Watcher in Stone

RP Blog for AFKJourney's Professor Zorya.

[professor-zorya]

Yes? How can I be of assistance?

Remember to adhere to campus rules. There may not be stupid questions, but there certainly are inappropriate ones.

𓆩✦•················•✦•··················•✦𓆪

Welcome to this little blog for Professor Zorya. She's post-TOM main story, so check the rules for more details (spoilers), but she will always adjust to the person talking to her, should there be a need.

She's a gargoyle and cold as stone, but don't be afraid to approach her. She's very kind at heart. :3

See you at her next midnight lecture!

[professor-zorya]

The air grew still for a moment... when Professor Zorya asked a few questions. Such... questions which left Them ponder, for quite awhile.

Then... a chuckle could be heard beside her,

"My, my... Professor, I do not expect to be interrogated at the Cemetery. Ahh... it reminds me of Morgan The First, as He, once... inquire about my well-being as well. ... No matter, I would provide some necessary responses for you."

A pause... as the calm voice cleared Their throat,

"... Indeed, I am... one of the members of the Arcane Council... of the forgotten Era. In short, I made a vow infront of Dura, The Goddess of Life, to monitor the current Merlins of my realm... 'till the end of time, as my soul, now... reside within one of The Magister Merlin's vessel."

"... He has a higher chance to lose control of himself, as it is my... responsibility to monitor him."

A sigh could be heard beside her, when she questioned if They didn't trust the members of the Arcane Council.

"Professor Zorya... Verily, I... trust all of you as I am ever so grateful that the Arcane Council, still operates with autonomy, even when The Magister Merlin were... in deep slumber, for twenty years."

and... the calm voice became slightly faded at the end.

That is indeed a long time ago. And all that time, you have watched over him? I am sure, your presence is invaluable to all of us then.

Magister Kafka is not without his own struggles, I know this very well. If you protect him from the nightmares that haunt him, then you have my profound thanks.

I have misjudged you then. Please accept my apologies. As you have noted, the members of the Arcane Council act with autonomy, without mutual surveillance. Trust, just as much as secrecy, is necessary. As Bedivere, I will ensure that our rites and purpose are preserved for the future of the Arcane Council - for the sake of Esperia.

[professor-zorya]

@whitewolf-undeadexpert

(Ooc Disclaimer: Please take your time to respond, you amazing human. No, he is not trying to start a fight, he's just... a little spooked, lol.) The graveyard is quiet. Quiet, with the exception of the trees rattling from the wind that blows quietly. The sound of footsteps shattered the quiet of the graveyard. Faramor walked inside. Reports say the sighting of a gargoyle was reported roaming the cemetery once every few days. He was hired by a few students to capture a photo of the gargoyle just for their work project for the Lyceum. Faramor was more than happy to help. He examined each statue as he arrived.

All made of strong craftsmanship. Faramor's eyes fell on one statue, it matched the description the students had given him. The statue, was beautiful, Faramor would not deny that. Yet, something seemed off. A faint familiar scent hit his nose, and his head tilted. The scent was ghastly, almost like a Graveborn. Faramor shook his head, his eyes scanning. The scent was of death but there was no sign of any Graveborn magic. His mind was racing, so he forced himself to take a breath. "𝒞𝒶𝓁𝓂 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝐹𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓇, 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝓈 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉. 𝐼𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉... 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒. 𝒫𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓈, 𝒾𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓃𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓉𝓊𝑒."

Faramor paused, pulling out a flower he had picked on the way here. Faramor set the flower on the book the statue held and bowed, "𝐼 𝒶𝓅𝑜𝓁𝑜𝑔𝒾𝓏𝑒, 𝑀𝒾𝓈𝓈, 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝓇𝓊𝓅𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉."

He decided to take the photo, but as he searched through the bag, he could not find the camera. "𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝑜𝒹𝒹. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒶 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝑔𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓈... 𝑔𝑜𝓃𝑒." That, is when he noticed, a black bat with green eyes sitting on the head of the statue. It was just staring at the Wilder. He turned his head away, contemplating if he tells the students they were wrong about what they had heard, but when he turned back... The statue was gone. He had hardly closed his eyes. Faramor knew that was cue for "the dead do not like being woken up randomly". He went to return to the students to let them know the good and the bad news, but as he turned to leave, his ears twitched, alerting him to the presence behind him. He turned around just to ask one question.

