The forest did not tolerate frailty of body or mind.

Dave Karofsky. That Karofsky. 21, studying at the New York Academy of Divine Arcanum. Big fish, totally out of water. If you got a problem, square up. Don't think I can't tell.

[hemlockarofsky]

📱| Puckofsky

Puck: Im always srs when it comes 2 partying man

Puck: U get the right impression; no need 2 thank me

[Unsent]: Im kinda doing this for me anyway so w/e

Puck: Just send me a list of the ppl u want there and ill take care of the rest

Dave: You can invite anyone along as it ain't Clarington or Smythe, don't plan on punching anyone on my birthday.

[adamkadabra]

Exactly. I’m from England. It’s a long way but I’ve heard this is thee place to study and I want to learn from the best. 

Yeah, I’m a New Age as well. If it were up to my mum I’d probably never would have learned magic. Fortunately living in a house with my mum and great aunt,both witches, magic is difficult to hide. It was easier when it was just my mum and myself.

[hemlockarofsky]

You gotta let me all about England some time then, maybe in the future I could go there myself but baby steps.

Why? Why’d she not want you to be a witch? I don’t get that.

[ellnaturae]

Well, now I’m out of there, so even if now I’m trapped here, it’s something, this place is definitely better than that. Yeah, it’s so helpful with certain things, at the end you can’t avoid using it. 

So is Robin a bird? Wait… is Robin a robin? That’d be adorable.

[hemlockarofsky]

I know the school’s not perfect for you guys (don’t get me started on your “naturalization program”) but if I was you, I’d totally pick it over being in servitude to a Bloodline. That’s a goddamn horror story.

She sure is. Both a bird and a robin, by the way. She’s in a mood with me at the moment though.

[apuckcalypse]

Hoem or not, you can still admit it was pretty boring. I’d come to New york as well, probably, if I were you. Rustic sounds like the 1800… Wait, do you actually live in a tree house or something along the lines? Do you even have electricity? Can’t blame the Bloodlines, man, who would wanna go through that kind of trouble when you can have castles and shit? The only thing I’d hate to do is have to assist to one of those bureaucratic parties where they show off their kids as if they were kettle or something along the lines…

Yeah, bro, I’m New Age, the best kind of Witch. Yeah, that’s what I said. What, don’t tell me you’re one of those kind of hippies now…

Well, it got you out of the woods, so I’d say it’s a pretty good start. I myself have never been outside of the country, but I have been around this one a lot; I wanna think I know corners of America no one knows. 

[hemlockarofsky]

1800s isn’t a bad guess, dude. I like to think we’re slightly more modern than that but we’re still a century or two late. Some of us have tree houses, depends on how handy you are I guess. Yep, no electricity, enchanted torch and firelight. Magic gives what we need to live like we do.

I think a day living like an actual person than some fake royalty might give ‘em the kick up the ass they need. Right with you, that super stuffy crap I’d hate but I suppose most Bloodys get their jollies off being “important” or whatever. 

Ugh, you mean those idiot Commons who wanna change the world but actually do squat? No thanks. I just don’t like that word, I got my reasons but... I need to grow a thicker skin. I can’t blow up at everyone who’s thinks differently. Gonna get pretty exhausting, pretty quick. That’s one thing I learnt so far.

You gotta let me where you’ve been then, it’d be awesome to learn more about this country a least. Looking at a state map and books only do so much, y’know?

[trickstersantana]

Oh, where did you used to live? Wasn’t there much people to meet or they were just lame? And yes, I supposed we can improve our magic here at least there is something positive.

[hemlockarofsky]

The forests up in the Northwest. Plenty of folk there but it’s just made up of my family and L. Naturae. We have a pretty big community but obviously there’s not tons of diversity.

The naturalization program is bull and super lame, I get it. Since I was a strong kid, I did more heavy lifting than book reading so my magic got self behind. So a chance to geek up and get better is pretty cool.

[littlefaerose]

Well, as a Fae, normally I would hear about a Fae leaving the circle to be with a Common or Witch (as unorthodox as that is for us), not really the other way around. Seeing a non-Fae living alongside the Fae is a lot like seeing ‘Bigfoot’ for Common folk.

[hemlockarofsky]

Oh, fair enough. So you’re a Fae too? That’s cool, beyond Gentry I’ve not really met any others.

I never asked him about his time in circle, which sounds super ignorant now. Sorry. He opened up the initial trade line between the circle and my family though, that’s how he met my dad.

