhood is not suitable for young women travelling alone, although they might have put the matter over-strongly."
Isabelle says, "Oh, I'll be getting picked up. Don't worry. I do this every evening."
Mallory says "Ah. And your equipment is too bulky to go along?"
Isabelle sips her hot chocolate. "Sorta."
Mallory says "You're riding one of those motorcycles, then?"
Isabelle shakes her head. "No. My father's picking me up."
Mallory says "Oh. Does he disapprove of your fencing?"
Mallory can certainly understand why. It's not precisely suitable for young women.
Isabelle looks into her cup. "Something like that."
<<OOC>> arcangel sniffs. Mallory has no romanticism in his soul! To defy her father, for a pastime she loves! The secret rebellion and angst!
Mallory says "Is there anything else I might do to help?"
<<OOC>> Demiurge ponders this "father".
Isabelle says, "That's all, really. I just need to... not have my stuff around when he picks me up."
Mallory says "Ah."
Mallory ponders this.
Mallory says "Unless he's something of an expert, there's no reason why it cannot all be mine."
Isabelle blinks. "You don't live on campus either?"
Mallory says "So I'll escort you to where you're meeting him, and take it all from there."
Mallory grins. "Ah, you'd prefer to drop it off right now?"
Isabelle nods. "It'd probably be easier. I don't go home till... late."
Mallory sips his Mocha, amused at the implication that Isabelle wishes to go by his room immediately.
Mallory says "Very well. Once the drinks are finished."
Isabelle says, "Thanks. I mean, I don't have to drop it off personally, but I'm imposing enough asking you to hang onto it for me, so I might as well lug it over..." She takes a sip of her drink.
Mallory nods. "That's very kind of you."
Isabelle gives Mallory another smile, a trace wryly. "I hate imposing on people instead of being self-reliant. Sorry. It's probably making me babble."
Mallory nods. "It's rare that one can rely completely on one's own abilities. That's for certain."
Isabelle says quietly, "It's a goal to aspire to, though."
Mallory says "Even a leader must rely on his men."
Isabelle sips at the dregs of her drink. "I'm more a loner than a leader."
Mallory says "By choice, or by circumstance?"
Isabelle shrugs. "Dunno. Maybe both. I mean, if you're in the water, you might as well enjoy swimming, right?"
Mallory sips the last of his mocha, delicately licking a bit of whipped cream from the rim.
Mallory says "Perhaps. Humans are quite different from fish."
Isabelle tilts her own cup up to get the last of the chocolate drip. "Well, if you're going to ruin a perfectly good metaphor," she says wryly.
Isabelle starts untangling the straps of her various bags.
Mallory grins.
Isabelle looks to see if Mallory is finished with his mocha.
Mallory picks up his own belongings, neatly sorting them around his person with practiced ease. He even lends a hand, helping untangle a piece of equipment or two with almost unearthly ability.
Mallory says "Would you care for another chocolate for the walk? They make them to go."
Isabelle manages fairly well. First the purse, crossbody in front of her, then the strap for the fencing gear bag, crossbody the other way, and finally the backpack. "I shouldn't impose..." she says, a bit uncertainly.
Mallory says "It's no trouble at all, really."
Mallory slips smoothly over to the counter, and purchases another chocolate, to go.
Isabelle gathers up the napkins and empty cups from the table, pitching the paper cups in a trash bin and tucking the napkins into the front pouch of her backpack.
She stands guard over Mallory's equipment till he gets back, too.
Mallory wanders back. "Here you are."
Isabelle shoulders her backpack again and smiles, a trace embarassedly. "Thanks."
Mallory begins leading Isabelle back towards the dorm building. "So, if you don't mind my asking, where are you from?"
Mallory uses his Keen Balseraph Powers of Observation (ahem) to acertain the truth of the matter as they walk.
Isabelle says, "Well, originally, Tennassee. But after my mom died, we moved up here. Over a couple of towns."
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 3 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Oh my."
<<OOC>> arcangel goes woah! It made it!
Mallory nods. "What is your father's profession?"
Isabelle says, "Psychologist. He's got some connection with the local hospitals, but he's trying to start up his own office. He doesn't talk about it much."
Mallory says "Mmm."
Mallory ponders the latinate roots of 'psychologist', and decides he'll have to look it up.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Psyche, soul. Ology... Would he get the "study of" from that?"
<<OOC>> Demiurge says "Probably."
Isabelle says, "My mom's parents are still in Tennassee. I bought my fencing gear after they gave me some birthday money, when I picked up the mail early."
Mallory says "He's not on good terms with your mother's parents, then?"
