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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 4, 2020 17:41:56 GMT
Bliss being terribly uncooperative, Thel was forced to put her to bed for the night. With a sense of guilt. The repercussions of which would only be known the next time they laid eyes on each other. Probably. Who knew? With the Tsareena stowed away, the boy was free to entertain his other three partners. After Hope wouldn't stop chasing Patience, making a shooing gesture with her typical pleasant smile, it was down to the Ribombee and Ninetails for a time. Serenity was content to rest her head alongside Thel's hip until she eventually dozed off. As the sun dipped under the sill and the horizon itself, Hope's playful energy and soft, sporadic singing waned. She floated like a dandelion seed lazily into the tails of the large fox and fell asleep.
When Patience could at last have Thel's full attention, and some alone time, she slowly stepped onto his hands, picking along as though she were uncertain about the footing. At eye level, she announced. "I don't understand." And made a shooing motion with a foreleg.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 4, 2020 17:50:25 GMT
Taking his best guess at what the spider was trying to ask, Thel replies, quietly, so as to try to not disturb the others, "Bliss... she seems to have some issues getting along with others, letting herself open up. It's nothing that you did, Patience. You're good, and precious. You've not done anything wrong, and I don't want you to feel like you have. Not after what you've gone through." He gives a smile, and lightly pets the spider with a finger. "She just needs to figure out how to let others into her life. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get her to open up. But until then... I don't know. But that's why she's been like that. Just trying to be alone. I don't know what life she lived before, in the game corner. But, hopefully we can build connections between you all. So just know, you haven't done anything bad."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 5, 2020 1:34:34 GMT
Settling further down on Thel's palm, he feels the gentlest of nibbles, Patience's legs sprawling out so that it lays flat on its belly. What is likely a sign of trust. Those blue eyes watch his face for a moment, before she repeats. "I don't understand." Making the shooing motion once more with a leg.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 5, 2020 1:41:17 GMT
"I'm sorry..." he says, gently, continuing the petting of the tiny 'mon. "I can't understand what you mean beyond what I've said already. I'm the one who doesn't understand right now. And I'm sorry about that. I know how hard all of this probably is for you. I know how scary and overwhelming being dropped into a situation where you don't know what's happening, and don't really know anyone is. But I'll do what I can for you, in whatever way I can figure. I want to make sure you're safe and happy. And to make sure you know you belong. You deserve that. So just... give me a nudge if I'm doing things that make you happy. Or if there are things that aren't, and I'll see if I can stop that."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 6, 2020 0:49:12 GMT
"Yes." Patience replies to Thel, a hesitant expression on her face as though weighing what the boy offered. Those four, bright blue eyes snapped wide. "Yes." She repeated in the same dull tone, though the sense of appreciation was written on her face. Distractedly, her attention shifted back to her foreleg, which continues to make that shooing motion. It only then occurs to Thel that maybe she didn't understand the gesture.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 6, 2020 0:53:48 GMT
"Ohhhh…" he says, quietly, feeling a little stupid. "Sorry, Patience. If you're asking what that means, it's a... go-away, leave, get out of here sort of gesture. She was trying to tell you all to get out of the door. Hopefully that's the last time that that happens, though..."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 7, 2020 2:11:43 GMT
"Understood." The four blue eyes blink in sequence, before she gives a little hop onto the boy's shoulder where she settles against the curve of his neck. It is a bit prickly, and she still engages in small but quick motions now and then, but there is more an air of calm about her then he thinks he's ever felt before.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 7, 2020 2:19:39 GMT
Thel just spends some time relaxing with the three, letting the evening trickle away contentedly. After saying goodnight to the others and recalling them, he offers to spend some time with Bliss before sleeping, now that the others aren't just awkwardly waiting outside the room.
Regardless of how the offer's taken, he spends the next little while just winding down, before going to sleep for the night. Tomorrow is a new day, with new opportunities.