"𝐸𝓍𝒸𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓈, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒶 𝒾𝓈? 𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑒. 𝒜 𝒻𝑒𝓌 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐿𝓎𝒸𝑒𝓊𝓂 𝒽𝒾𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝑜𝓃 𝒶 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓃. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒𝓉𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝓈. 𝒵𝑜𝓇𝓎𝒶'𝓈 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓈. 𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌."

Interesting. Truly.

*Zorya studies Faramor's attire, his weapon, and the book by his hip. He clearly is not a simple traveller but judging by the grace and calm which he displays, he is no ordinary hunter, or perhaps poacher, either.*

I am Professor Zorya. And you do intrigue me. Your presence here is curious. You claim some students of the Lyceum have send you here to aid them in their assignment. Is that truly all there is? Your appearance bears purpose beyond simply visiting. What are you after?

Furthermore, what you say is of concern. Your readiness to help is honorable, but the students should not seek external aid. There is no need to reveal their names, but I shall remind all my students about the importance of academic integrity.

[whitewolf-undeadexpert]

"𝐼𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝒻𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑜𝓇 𝒵𝑜𝓇𝓎𝒶. 𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒, 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓅𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝓎 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎, 𝒾𝓃𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓂𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓎𝓁𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓎𝒶𝓇𝒹, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎... 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓁𝓎𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒻𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑜𝓇. 𝐼 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓊𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓎𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌."

Faramor said, pausing, she could clearly tell he was a hunter. Techincally, Faramor was sightseeing Holt Street after leaving Cedartown when the students came up to him, they loved his attire and said he was the perfect wilder to ask.

"𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹 "𝓌𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒 𝓅𝒽𝑜𝓉𝑜 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓁𝓎𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓎, 𝓌𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝒻𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒵𝑜𝓇𝓎𝒶." 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒸𝓉, 𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒹𝓊𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐿𝓎𝒸𝑒𝓊𝓂. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈𝑒𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝒞𝑒𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑜𝓌𝓃? 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑒𝓉𝒸𝒽 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑒𝑔𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹. 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝑀𝑒𝓇𝓁𝒾𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂." He paused, and then paused. That flower he had placed on her book... was it gone? It would not be the end of the world, but it would be saddening, just a little bit. "𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒶, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒾𝓉. 𝐵𝓊𝓉... 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒹𝑜 𝐼 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓁𝓎𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉?"

[professor-zorya]

There is no need. I have located a small device earlier and left it in my study. It is likely the camera that you seek. Since you have offered me this flower, I am happy to return the lost item to you.

You are quick to help. An admirable trait. You are free to roam the area around the Lyceum, but beware entering Lyceum grounds. Without a day-pass you will find yourself troubled and escorted by the school's guards. Please wait at the entrance to state your business, and you may be granted temporary entry.

You are from Cedartown? I have old acquaintances there but... we have been out of touch for some time. It is long time since I met someone familiar with that place. How are the people there, if I may so inquire?

[whitewolf-undeadexpert]

Faramor nods.

“𝐼𝓃𝒹𝑒𝑒𝒹. 𝒲𝑒𝓁𝓁… 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓇𝓉?” He asked, thinking of the way to explain what happened. “𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝒞𝑒𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑜𝓌𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓆𝓊𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝒾𝓂𝑒. 𝒴𝑒𝓈, 𝐼…” he paused, “𝐼 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀 𝒶𝓈 𝒶 𝒽𝓊𝓃𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒹𝓊𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓃𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈, 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓊𝓃𝒹𝑒𝒶𝒹 𝑔𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒹𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓀𝑒𝓅𝓉 𝓅𝑜𝓅𝓅𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓊𝓅 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒸𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓇 𝒶𝓉𝓉𝒶𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒸𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓁𝒾𝒶𝓃𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒶𝓇𝓂𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝑜𝓀𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓁𝒶𝓇 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝑒𝓈 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓃 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝒟𝒾𝓋𝒾𝓃𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓇...”

Faramor was not proud of himself. He bared a lot of shame and regret and he was trying his best to learn from his mistakes. 

“𝐿𝑜𝑜𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀, 𝒾𝓉… 𝒾𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓈𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓊𝒹 𝑜𝒻.”