Isabelle is silent for a few steps, sipping chocolate carefully. "Yeah, well."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory's keen Balseraph Powers of Detection say that she's covering up the extent of the rift. O:>"
Mallory is well acquainted with the idea of a domineering father, certainly.
<<OOC>> arcangel grins.
Mallory says "And your course of study here at the university?"
Isabelle says, "Liberal Arts. English. History. Languages. BritLit. That stuff."
Mallory nods.
Mallory says "Your own choice?"
Isabelle sips hot chocolate. "Well, I barely passed the basic math course, so I can't do the sciences, or computers, or medicine. My father approves, though. He wants me to take lots of honors courses, though, and I don't think I'm up to that. Or maybe I'm just lazy."
Mallory says "And what do you enjoy doing the most?"
Isabelle thinks. "Writing is fun. Reading. Fencing." She shrugs. "Just so I get a degree, I guess."
Mallory nods sagely. "No other plans then? Marriage perhaps? Or is that to be arranged?"
Isabelle snorts. "I doubt it. I'm probably going to be a total bluestocking, surrounded by books and cats in a fusty old house, all alone."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Would you do me a favor and describe Isabelle again?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Young woman, mildly attractive but probably not more than a +1 if that much, to Charisma. T-shirt, jeans, like any other students around. Middling long hair, in the off-center poneytail. Hair is blond-brown, eyes are brown. (IIRC.)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Why, going to offer for her hand?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Just curious."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She's not really distinctive, compared to all the others on campus."
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Except of course, she fences."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Well, there is that, yes,."
Isabelle adds, "Besides, I don't really want to get married."
Mallory says "No? Mmm. What do you want, then?"
Isabelle shrugs. "I'll think of something." She sips her chocolate evasively.
Mallory says "No doubt."
<<OOC>> Demiurge suggests blandly that Isabelle is an undercover agent of Heaven or Hell, sent to spy on Mallory.
Isabelle has the grace to look a little sheepish. "Mostly, I just want to get through college. It's hard to plan much beyond that."
Mallory escorts Isabelle into the dorm, and, alas, into the elevator.
Mallory says "It is better to think about these things in advance. I'll grant you that elegant and spontaneous response is the most desireable, but it's ever so much easier to look elegant and spontaneous if one is prepared."
Mallory smiles, as if he has just divulged a great secret, and nonchalantly hits the button for his floor.
Isabelle at least looks uncertain at the elevator's shuddering and odd dinging noises. "And I thought the elevator in Nixon was bad," she mutters.
Isabelle grins at the "prepared" advice. "Well, true. But sometimes the short term takes all the attention. One semester at a time..."
Mallory nods sympathetically, and then concentrates on willing the elevator to make it successfully to his floor.
Isabelle asks, conversationally, "So, does the elevator eat people frequently? Or fall down?"
*shudder*DING*shudder*DING*shudder*
Mallory says "Not that I'm aware of, although I would be unsurprised..."
Isabelle actually giggles. "Well, _that_ would solve people's problems."
The elevator pauses, and then the doors reluctantly part to release the captive occupants.
Mallory escorts Isabelle out of the elevator -quickly-, and shows her down the hall to his room.
Mallory says "If you like, you're welcome to leave your equipment here as long as need be. The least I can do for a fellow club member."
Isabelle looks around curiously enough. She looks back as Mallory speaks. "Well, Janice has been taking care of things, but if it's really no problem... It would be easier, probably, than having her haul it around in her car...."
Mallory unlocks the door.
Mallory opens it, and walks inside.
Isabelle follows to the doorway, and then pauses, looking around with a certain odd admiration. "Wow. Neat place."
Mallory stacks his equipment neatly in his closet, and Isabelle's equipment next to it. "It won't be a problem."
Mallory chuckles. "It's rather...compact...in my opinion. But it affords a certain amount of privacy."
<<OOC>> Demiurge says "Mallory's stuff, Jolie's stuff, Isabelle's stuff.."
Isabelle (after handing equipment to Mallory) grins. "I'd love to have a place like this. But, well, it's cheaper if I get picked up and dropped off." She shrugs.
Mallory stoically ignores all the "Victoria's Secret' bags scattered about the room.
Isabelle says, "And, well... Thank you. I mean, this is a big favor. And I really appreciate it." (She seems not to notice the various bags.)
Mallory smiles. "Again, it is not a problem."
Mallory says "If you don't mind, I'll look over your equipment as well. Perhaps your foils could be slightly better balanced. It's really no trouble."