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 9, 2020 0:35:04 GMT
Bliss, surprisingly acquiesces to Thel's bait, though she insists on sleeping next to him for the night. The fruity scent that seems to accompany her is relaxing, and otherwise the evening goes smoothly. The next morning, however, is a whirlwind of activity. Getting his makeup finished, and getting to the school early for his fitting. The new dress isn't nearly as bright as the last one, but it has its own appeals. The skirt has folds in it all the time, which is new. They are a bit stiff, and are apparently called pleats. With it, is a sleeveless vest, a blouse, a tie, and knee socks. The overall look is professional, but the lack of bright colors is no doubt a bit of a letdown for the boy. Similarly, it seems all of his classmates wear the same thing. Those two pieces together make it seem still more like his old nest. It would probably be fine, flags aside. Madeline greets the boy at the front desk at seven sharp, setting her purse behind the desk and having a seat. "Good morning Miss Lucasta, I am glad to see you have everything in order on your first day. I daresay you are already doing better then the alumni that sponsored you." She shook her head with a little smile. "From here, I will have one of the upper class students show you around the facilities, and we will get you a course schedule according to your interests. You will be assigned a room for your personal use, and should expect to be in attendance here for the next six to eight weeks, depending on your marks and conduct. Any questions?"
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 9, 2020 1:17:06 GMT
Thel doesn't really protest the insistence on company for the night. It's nice just laying next to someone, hearing and feeling their breathing, just having a presence there. It's only been a couple weeks, so he still hasn't been able to get used to there not being dozens of bodies next to him.
While he's nervous in the morning, there's just as much excitement and sense of adventure that about balances it out. While the lack of bright colours is a disappointment, it is nice to have a second dress. That makes him happy. As does the work that went into his face. It just makes him feel... better about himself, wearing artificial things. A bit more... human.
"No, I don't have any at this time," he says, shaking his head. "I know that there's much that I don't know, but I don't know what questions I'd need to ask for that. I imagine things will become clear, though, as the day progresses. I look forward to seeing what lies in store."
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 12, 2020 0:02:43 GMT
"Very well, wait here just a moment." Excusing herself, Madeline moved up the stairs onto the landing behind her desk, and headed deeper into the building. It gave Thel some long moments to think on his enrollment, and wonder at the things he would learn. Things that had much been on his mind lately. Returning with one of the older students, around Thel's height with striking reddish orange hair, and pale violet eyes, she seems upbeat in her posturing, even skipping a step or two when Madeline isn't looking.
"Miss Lucasta, this is Aliana, she will be taking you on a tour of the premise and getting you situated. As we're already in the middle of the attendance year, you'll have a lot of catching up to do, but Aliana has top marks in her class and insisted she would be able to handle the additional duties while still keeping up." Madeline gestured for the girl to greet him, and had a seat at her desk once more, turning her attention to paperwork without so much as a goodbye or a dismissal.
"Fascinating!" Aliana comments breathlessly, looking Thel over, from his hair to his shined shoes. "Ehem, excuse me! I'm Aliana, I'll be going over the ins and outs of Madame Papillon's charm school for you. We'll begin with your room, so you can leave your things somewhere safe while we go about the rest of the campus." "See that you leave the door open while you are present in there, Aliana, and don't tarry. Remember, Miss Lucasta, full accountability lies with you. Take care."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 12, 2020 0:16:44 GMT
"Oh, hello, it's nice to meet you, Aliana," Thel says, with a smile. "My name's Thel. Thank you for offering to do this. I look forward to seeing what I'll be learning, and around the place."
He nods at Madeline. "Full accountability. I understand."
He turns back to the other student, making sure he has all his stuff. "I await your lead." Oh, this is exciting. Nerve-wracking, but exciting!
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I'm not going to say it was damage, but it was damage.
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Post by Robot on Aug 12, 2020 2:30:26 GMT
"This first wing is primarily classrooms on both floors, units one hundred to one twenty, odd doors on the left, evens on the right. The first ten of which are on the ground floor, the second ten are upstairs. These mostly teach etiquette under different circumstances, including hosting or attending gatherings, decorating, fashion, Pokemon behavior training, general caretaking skills, and so on. The practical portion of these are typically done in the gardens, or the gymnasium which we will see later." On reaching a T intersection at the end of the hall, she immediately turned to the left. "To the right you will find most of the teacher's offices, as well as the administrative office, we'll be going there for your course assignments shortly. Directly upstairs will be the headmistress'. She is frequently away on business, as she's established similar schools in multiple regions."
From there, Aliana proceeds up the hallway, continuing her explanation with little room for Thel to get a word in edgewise. "Traditionally the girls are relegated to rooms of four, two bunk beds, one to either side of the room, a communal dresser and closet, and a bathroom adjoining each room. You, however, have been relegated to the single, usually reserved for special cases." She stated with a curious sideways glance. "And here we are." Producing a small key, she unlocks the door for Thel, then daintily holds it out for him. "I will wait out here, so that there is no suspicion of uncouth behavior."