Faramor continued before speaking. “𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒟𝓊𝒸𝒽𝓎 𝑜𝒻 𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓉𝑒𝓇𝒾𝒹𝑔𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝓇𝑒𝒸𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓇𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓁𝑜𝓌𝓁𝓎. 𝒫𝓇𝒾𝓃𝒸𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒴𝑜𝓁𝑒𝓃𝒶, 𝒽𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓃𝒸𝓊𝓇𝒶𝒷𝓁𝑒 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝒻𝒻 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝓃𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑜𝒸𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓈 𝓉𝓇𝒾𝑒𝒹, 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝑔𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓌𝑒𝒶𝓀𝑒𝓇 𝒷𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓎. 𝒪𝓃𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓎, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓅𝒶𝓈𝓈 𝒶𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝓎 𝓂𝒾𝓃𝓊𝓉𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓃𝑒𝓍𝓉 𝒹𝒶𝓎? 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝒾𝒸𝓀𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝓃𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒾𝓃𝒻𝓁𝒾𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝓊𝓅𝑜𝓃 𝒽𝑒𝓇. 𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓃𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒷𝒶𝒸𝓀 𝓉𝑜 𝒾𝓉, 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓆𝓊𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓃𝑔𝑒.”

Faramor then had to explain what he was told by the magister. That the next Cedartown festival at first went fine, but there was a scare at the evening dance right before the statue was revealed. Then the days kept repeating in a loop, and eventually he passed out, which would later be revealed to him that he was turned into a snowman. He was not happy about that.

He told Zorya about Valka, a graveborn, who had fought in the first divine war, was the one who saved Cedartown. That she was one of the only few not affected by the time loop, and she defeated Cryonaia, who was possessing the body of princess Yolena, who had passed away a year before. Merlin pointed out that they only sealed her away, Valka was the one who defeated her and made sure she couldn’t escape so Merlin could seal her properly. That, she protected Cedartown from evil and solemnly vows never to hurt the innocent, to stop the wicked. It is clear by his tone of voice that he holds her in high regard. 

“𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒫𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒞𝑒𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑜𝓌𝓃, 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝓊𝒶𝓇𝒹𝓈, 𝓌𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝓌𝑒 𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒶 𝑔𝓇𝑒𝒶𝓉 𝒹𝑒𝒷𝓉. 𝒮𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓉𝑒𝒸𝓉𝑒𝒹 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒, 𝒶𝓃𝒹, 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒸𝒽𝑜𝓈𝑒𝓃 𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓂𝓅𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝑜𝒻 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓁𝑜𝓇𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝒹𝑒𝒶𝓉𝒽.”

“𝒜𝓈 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒱𝒶𝓁𝑒𝓈𝒶 𝒻𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎, 𝓌𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓃𝒹𝒾𝓇𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓋𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒶𝑔𝑒. 𝐵𝑒𝒸𝒶𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓈𝒽𝑒’𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒹𝑒𝓈𝒸𝑒𝓃𝒹𝒶𝓃𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉, 𝓈𝒽𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝒷𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓈𝑒𝒹 𝒷𝓎 𝒞𝒶𝓅𝓉𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝑅𝑜𝒹𝓇𝒾𝑔𝑜.” Faramor then explained the situation with the Graveborns relationship with the people of Whiteridge was slowly improving. He also explained that some of the staff was saved but amongst the staff, Court Mage at the time being Cyran, he was not there amongst the staff when dealing with the transformed castle. He found it… concerning. Merlin told him not to worry about it.

“𝐼 𝒷𝑒𝓁𝒾𝑒𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓈𝓊𝓂𝓈 𝓊𝓅 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝓆𝓊𝒾𝓉𝑒 𝓌𝑒𝓁𝓁, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒾𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝓇𝒾𝒻𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓉𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝑜𝓃, 𝓅𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓈𝒶𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝒹.”

[professor-zorya]

I am truly stunned to hear all this. That such events should be at all possible...

I have been at the Lyceum for quite some time now, and news of the world frankly rarely reach us here. And given our own struggles, perhaps I should be not quite that surprised.

General Valka. I am very pleased to hear that she finally found the closure she needed. And that Merlin was able to support her. It appears that long before they announced their return officially, Merlin returned to action immediately upon waking.

And fret not about your change of heart. Graveborn are not always that agreeable and your position does still hold merit. You have gained an insight beyond that of many, able to truly differentiate between those Graveborn that have decayed or been corrupted in thought - and those who have retained their reason and respect for life.