Isabelle shrugs. "If you want. My foil's pretty well balanced..." She pauses. "Oh, right, I should get that book." She edges in to get to the equipment bag and unzips it enough to pull out something wrapped in a plastic bag.
Mallory looks over the bag.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Sort of pear-shaped bag, with enough room for a foil. A zippered pouch in the front of it."
Isabelle stuffs the plastic wrapped book-thing into her backpack, taking out a slightly squashed-looking apple. She forces the backpack to zip ruthlessly.
Mallory chuckles.
Mallory says "Dinner, I take it."
Mallory stacks the equipment more neatly in his closet, where it can be gotten to fairly easily.
Isabelle says, "Apple a day keeps the doctor away, and all that stuff. Or maybe it attracts snakes. No telling."
Mallory chuckles. "Snakes, as far as I'm aware, tend to prefer live prey."
Isabelle nods. "I saw a boa be fed once. It was great." She straightens up, slinging the backpack onto her shoulder, apple in one hand. "I should head off now. I usually hang around the Library for a while, then audit a Latin class later this evening."
Mallory nods.
Mallory says "Have a pleasant evening. I'll see you in class, or fencing, whichever comes first."
Isabelle grins. "Have a good weekend. Thanks." She nods and heads off.
Mallory closes the door.
And all is silence.
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Do you want to stop there?"
<<OOC>> arcangel says "I can -- unless you're going to go through her possessions?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Funny you should mention that..."
<<OOC>> arcangel could go through Mallory going through her bag. O:>
Mallory stacks the Victoria's Secret bags on the bed, pulls out the equipment, and begins carefully going through it.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She has a foil, with the standard grip (not the "pistol grip" that Mallory probably has at least one example of) that's rubbery as opposed to the cheaper tape-wrapped grips. It has a foil hilt, not a heavier epee one. The tip is a little worn, and there is a plastic bag of tips in the front pouch."
<<OOC>> arcangel continues to itemize.
Mallory separates items into what can easily be cleaned, and what cannot.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She has a white jacket, with inside pockets on the chest, and a couple of shallow metal bowls, with plastic around the edges. She has a long, thick glove. She has a pair of battered tennis shoes, white with ragged laces."
Mallory looks amused at the 'hubcaps'.
Mallory holds one up to his chest, chuckles, and sets it aside.
<<OOC>> arcangel grins.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "She also has a folded-up bit of paper in the front pouch."
<<OOC>> arcangel assumes that Mallory will unfold folded up bits of notebook paper?
Mallory unfolds the paper, and reads it.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It is a list of titles, in what looks like Latin, or maybe Greek. Except for one title."
<<OOC>> Demiurge says "Hah."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "One title, Mallory is quite sure, is illegibly copied Hell-glyphs."
Mallory frowns.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "And her normal handwriting is very scribbly."
Mallory pulls out a sheet of paper, and recopies a few times, seeing which Hellglyphs match.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "After much copying, Mallory comes up with something that reads, "Summoning of Power" or maybe "Summoning of Dukes." It's not clear."
Mallory hisses.
Mallory says "The little fool."
Mallory writes out 'Summoning of Princes' in an elegant hand, the practised calligraphy clashing with the inherently jarring characters.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not as good a match, though possible."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "The glyphs look as if they were copied from something faded."
Mallory tries 'Dukes', 'Power', and a few band- and word- glyphs, until he's picked the most likely.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "Power, Dukes, maybe Wisdom?"
<<GAME>> Mallory rolls the d666 and gets 1 3 CHECK: 4.
<<OOC>> arcangel admires. "Which is that for?"
<<OOC>> Mallory says "Analysis/knowledge of the subject. Accuracy check."
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It depends on dialect and copy. Probably Power is the best match, though to be sure, you'd have to see what she was copying from."
Mallory hmms.
<<OOC>> arcangel says "It depends on if she really meant that little squiggle to be at that angle, or if the whole thing is tilted. O:>"
Mallory finishes sorting through the equipment, and then goes downstairs to see if Jolie is back yet.
<<OOC>> arcangel ends there, she thinks?
<<OOC>> arcangel having a hungry spouse and all. O:>
<<OOC>> Mallory sniffs. Let him suffer. };::> Ah, very well...
<<Scene Stop>>
arcangel grins.
arcangel hugs Mallory and Daimon and Demi and Hitherby.
Demiurge hugs arcangel.
Demiurge says "Have a good weekend."
You say "You too!"
arcangel hopes Mallory got a little Plot?
Mallory grins.
Mallory has plot.
arcangel snugs all, then.
Liz says "Have a lovely weekend. See you monday."
arcangel hugs Liz. "Yup! And we'll see how much _more_ Plot we can devise."