ostium sparsis in astra

• Eloisa Bisset • The Prodigy • 23 • • They/Them • • Astronomy and Physics Major •

[investedinthestars]

“I want to know where you’re from.”

“I grew up in Paris. I loved to get away from the hot busy streets and visit the quiet, cool museums, libraries and observatories.

My bedroom has a view of the Eiffel Tower. At night, it lights up, and ever hour on the hour it twinkles like stars”

[petalmemes]

🌺 “I WANT TO KNOW…” Prompts

A collection of random “I want to know…” sentences.

For Multimuses: Please Specify Muse(s)

“I want to know more about you.” 

“I want to know where you’re from.”

“I want to know what you do.”

“I want to know what you like.”

“I want to know what your hobbies are.”

“I want to know who your family is.”

“I want to know who your friends are.”

“I want to know what makes you happy.”

“I want to know what makes you sad.”

“I want to know what makes you angry.”

“I want to know why you’re hurt.”

“I want to know who hurt you.”

“I want to know why you’re scared.”

“I want to know what love is to you.”

“I want to know who you loved.”

“I want to know who you hated.”

“I want to know why you run away.”

“I want to know why you stayed.”

“I want to know why you left me.”

“I want to know why you care.”

[investedinthestars]

vincemurray​:

For someone inclined to avoid conversation, Vince had had a number of them tonight. He reckoned the mixer fulfilled its purpose, even for him. Someone joined him, together they sat a little ways from the hustle. Vince had switched to orange juice for his second drink and leaned back semi-comfortably in his chair. “I reckon they spared hardly anything,” he mused, a few thousand being presumably very little of the society’s entire fortune. But he was no judge of that. The set up of tonight was lovely. He’d been at Bonavich long enough to know that this was the life.

“You and me both,” he seconded their sentiment. A little more transparency would ease the minds of some of the guests. Vince wasn’t the only one who approached tonight with a good portion of caution. He looked over to his company, scanned them briefly for anything that might give him a clue as to who they were. He hadn’t met them before. A name? A shared class? Nothing. “It is rather lovely,” he tried. Small talk very nearly caused him physical pain. “The invitation was very clear about attendance.”

“Clear about attendance and very little else. I suppose they assumed by telling us nothing our curiosity would drive us here.”

Eloisa knew if that was the Society’s plan, it certainly worked for them. They had to understand why this society gathered these students and more importantly, why.

Eloisa glanced at the man. He certainly didn’t look curious. He looked, maybe tired?

“At least, curiousity is what brought me here. What brought you?

[investedinthestars]

mariana-walton‌:

“I think there’s an alley hidden here somewhere,” she said, turning on her heel to head for the grand doors. The night air was warm and she felt a sheen of sweat creep up her neck. She sighed, knowing this wasn’t going to be an easy task. Although Mari never liked taking the easy way, there was something about this night that warned her not to lightly throw caution to the wind. She led the way to a dimly lit street not too far from Brennan House. “I guess this works,” she mumbled, wary about her surroundings.  “I didn’t come here to murder you, so let’s get to hatching that plan.” They were still in the school premises so it had to be safe. Right? 

“I’m going to need to grab something from student health services building.” Mari knew where it was having volunteered there a few times. She luckily knew the interior well enough to have an idea where that pill bottle may be hiding. “It’s small enough and could fit in my purse,” she said, “How about yours?” She hoped it wasn’t too far. Her poor feet were already blistered from her new heels. “My idea is to go the farther site first so we can just circle back when we’re done. What do you think?” She wanted this night to be over with so she could have a date with a bottle of bourbon and not have to think about what she’s gotten herself into. 

Eloisa followed Mari outside and to the alley. They tried to keep up with what their partner was saying, but their brain kept circling back to the painting. However the words “murder you” got their attention.

“Mines in the main hall,”

Eloisa debated explaining further for a moment. Mariana was their partner for their task, but that didn’t mean tell her was safe.

“And I won’t be fitting it in my pocket. It’s a painting. So we should probably start with yours.”