We are beyond even Death himself. So it takes hunters like you to reunite us with him, and allow the cycle of Life and Death to continue. I am glad you helped my old acquaintances to live peacefully where so possible - and to die where so needed.

[professor-zorya]

A hum could be heard beside Professor Zorya.

"Ahh... I see... ... He does not meddle with the occasions of the Serene Lyceum, only remain within the Lyceum Cemetery. ... As expected of Sir Morgan, as 'twas, indeed... the duties of the Current, Magister Merlin, not Morgan The First."

A few, last words became a whisper... as the calm voice, now... taking note of the visitor with a pink cloak which was having a conversation with Morgan at the moment.

"No matter, Professor Zorya, as he... seemed to be quite occupied at the moment."

The calm voice cleared Their throat a bit, as They... continued,

"Professor Zorya, to be honest... I am here to express my gratitude... for all your hardwork that you had fulfilled for the Serene Lyceum, as the Professor, the current Headmistress and even... ... as the current, Sixth Seat of the Arcane Council, Bedivere. I am... ever so proud of you."

The calm voice became a whisper, yet again, when mentioning about the Arcane Council, as the autumn coloured Maple leaves circled around Professor Zorya by the gentle breeze.

"... Ahh... responsibility. How I wish to run away from it... for a long time. ... To confine myself within the Stellar Spire and indulge in my own research..."

The calm voice muttered then letting out a long sigh.

Hm, you are very observant. And you hold knowledge the fewest are privy to. You certainly are no ordinary soul.

...

*For a moment Zorya stops. A purposeful pause before her next words.*

You are an ancestor of ours, I presume? Part of the Arcane Council yourself when you were still present? Can you not move on? What still keeps you here, burdened to witness the plight of the mortals?

You have yourself thanked me for my work as a Council member. Do you... perhaps not trust us? Merlin? Is it the research you mentioned?

[professor-zorya]

A gold tin finds itself at Zorya’s feet in the graveyard. Attached to it is an envelope: pink, scented with rose, and undoubtable in who it may be from.

“Dear Professor-And-Now-Headmistress Zorya,

Thank you for all the years of support and teaching you’ve given me. I know it might not seem like it sometimes, but I really do like your classes and pay attention! Yes, even the time you caught me using magic to have my quill take notes for me…

But that’s what I like about you. You pushed me to be better and didn’t give up on me. Some of the professors let me paint my nails in class and…I don’t think they assumed I’d fail…but they let me just…pass. You always demanded I do better, and while it was annoying sometimes…I really appreciated that you cared enough to recognize when I was letting my mana work for me instead of using it to be better.

So…don’t tell anybody, but…I’m going to miss you and your classes now that I’ve graduated. A lot. Promise not to cry for me? Then I won’t cry either.

I hope someday I can visit you again, or you can come to my home and see me and tell me one more time that I’m doing good…but you know I can do great.

Thank you for everything.

Your favorite noble alumna,

Lady Serena Vaile XOXO <3

P.S—I hope you enjoy the stone polish in this tin. It’s the best quality I could find and will keep your skin nice and shiny and sparkling.”

Serena...

*With a very soft expression Zorya rereads the letter a few times. She is not exactly the straight-forward type, but she is not lacking a heart. Letters like these are among her most treasured possessions. The tin containing the stone polish is acknowledged with a simple nod and placed onto her work desk. It shall be used shortly.*

*The letter, however, Zorya carefully enchants. After all, it will have to last for some time. She steps close to her bookshelf and reaches for one of the books higher up. In fine gold print a title is written on its cover - "Like Wind Through My Heart". Zorya's eyes trace the title before she opens the book, revealing that quite a few pages are cut hollow at their center. It leaves enough space for other items to be placed well protected between the covers. The letter fits the space perfectly.*

There. May your story be as beautiful as that of your favorite book. I very much look forward to witness it unfold.

*Zorya gently closes the book and places it back onto the shelf. With still a warm smile on her stone cold lips, she returns to her desk. A thank you is needed in return, regardless of how short it might be.*

To Lady Serena Vailes May the warm winds of Esperia waft through your heart and quicken your mind - let your wings carry you far and beyond the horizon. Always with you, Zorya

[professor-zorya]

"Thank you, Professor. It would not take long."