The room itself is nice by Pokemon Center standards, the dark wood offset well by the carpeting and panels. A large window dominates the south wall, giving a view of what must be the gardens, girls engaging in Pokemon battles and doubles, a number of sporting activities amidst hedgerows, the odd flowering tree seeming to act as way markers. The bed is large, far wider then she is accustomed.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 12, 2020 3:45:00 GMT
"What's in the first ninety-nine rooms?" he wonders idly, but is probably lost in the cavalcade of touring, as he does his best to try and memorize everything. All the broad swathes, at least. Details can come later.
He takes the key after thanking Aliana, and wanders into the room, taking it all in, spending a few moment just lingering on the sculpted outdoors. It's all very nice, especially compared to what he's used to. It definitely doesn't feel as homey as Em's place - he feels a bit of a pang of loneliness at the thought - but it's certainly not awful. He quickly puts his few belongings down neatly beside the bed, just making sure nothing will fall over before turning back and heading over to the girl at the door. He can settle in later. For now, there's still a tour to take, and a nice person to avoid keeping waiting.
"Alright, now that I know where I'm staying, where to next?"
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Post by Robot on Aug 13, 2020 9:13:20 GMT
"There aren't any rooms below one hundred. Which is odd now that I think about it, but it is such a common thing in a school environ to number classrooms that way I never considered it before." Aliana cocked her head to one side, a bemused smile on her face. When Thel returned from his distant examination of the grounds and depositing his things, she gave him a little nod of approval and began to lead the way to the teacher's wing. "Now it is to the Administrative Office to get your courses selected. Once that's done, then we'll go on the full tour of the grounds, but this is the longest and probably most important part. I'll take the time to study, as I can't accompany you."
The administrative office was the cluttered sort of tidy. Trinkets and knick-nacks well arranged on every wall and surface, but so tightly packed one wondered if there might be room to breathe. A heavyset brunette with striking green eyes looked up from what she was attending as the pair entered. "Heidi, this is Miss Thel Lucasta, she needs to select her courses for the remainder of the semester." "Ah, wonderful. Please have a seat Miss Lucasta, tell me what has you enrolled at our fine establishment."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 13, 2020 9:20:12 GMT
He dutifully takes a seat where indicated, before giving a smile and saying, "Well, Miss Heidi, it was because it sounded like all of what you taught was what I wanted to learn. To help properly find myself, and my place in the world. Properly taking care of my Pokémon, knowing how to properly dress and act, just... being a better member of society, and being able to contribute things."
"I rather feel a little lost as-is," he admits, "but when Whitney suggested this, it sounded perfect."
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Post by Robot on Aug 13, 2020 12:39:24 GMT
"Well, since you are new here, I would recommend the suite of basic courses.". Pulling a dossier from an oddly specific drawer as though she had done it hundreds of times in the past, she opened it and began leafing through. "That would be General Etiquette, History of Manners, Contest Grooming, Battle Showmanship, and Entertaining."
Running a finger along the page, she started filling in a piece of paper separated into squares.
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 13, 2020 17:35:12 GMT
"Alright, that sounds good," he says, nodding. "I'm not sure exactly what there is to select, so if you suggest those, then I imagine they're probably the best idea to do."
He peers at the paper. "What's all that mean, there?"
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Post by Robot on Aug 13, 2020 21:40:02 GMT
"This is your schedule, it runs Monday to Friday, with the weekends to yourself for recreational activities, schoolwork, and time with friends. The time blocks written out are when you need to be at a given room, the room number being listed here." Heidi explains, pointing at the pieces with her pen. "As to the courses themselves..."
Clearing her throat softly. "General Etiquette goes into mannerisms, dress, speech, posture, and is a general primer on what one should expect of a lady of culture. History of Manners covers when the trends emerged and from where, and is mostly a study course for your information. Contest Grooming and Battle Showmanship go hand in hand. It is about putting on an air of control, and looking good while engaging in Pokemon battles. Carrying yourself with a dignified air. Entertaining is acting as a hostess for company, learning how to treat guests in your home."
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Post by DataNinja on Aug 13, 2020 21:49:43 GMT
"Alright, that all sounds great!" he says, "Thank you. I'm excited to start." He looks the paper over, noting, thankfully, as he has over the last week, that the writings are actually making sense to him. He remembers first entering Ecruteak, and not understanding anything on the signs or whatever around town. But now? The scratches on paper and on other things around make sense. He wonders if that just means he's getting more used to being human.
"Will any of those start for me today?" he asks, "Or is that just going to be for Aliana showing me around?"
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