I just always thought he retired and preferred living in the city. He knew a hell of a lot about modern stuff, he coached me up before I enrolled. Thinking about it, I guess it does seem odd but I lived with Faun and Satyr so it wasn’t too different from home really.

[happilyeveranders]

Isn’t it? Any time I’m thinking, ‘oh, would this be appropriate for the whole of the aethernet to see,’ I am reminded that people have taken the time to comb through pictures to make those comparisons and thus I am able to click post without any further hesitance! It’s a little liberating. :)

Oh, I wouldn’t! Or, I hope, I don’t wish to come across as dickish on the Aethernet. 

Liking NYADA is an understatement, haha! 

I knew that by the time I was a freshman in my private high school that I would be proudly wearing the NYADA Dragons’ colors in the next few years. And now the dream has become reality! What about you? What drew you to here, Dave?

[hemlockarofsky]

True, makes me feel almost normal on here sometimes. The effort people go through and the things they’re into. Yeah, liberating is the right word for it.

You don’t come across “dickish” at all, you’re really polite and you’re good with your words.

So it’s been a big dream of yours since you were a kid? Ever since I was little, I always wanted to see the world, got into trouble a lot as a teenager sneaking out. NYADA is like a middle ground, I get to meet tons of people and learn things while I don’t send mom and pops to an early grave by worrying them too much too early.

[aquaevans]

Yeah, a lot of people here have their own ideas how things should be and you just have to navigate through it until you find people who you have common interests with.  Well, my parents definitely raised me to be that way, so you have them to thank!

Well, in my view for sure, it’s cool and exciting to be here since we can learn how to work with our magic and all that stuff.  Oh really?  That’s an interesting way to live.  What brought you to NYADA?

[hemlockarofsky]

It’s tough getting to grips with people who think so differently especially when you grow up with everyone is the same headspace but I guess that’s what’s cool about the world. Well tell them I said thanks, being nice never cost anyone y’know?

Interesting is the nicest way I’ve had it put me so far. It was my dad’s friend who suggested it and it sorta nailed several birds with one stone. See more, meet new people, learn a bit. I think he just wanted me out from under his feet but it worked out for the both of us, so. 

[goldenboysebastian-blog]

Just like – oh, no, absolutely not. I can tell just by looking at you that you and I are nothing alike. I could sit here and go on about the number of differences between the two of us but who has that kind of time? The fact that I have class, charm, and style while you don’t is more than enough to suffice.

[hemlockarofsky]

Yeah, seems we are totally different. I’m not a walking, talking douche for one.

Is this how you “introduce” yourself to everyone or am I just a special kinda offensive to you?

[hemlockarofsky]

Self | The science of selling yourself short

Who: Dave Karofsky, Robin. When: May 8th, just before the Bal Masqué. Where: Dave’s room. What: Dave chickens out of going to Bal Masqué, despite the protests of his Familiar.

He felt so dumb. There Dave was, sat dressed in the tux he’d hastily rented out, Wolf mask in hand. Going to school, here at NYADA, it was his chance to jump in and get to experience what the world had to offer. He’d felt so stifled, he’d broken rules and sneaked out, defied his parents for a chance at getting to see what was beyond the tall trees of home. Now he was too nervous to make good on what he wanted. He stared at the mask, letting his mind run a mile a minute as he felt his shirt uncomfortably hug him because it didn’t fit properly. It took the voice of Robin squawking at him to take Dave out of trance he’d created for himself.

“Just go, you big lug. It’s what you want to do. That thing, in your hands. It makes you anonymous. You could make the biggest fool of yourself and as long as you wear that mask, it wouldn’t matter. Your moping is seriously depressing me.” 

Dave scoffed, trust Robin to tell him straight. She was right, he knew she was but that didn’t change the tightness of his chest and his brain playing back everything that could embarrass him on loop. Deep down, Dave realised he was just torturing himself. He’d been so confident so far or at least, so he thought. He’d gotten himself on the Aethernet, met fellow students online and been doing his best to meet and befriend as many people as he could. There was something about the Bal Masqué though that has him running scared. It was probably just how big the event was, maybe a little too big. Sure, he’d be anonymous the entire time but that fact didn’t seem to help how overwhelming it felt.

Dave had been going back and forth all week about whether to even go which was why his tuxedo was less than an ideal fit and that fact too added to Dave’s potential embarrassment. Even with a mask, he’d still look a fool or at least that’s how he rationalised it. Robin was the only one he was willing to let see him like this and knowing his bravado could potentially crack at this thing and everyone would see how afraid and out-of-his-depth he’d be was the final nail in the coffin.