A pause... then followed by a sigh.

"... 'A restless soul', you say? ... I could not deny that statement, as I do feel ever so... restless nowadays."

The calm voice sounded slightly upset... and asked, softly,

"Professor Zorya, have you seen a vagabond around here? He has a black, wavy... messy hair, some bandages wrapped around his arms and... claims to know quite well about the Arcane Council."

"What do you think of him, thus far?"

Then... The harsh caw of the crows could be heard on one of the tombstones of the Lyceum Cemetery.

...

*For a moment Zorya remains quiet. How come the soul knows of and has an interest in Morgan? Then she subtly shakes her head. Graveborn or restless soul, the dead are always connected to Death himself. Perhaps her surprise is unfounded.*

You are referring to Morgan. Yes, I have seen him. His presence is certainly unexpected but he appears to be an observer only, without intention to meddle in our affairs. He has announced his visit to be only temporary.

Do you require his assistance? I am certain he is willing to listen to you. Now that I am sharing this graveyard with him, I can guide you to him.

[professor-zorya]

A gentle breeze passed through the Lyceum Cemetery, where the ever so familiar Gargoyle sat still amongst the other statues.

A voice... a calm voice whispered near the Gargoyle, with an adorable, tiny bat closing her eyes on its head... probably taking a nap.

"Good Evening, Professor Zorya. ... My apologies for interrupting your brief rest before your class session."

A pause... as a pat on her head was given, ever so lightly...

"Do you have a moment for... a brief conversation?"

The calm voice asked, as the leaves on tree swayed a bit due to the passing breeze.

*Zorya's attention follows the breeze, as it rustles the leaves of the nearby tree. Her contemplation may have to wait, it seems.*

Good Evening. I suppose I can spare a few minutes. You are not the first restless soul to seek my company for a short while.

So, what is it that you wish to discuss?

[serenaofesperia]

Serena... there has been a curious individual at the graveyard recently. A vagabond, harmless to students and teachers, despite his ragged appearance. Yet, when I saw him stare at an empty slot and asked him about it, he replied it was a good spot for you, specifically. There is no need for alarm, I am certain, but I do wonder... are you acquainted with him? I do not remember to have seen his face among your circle of... contacts.

*Professor Zorya approaches Serena on campus just after the lectures had ended.*

@professor-zorya

"Professor Zorya!"

Serena rolls her eyes at the mention of the "vagabond"...undoubtedly Morgan...

"Okay, so, like, he's totally just some weird homeless guy living in our graveyard. Super concerning. He's just a fan of me like everybody else, which is no biggie. Tries to mention death a lot to scare people off or something. So lame. But...he tried saying he was a teacher, and I know someone that grungy would never be on faculty.

"........right?"

[professor-zorya]

No, indeed. He is extremely knowledgeable and capable, but his ... people skills are perhaps not quite adequate for a school.

So you have simply run into him in the graveyard, like many of the other students? Then I was too hasty in my assumptions.

I will tolerate his presence for a while longer. If he does trouble you or your friends, however, please let me know and I shall take care of it.

[lyceumalchemistprofessor]

Fernando, here is the ghost essence you have requested. I will be unable to harvest any more from the graveyard for some time, so do use it sparingly.

(@professor-zorya)

Ah! Madame Zorya, a pleasure, truly!

Look at this... Pure ghost essence, right on my fingertips. I frankly didn't think I'd be able to have this request fulfilled! I know such an intimate ingredient isn't so easily plucked off the yard. So worry not! This will be handled with the utmost care...

Though! I do have another request for you, if you don't mind it.

You are free to decline it of course! But worry not, it doesn't involve any form of harvesting. I just need a more, analytical eye to help with my predicament. Now, of course, I don't want to waste your time with this. So if you have something you must do first, I'm more than willing to wait.

[professor-zorya]

Yes, of course. I am always at my colleague's disposal just as much as for the students. What do you need help with?

Don't tell me you wish to put forward yet another request for funding your ambitious little projects?