[investedinthestars]

christinerosalindglass‌:

Christine laughed, considering the question for less than three seconds before she answered. “Of course it counts, there’s a lot of things that happen spur of the moment. If you see someone about to be hit by a bus, pushing them out of the way isn’t hard work exactly, but you still very much did save a life- or at minimum, saved them quite a few hospital bills.” 

She wouldn’t actually know anything about saving lives, of course, though. It wasn’t like that was on her resume. She was more the type to watch it happen, scream in horror, and faint, and she could admit that to herself, even if she’d never admit it to anyone else. 

“I think that an active body needs an active mind as well. That’s why I went into psychology.” 

Psychology? While Eloisa hadn’t had any involvement in psychology, they regarded it as something of a soft science. A science yes, but any subject that could be taught as a bachelor of science or could be taught as a bachelor of art had to be soft.

Knowing it was important their roommate liked them, Eloisa figured they should avoid that topic.

Eloisa gently detached themselves from the dance.

“Well, I should go find my sister. It’s been lovely talking to you, and I will see you again for moving day”

[aestheticalspace]

[investedinthestars]

mariana-walton‌:

Mari couldn’t really say she was an expert in secrets. However, she was definitely well versed in the sense that she carried her own and that she knew how to pry them from the tight grip their owners held. She was about to respond to them but they were being called into attention. Muttering a quick farewell, she got into the line where they were handing out the cards. After receiving her own, she made her way to an uncrowded part of the wall to have a peek. Flipping the card over, she could barely hold in her gasp. She tried masking it by turning it into a little cough. Now was not the time to be trapped in her thoughts. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she steeled her resolve.

She was about to find her way to her designated partner when she saw them walking toward her. “Well this is surprising,” she said  quite amused by this situation. “To answer your earlier question, it takes of a mix of looking good and being confident - both of which I am.” She tucked the card into her carefully into clutch lest anyone see it. “Why don’t we go somewhere to hatch our grand plan?”

Eloisa could hardly contain the emotions threatening to boil over inside them, but they shoved them down to consider later. Maybe they could show their sister, but not now. Not here.

Their partner, Mariana, hardly seemed affected at all. Eloisa was glad they had the sense to hid there panic, they didn't need Mariana thinking she’d been stuck with a useless partner for such a big task.

Forcing a fake grin Eloisa shoved their card into a pocket. “Do you have a place in mind?”

They glanced around suspiciously. The crowds that had seemed loud and humbling before now seemed sharp and dangerous. The mood in the room had shifted so quickly. Eloisa wondered if everyone’s task was so personal.

“We certainly shouldn’t stay here.”

[investedinthestars]

“Hmmm. I’m not sure I should be giving away those kinds of secrets.”

Eloisa looked at the woman in front of them. Like themselves, she didn’t appear to have been startled by the numerous rumours around the Society. She seemed excited. Eloisa could decide if that was good, or dangerous.

“I think the key is to be to curious and logical to bother being afraid. But I want to know your secret. How do you pull it off?”

From the back of the room a woman emerged, in a clean crisp uniform, cutting their conversation short. As they all lined up Eloisa looked for their sister and for their new acquaintance.

When they were handed a card, Eloisa tried to remove and hid the panic they felt and instead focus on their partner. They didn’t need to be okay, they needed to be productive.

Eloisa could see that they were paired with Mariana Walton. They felt their heart drop. They didn't know any Mariana’s unless, maybe? Slowly they made the way back to the excited redhead, a puzzled look on their face. 

“Mariana?’

[investedinthestars]

sunnyhwang‌:

“Really?” The comment made Sunny cock her head to the side and wonder. “I’m pretty sure I’m an introvert, though,” a small laugh fell from her lips as she remembered how she shied away from the other guests that evening. 

“It’s sort of amazing that you cited that fact right away. Oh by the way, did you say Bisset? You must be Nadine’s sibling, right? It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she flashed her warmest smile. There was something interesting about her new acquaintance. The fact that Eloisa mentioned a fun fact before introducing themselves endeared Sunny, and she assumed that they were feeling as awkward as she was at this party.