He quickly bolted up, mask falling to the floor as he hastily started undoing his bowtie and suffocating shirt. “You’re not going, are you?” Dave could practically feel the exasperation coming from his Familiar’s words and turned, snapping. “Shut up. I’ll do the next big thing for sure, will that get you off my case?” Robin turned away, not bothering to reply and Dave sighed as his fingers fiddled with the belt of his slacks, putting it all away neatly ready to take back tomorrow.

He’d do the next big thing, he told himself and that was the mantra for the rest of the night as he got into bed. He’d do it.

[hemlockarofsky]

📱| Puckofsky

Dave: Hey, it's Dave. You were being serious, right? 'Cause if so you're awesome dude, I totally get the impression you know how to throw a kickass party. Er, and thanks again, it's super cool of you to offer.

[apuckcalypse]

First of all, happy birthday, man; second, the easiest thing to do would be gather ‘round some friends and getting fucked up in some bar in NYC, which, if you ask me, is an amazing way of spending your b-day. A third option is getting the booze and throwing a party at your dorm, and since you’re new, it maybe even get you some new friends. You could even charge a cover! I mean, a lil’ extra cash never hurts, am I right? If you do end up chosing the third one, I could even offer my amazing party planning services. I guarantee a fucking amazing party that you’ll never forget; or even better, a party that you’ll never remember for having the most amazing time of your life. Just gimme a call if you think you can handle it.

[hemlockarofsky]

Thanks! Birthday’s usually aren’t a big thing back home, we usually live so long it makes it less of an event. Since I’m not home now though, why the hell not have fun?

The third option sounds killer! Especially with the party planning included. I wouldn’t know what the fuck to do. Isn’t it a little short notice? My room’s only a single and... you know what, I’ll just call you, like you said.

[spencerportagram-blog]

You’ve never been to a gym? Are you a L. Naturae? Or have you just been, like, living under a rock?

[hemlockarofsky]

Y’know, you’re the second person to say I’ve been living under a rock but, it’s not far off man. I’m not L. Naturae, my family’s New Age but keep to themselves, in the woods.

Every time I explain in, it does sound weirder and weirder. But yeah, not much chance to try a gym when you’re not even allowed to go near Common towns. 

[wingedfabray]

Use YouTube for what? Because it’s a dangerous trap, be very careful. You’ll start with educational videos, and end up somewhere you never should have been.

Please don’t tell me you use pollen.

[hemlockarofsky]

Blogging tutorials, that kinda stuff? It’s a rabbit hole for sure, before I knew it I was watching these videos on memes. I still don’t get what so funny about some badly drawn green frog.

Messenger birds, usually. Pollen’s more a Fae thing.

[hemlockarofsky]

So, er... what would guys suggest doing when it’s your birthday in the city? Going be honest, I completely forgot it was mine until Robin flew in this morning.

I guess with all the excitement of moving onto campus and stuff, it just took a back seat. Anything I can sort of, um, throw together last minute?

[apuckcalypse]

Not gonna lie, your home sounds like a total drag. You grew up in the woods? I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing. I’m very familiar with the camping life, but I do like the city lights and fun, if you know what I mean. So, what are you? You can’t be a Bloodline, no Bloodline would live in the middle of the woods, they’re far too rich for that. Lusus or New Age?

You tellin’ me you came here just to see what’s up? Well, there’s a bunch of much better places to be at, man.

[hemlockarofsky]

It had it’s ups and downs, most of the fun I had was sneaking out but I don’t wanna totally rag on it, it’s home after all. I guess it’s a little like camping, from what I know about it but more... rustic? If that makes any sense? Probably why a Bloody wouldn’t bother, too much like hard work for them.  

I’m New Age, you are too, right? Lusus?

Pretty much. I guess there might be but I gotta work on a scale, don’t want my parents wigging out too early, going to school in one of the biggest cities in the world is a good start though. You travelled much?

[trickstersantana]

The most useful trick in the book, trust me.  And well, what brings you to NYADA, Dave?

[hemlockarofsky]

It was actually the idea of my dad’s friend. He’s put me up since I left home. I wanted to get out in the world, meet people and this kinda the best (read: safest) way he could come up with that wouldn’t send my family into meltdown. Plus, brushing up my magic ain’t gonna hurt, right?