[professor-zorya]

@dawnethekeeper

"Zorya, you have to be kidding me..." Dawne's paper had been failed. Dawne got a C. A C+ on her assignment for how hypogeans work, though admittedly, answering "What is the best way to deal with Hypogeans?" with "The best course stabbing it was not the best action.

And now she had to see Zorya. Ugh

"Professor Zorya, I will not waste our time. I got a C on one of your assignments. Also-" Zorya was just staring. Good news, no detention. Bad News? Dawne would be getting tutoring. The one thing Dawne hates. So much, she never shows up. And she has gotten away with it.

Until now.

Ah, Dawne. I am glad you have accepted the responsibility to come and seek me over the result of your paper.

Tell me, how have you prepared for this assignment? I noticed a discrepancy between that which we have discussed in my lectures and what you have written. Do not get me wrong, you may, of course, do your best to oppose that which is taught here at the Lyceum, but your reasoning was flawed and lacked supportive evidence.

Especially your idea of 'stabbing the Hypogean'. If you had invested more time and thought into explaining that to your reader, then your assessment might have been better.

So, if you were me... what would you do to help you improve on your writing and thought processes?

[ananas-sloth]

🦇📖

[professor-zorya]

*This has been added to Zorya's personal collection.*

[a-lyoshka]

pencil Zorya👀✏️

[professor-zorya]

*This sketch has been added to Zorya's private collection.*

[maestro-rainbow]

AFK Contest submission !!! I hope the google form actually went through, because it lagged last minute and it’s too late to submit a new one 😔

[professor-zorya]

*This lovely piece has been added to Zorya's private collection.*

[loremaster]

character detail shots from my contest entry for the afkj creator’s cup! big big thanks to my partner for helping me submit this beast in time!

the style of this game really is a huge inspiration for me and studying the designs in detail was a whole lot of fun! the parts that were the most intimidating at first (pippa, leymar, cyran’s outfit, the lake background) ended up being the most satisfying to paint!

in case you’re wondering who my favorite character from tower of memory is… well, probably the one i’ve written 50k+ words about. but that’s a story for another time…

[professor-zorya]

*This large, incredible piece has been added to Zorya's private collection.*

[coffeemilksadness]

Not so Royalty Behaviour

fr Haru

[professor-zorya]

*This picture has been added to Zorya's private collection.*

[professor-zorya]

@whitewolf-undeadexpert

(Ooc Disclaimer: Please take your time to respond, you amazing human. No, he is not trying to start a fight, he's just... a little spooked, lol.) The graveyard is quiet. Quiet, with the exception of the trees rattling from the wind that blows quietly. The sound of footsteps shattered the quiet of the graveyard. Faramor walked inside. Reports say the sighting of a gargoyle was reported roaming the cemetery once every few days. He was hired by a few students to capture a photo of the gargoyle just for their work project for the Lyceum. Faramor was more than happy to help. He examined each statue as he arrived.

All made of strong craftsmanship. Faramor's eyes fell on one statue, it matched the description the students had given him. The statue, was beautiful, Faramor would not deny that. Yet, something seemed off. A faint familiar scent hit his nose, and his head tilted. The scent was ghastly, almost like a Graveborn. Faramor shook his head, his eyes scanning. The scent was of death but there was no sign of any Graveborn magic. His mind was racing, so he forced himself to take a breath. "𝒞𝒶𝓁𝓂 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇𝓈𝑒𝓁𝒻 𝐹𝒶𝓇𝒶𝓂𝑜𝓇, 𝓅𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒶𝓈 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓉𝒽𝒸𝑜𝓂𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒶𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓉𝒽𝑜𝓊𝑔𝒽𝓉. 𝐼𝓉 𝒹𝑜𝑒𝓈 𝓃𝑜𝓉... 𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝒶𝓇 𝓁𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒. 𝒫𝑒𝓇𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓈, 𝒾𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝒶 𝓃𝑜𝓇𝓂𝒶𝓁 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓉𝓊𝑒."

Faramor paused, pulling out a flower he had picked on the way here. Faramor set the flower on the book the statue held and bowed, "𝐼 𝒶𝓅𝑜𝓁𝑜𝑔𝒾𝓏𝑒, 𝑀𝒾𝓈𝓈, 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒹𝒾𝓈𝓇𝓊𝓅𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉."