“Oh, I received an invitation from the society, but not much was written on it. Did you get invited the same way?” 

Eloisa had to smile. Anyone who appreciated their trivia made it onto Eloisa’s good books. Their facts were so often not appreciated, which seemed odd. It was an opportunity to learn.

The fact there was someone else struggling with the social aspects of this party was a relief. Eloisa could feel the dread slipping from their shoulders as they talked with sunny.

“I also got an invitation. They certainly could have made things clearer. If you don’t mind, how do you know my sister?”

[investedinthestars]

nadinebisset‌:

Nadine allowed them to pull her towards the edge of the room, brow furrowing in confusion and concern. “Eloisa– what–” She gets cut off with an answer to her question. “Oh. Hm.” Nadine’s gaze flits around the room, to the familiar faces and to those unfamiliar. She’ll admit – she’s not quite sure what such a group of people brings to the table. It can’t all be academic success; she knows that she’s at the top of her department and Eloisa is at the top of their’s. There has to be something else binding them all together, but she hasn’t the faintest idea what. 

“I… don’t know,” she eventually admits, looking back towards her sibling. “I could take a guess, but I think you’re right. I think everyone’s accomplishments are different. They must be accomplished in something to be here.” She sighs and before smiling at her sibling. 

“I would try not to worry about it. It’s not every day that we’re invited to such a top notch party. Besides, I’m sure they’ll explain things to us soon enough.” 

Eloisa couldn’t help but feel slightly annoyed by their sister’s lack of curiosity.

Here they were in this amazing building with an amazing secret and she’s rather enjoy the party. If they were any braver, they’d search the place alone. But the thought of some of the odd rumours made them nervous.

Ignoring their sisters request, after a few seconds of silence, Eloisa formed another question.

“I have been doing some reading on the Society. Normally I wouldn’t site rumors but that’s really all I could find. Isn’t it odd?”

[investedinthestars]

christinerosalindglass‌:

Christine could have laughed at the blatant envy in Eloisa’s eyes, but she figured it was in everyone’s best interest not to. She loved seeing it though. It was nice to know that, despite everything, she could still be envied, and the fact that it was her roommate who was going to be doing the coveting made it just that much better. She’d get to taste that bit all semester. 

“I’ve never really cared for IQ tests,” she said casually. “I’d say that whatever you do comes from your own work, not some innate ability. The people here are those who put in the time and effort to be the best, not those who are naturally gifted. I mean, do you think this,” she asked, leaning forward and extending her leg directly into the air, “comes without years of work? I highly doubt that your academics just appeared in your head either.” 

She frowned at the final question. “I left Paris because it felt silly to stay uneducated. Classless. I felt that regardless of skill, it’s important to pursue higher learning.” 

Eloisa did have to agree, although school wasn’t nearly as difficult as it was to some, they still had to work for their perfect grades.

“If you didn’t have to work for it, does it even count as an achievement?” Eloisa muses our loud. They want to mention that IQ actually isn’t an inate ability, and can be increased with work, but the don’t get the chance as Christine answers their question.

They frown softly. Of course Elosia thinks education is the most important thing, and many times in their childhood their parents made them give up a hobby they enjoyed to focus on school, but it seems like a shame anyways. Christine was really really good.

“Well I can’t disagree, education is very important.”

[investedinthestars]

Elosia has become bored of conversations, bored of traveling around the dance floors and started searching out a good place to relax unbothered. They could make out someone sitting alone. Maybe this stranger would now something more about the Lethe house society. Maybe he could help them find out.

“This place certainly is extravagant. Whoever invited us here spared no expense.”

They sat down next to him while he fired of a question of his own.

“The party? I suppose it’s to get us all acquainted. But if you mean The Society as a whole, I really couldn’t tell you. And i don’t like not knowing.”