He decided to take the photo, but as he searched through the bag, he could not find the camera. "𝐻𝑜𝓌 𝑜𝒹𝒹. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒶 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓃𝑔 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝑔𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝒾𝓈... 𝑔𝑜𝓃𝑒." That, is when he noticed, a black bat with green eyes sitting on the head of the statue. It was just staring at the Wilder. He turned his head away, contemplating if he tells the students they were wrong about what they had heard, but when he turned back... The statue was gone. He had hardly closed his eyes. Faramor knew that was cue for "the dead do not like being woken up randomly". He went to return to the students to let them know the good and the bad news, but as he turned to leave, his ears twitched, alerting him to the presence behind him. He turned around just to ask one question.

"𝐸𝓍𝒸𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒾𝓈𝓈, 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒶 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒶 𝒾𝓈? 𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒻𝒾𝓃𝑒. 𝒜 𝒻𝑒𝓌 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒻𝓇𝑜𝓂 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐿𝓎𝒸𝑒𝓊𝓂 𝒽𝒾𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝑜𝓃 𝒶 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓌𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝑜𝓃. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝒸𝑜𝓂𝓅𝓁𝑒𝓉𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓉𝑒𝒶𝒸𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝑀𝓈. 𝒵𝑜𝓇𝓎𝒶'𝓈 𝒸𝓁𝒶𝓈𝓈. 𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓉, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓁𝑒𝓉𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝑒 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌."

Interesting. Truly.

*Zorya studies Faramor's attire, his weapon, and the book by his hip. He clearly is not a simple traveller but judging by the grace and calm which he displays, he is no ordinary hunter, or perhaps poacher, either.*

I am Professor Zorya. And you do intrigue me. Your presence here is curious. You claim some students of the Lyceum have send you here to aid them in their assignment. Is that truly all there is? Your appearance bears purpose beyond simply visiting. What are you after?

Furthermore, what you say is of concern. Your readiness to help is honorable, but the students should not seek external aid. There is no need to reveal their names, but I shall remind all my students about the importance of academic integrity.

[whitewolf-undeadexpert]

"𝐼𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝒶 𝓅𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝓂𝑒𝑒𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝒻𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑜𝓇 𝒵𝑜𝓇𝓎𝒶. 𝒫𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓈𝑒, 𝒹𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓅𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓈𝒽 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓂𝓎 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎, 𝒾𝓃𝒻𝑜𝓇𝓂𝑒𝒹 𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒶 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓎𝓁𝑒 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝓇𝒶𝓋𝑒𝓎𝒶𝓇𝒹, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎... 𝓁𝑒𝒻𝓉 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓁𝓎𝑒 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝒾𝓇 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒻𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑜𝓇. 𝐼 𝒶𝓈𝓈𝓊𝓂𝑒 𝓂𝒶𝓎𝒷𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓀𝓃𝑜𝓌."

Faramor said, pausing, she could clearly tell he was a hunter. Techincally, Faramor was sightseeing Holt Street after leaving Cedartown when the students came up to him, they loved his attire and said he was the perfect wilder to ask.

"𝒯𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒿𝑒𝒸𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹 "𝓌𝑒 𝒿𝓊𝓈𝓉 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹 𝒶 𝓈𝒾𝓃𝑔𝓁𝑒 𝓅𝒽𝑜𝓉𝑜 𝑜𝒻 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓁𝓎𝑒. 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓎, 𝓌𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒾𝓂𝓅𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒫𝓇𝑜𝒻𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒵𝑜𝓇𝓎𝒶." 𝒯𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒾𝓈 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓎 𝓈𝒶𝒾𝒹. 𝒴𝑜𝓊 𝒶𝓇𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓇𝓇𝑒𝒸𝓉, 𝐼 𝒶𝓂 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝒽𝑒𝓇𝑒 𝒹𝓊𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝐿𝓎𝒸𝑒𝓊𝓂. 𝐼 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶𝒸𝓉𝓊𝒶𝓁𝓁𝓎 𝓈𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉𝓈𝑒𝑒𝒾𝓃𝑔. 𝒜𝒻𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓅𝑒𝓃𝑒𝒹 𝒾𝓃 𝒞𝑒𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑜𝓌𝓃? 𝐼 𝓃𝑒𝑒𝒹𝑒𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝑒𝓉𝒸𝒽 𝓂𝓎 𝓁𝑒𝑔𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹. 𝐼 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓃𝓀 𝑀𝑒𝓇𝓁𝒾𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓈𝑒𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓂." He paused, and then paused. That flower he had placed on her book... was it gone? It would not be the end of the world, but it would be saddening, just a little bit. "𝐼𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓈𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓂𝑒𝓇𝒶, 𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝐼 𝓌𝒾𝓁𝓁 𝒽𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝓉𝑜 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓈𝓉𝓊𝒹𝑒𝓃𝓉 𝓉𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝐼 𝓁𝑜𝓈𝓉 𝒾𝓉. 𝐵𝓊𝓉... 𝒽𝑜𝓌 𝒹𝑜 𝐼 𝑒𝓍𝓅𝓁𝒶𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑔𝒶𝓇𝑔𝑜𝓁𝓎𝑒 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉?"

[professor-zorya]

There is no need. I have located a small device earlier and left it in my study. It is likely the camera that you seek. Since you have offered me this flower, I am happy to return the lost item to you.

You are quick to help. An admirable trait. You are free to roam the area around the Lyceum, but beware entering Lyceum grounds. Without a day-pass you will find yourself troubled and escorted by the school's guards. Please wait at the entrance to state your business, and you may be granted temporary entry.

You are from Cedartown? I have old acquaintances there but... we have been out of touch for some time. It is long time since I met someone familiar with that place. How are the people there, if I may so inquire?

[kstarsarts]

Hello Star. Fortunate that we meet. Remember, despite the circumstances, your assignment is due at midnight today. 

(@professor-zorya)

Prof Z what!?—I'm glad you're finally out from the bars but we're still pretending to be teacher and student???

Ain't no way you're still giving me assignments after I graduated years ago.

(Whisper) Or is this a code??? You have to clarify me, y'know.

—Orrrrrrr maybe you're trying to get back at me with a joke after all the jokes I made during that whole fiasco of an investigation! or maybe during when I was still your student hehe!

@professor-zorya

[professor-zorya]

...

*Zorya's expression does not lighten up. In fact, there might be a slight narrowing of her eyes, increasing the tensity of her stare.*

*She then gently leans forward as she responds, as seriously as she can.*

As long as you have a student badge, and are signed up for my courses, you are obligated to follow the rules and participate in all summative tests and exams required for your evaluation.

Or you may request from Headmistress Durella to be reinstated as a practicing teacher. This would override your status as student. In which case, I am looking forward to your classes starting tomorrow. I am sure there are many eager students ready to visit your lectures.

[magister-star]

*unfazed by Zorya's stare, Star's expression remains the same*

*Star slowly leaned upward forward, matching Zorya's action with an even brighter expression*

And what if I swallow the student badge right nowww? That would be bad, riiiggghhht?

Ooooorrr do you really miss me being your class clown???

Does that mean you want another round of "psychological scars" from me?

Remembering back then, I thought I was going to get expelled from the Lyceum after I accidentally set a fire on your head which I have to gift you a tiny hat to cover the burnt area as an apology.

If I continue being a student, I guess I have to prepare a bunch of different hats for you.

[professor-zorya]

Of all the things to remember, it is this?

You better not exhaust your powers needlessly then. You must be on your guard, now that you have announced your return publicly.

I suppose your student duties can wait. For now.

*There is a strange twinkle in Zorya's gargoyle eyes and it seems the bat upon her head is quietly giggling. Zorya may have lost her little prank to the best prankster she has come to know, but the moment of ever so gentle confusion was worth the shot.*

[magister-star]

*Star chuckled before pausing.*

I've been thinking of enrolling Chippy and Hammie in the Lyceum.

We both know these two need more room for improvement. I can't risk these hamsters heading to battles unprepared in the future.

So, I've decided to enroll both Chippy and Hammie in the Lyceum under your guidance.

Just asking a small request from my dear friend.

Please.

*Although Star has this cartoonish face, however, you can hear the genuineness from Their voice.*

[professor-zorya]

A request? Speak, I am willing to hear it.

Furthermore, I quite agree with your suggestion. Your familiars are, frankly speaking, in need of training. Since you have revealed your return as Merlin, you must be prepared for adversaries or challenges best approached with those fighting by your side.

Perhaps I should personally oversee their education.