[investedinthestars]

[investedinthestars]

sunnyhwang‌:

It felt like a scene in a movie–a stately ancient house filled with beautiful people dancing in its ballroom. For the most part, Sunny was the scene’s mere audience. Most of the beautiful people seemed to exude an air of assurance–gliding down the ballroom without a hint of insecurity, that Sunny didn’t feel confident enough to burst into their bubble. She stayed at the corner. Her eyes scouted the room for possible anomalies in the scene, hoping to find a kindred soul. Across the room, she scouted a face as overwhelmed as she is. Packing her little confidence and minimal skill in small talk, she approached the figure with a small smile. “Hi there, I’m Sunny. I came over because you looked sort of overwhelmed, and I’m also overwhelmed, so maybe we can bond over that?” She chuckled awkwardly at her rambly reply, hoping it came out friendly enough.

Eloisa turned away from the crowds of people to Sunny and smiled glumly. “Forty percent of people believe they are introverts. It seems hard to believe at parties like these.”

They remembered that listing facts didn’t really count as a greeting. Their parents had raised them with better manners, so they quickly corrected themself. “Hello, I’m Eloisa Bisset. It’s good to meet you and i do think we can bond.”

And then because curiosity got the better of them they asked “What brings you to the Lethe House Society?”

[investedinthestars]

christinerosalindglass‌:

Christine looked up at Eloisa, raising a brow, and moving closer. “I know that name,”  she said softly, searching their eyes. “Eloisa Bisset. You’re going to be my roommate, aren’t you? This year.” She spun herself up against Eloisa, flashing a quick smile before spinning back out. Well, this would be an important connection to make if she wanted this year to be even remotely decent. Roommates could make or break an experience. 

“I know,” she giggled, letting a hand rest on Eloisa’s shoulder as she leaned back. “It’s why I’m here in the first place. I’m a ballerina, I performed in the Paris Opera House for two years, and lack of skill was not why I left.” She twirled once more, before pulling Eloisa’s hand out, and leaning forward into an arabesque, drawing her roommate’s knuckles up to her lips, her eyes glittering.

“And, what did you do to win your place here?”

A touch of surprise crossed Eloisa’s face for just a second. If this stranger was their roommate then she must be Christine.

They felt a tinge of annoyance as they watch Christine dancing. She was good, really good. Maybe she was flaunting it or maybe she danced with every step she took naturally, either way, Eloisa knew their own dance moves didn’t compare.

Christine’s question brought them back to the present.

They grinned at the opportunity to bring up an are they were proud of.

“My academics I suppose. Or maybe my genius IQ level. The two go to hand in hand really. And I can imagine you are bringing your dancing skills to the table here at the Lethe House Society.”

They pause for one second and then curiosity wins. “Obviously lack of talent didn't make you leave Paris, so what did?”

[investedinthestars]

nadinebisset‌:

They look just as dazzling as they did when Nadine left the hotel room earlier, but that’s to be expected from her sibling. Polished and on top of presentation – always. It’s the Bisset way. And, despite her irritation at seeing them here, Nadine feels a flash of worry as they start to spout out facts. 

Nadine offers a reassuring smile, a touch on their arm, and kind words. She brushes over their rudeness for now, more than used to it by now. “What, did you think I couldn’t get in?” She winks and smiles, playing it off as a joke. “I’m relieved to see you too. Have you talked to anyone? It’s strange – I know a few of these people. I saw my new roommate!” 

Completing a quick scan of the room Eloisa realized they did recognize a few faces from around campus.

“I suppose I do. None that I have spoken to before.”

They stared at the group of people, dancing talking, eating and gently they took Nadine’s hand in their own and lead her to the edge of the room.

“I’ve been wondering, what made them choose everyone here. I, of course, am outstanding in academics, and you have done quite well for yourself too.” They frown quietly at a small bunch of drunk students.

“But I doubt anyone else here is as accomplished as us. What do you think?”

This was a rare moment, when Eloisa did not have an answer, and instead turned to their sister.

[investedinthestars]