Make the Sparks Fly

[Ériu]

Ériu’s eyes trace the sides of one spire, climbing the length of the structure all the way to its tip-top high in the sky. Incredible. . .

Spires . . . A representation of Orange District. Tall, proud . . . intriguing. Perhaps this is what they embody: the sense of intrigue that the people of Orange carry. They are a curious people by nature. Waverly had explained to her as such while they had walked the streets alone for the last two hours, watching the people as they ran about. They are also ambitious, hence why they are the District that calls itself home to the most famous institution of higher education on the Islands. Loud noises and busy-bodies aside, Ériu could come to like it here if she were allowed to stay.

Elfen ears prick at Rey’s next spoken sentence. She lowers her face from the spire and joins Waverly at her side once more at the mention of the college. At first, the Elf can’t understand how the boy knows that she wants to see the school, but she remembers then the conversation they’d had hours ago, regarding lunch. In response to his question, Waverly shakes her feline head. They hadn’t left the area at all since the last they spoke with Rey. They hadn’t wanted to meander too far off the trail and wind-up not being able to find their way back to meet with him, so they’d stuck around, getting a feel for what the people were like. They hadn’t spoken much to the locals, just eavesdropped mostly with Hearing Aptitude.

“That would be wonderful, Rey,” Ériu answers, a small smile having crept upon her face at the mention of the school.

“Aye, lead the way,” Waverly chimed-in, prepared to follow along.

“What’s the college like? Do you know any of the students that attend?”

---

words: 310
Rey Ledford

[Rey Ledford]

"Right. Come with me." Rey then walked first to Coral College, however he often stopped in between to check if the girls followed. He didn't want to lose the girls from the crowd or they might leave him for accidentally losing them. Besides, he wanted to visit Coral College once more to see the changes ever since his last visit with his father. The first changes he saw are the students who ran back to college for some classes while some students chatted about their day during their day-off. This year has some new students, so he managed to meet some new faces moved into the apartments near the college and it was appropriate enough when Eriu asked him about the student he knew.

"Well, two exactly. One is the daughter of the Sunny Star restaurant owner I've mentioned before and one who works in my father's workshop in tough orders and during his absences." The people he was talking about are also his friends' cousin and sibling respectively, so he knew a lot about them ever since. "The girl, Tie is in her first year today for magic while the one in the workshop, Alre is already in his third year in blacksmithing. They told me stories about their days in Coral College, so I'm excited to enroll when I grow up."

After he said this to the girls, Rey then noticed the college right in front of him as they are almost there. "Speaking of which, there's Coral College up ahead." Not wanted to left out one residential place, he pointed some apartment complexes and continued, "Over there are the Apricot Apartments. They said they are occupied by the students of Coral College, so expect you can see many students around here." It was true as a group of students in uniforms passed through him and the girls, which they are too busy to notice them due to their conversation about their class earlier.

WORDS: 326 (Lune Launch AP Bonus: 358)

TAG: Ériu

GOALS: To guide the Green District girls around the Orange District (Current Location: Brasstack Plaza, Orange District to Apricot Apartments, Orange District)

[Ériu]

Rey need not worry about Waverly and Ériu losing track of him. Having kept watch over sheep since she was a child, the Elf focus is not so easily misdirected, especially so when she is as determined as she is in this moment. It helps that there are two of them, for when one wants to see the sights, the other is keeping an eye on the directions. The map is marked as they move, certain landmarks circled along the way.

The Elf is mid-mark of the map when the city boy answers her question about his college-level acquaintances. A part of herself is miffed that she hadn’t taken up his offer to go to the neighborhood restaurant he’s so fond of, as she could’ve possibly met this girl and spoken to her about the school. The other part of her knows that there is little good found in her regret. They are on their way to the college right now. She admits that she’s interested in Rey’s delight in the school. His excitement is amusing, endearing. Waverly seems to thinks so as well, because the smile on her face is dripping in fondness for the boy.

As Coral College comes into view, Ériu feels her stomach coil in anticipation. Her future is at hand. There are an increasing number of young adults in the area. She hears school-girl laughter, a holler from across the way as a young man waves down his friends. A paranoid voice echoes across the inside of her skull, telling her to maintain her guard. Thieves thrive in crowds. . .

As they get an eye-full of the area, the Werecat is the one to speak first, asking the question that has both been on their minds ever since Rey brought it up. “So, Rey, what would ya want to study if you were to attend?”

Ériu glances from her architectural studies of the Apricot Apartments to stare at the boy, interested in hearing his answer.

---

words: 331
Rey Ledford

[Rey Ledford]

Rey was a little surprised at what Eriu asked him. He got a lot of choices to study, but he was stuck between two majors. "Well, I want to study blacksmithing like Alre, but I'm still wondering if the college has sword-fighting major there, which I haven't check it yet." There were many majors for students who wanted to start their new lives as artisan or guards, but Rey didn't have time to check it out all of them. Maybe if they arrived, he might able to ask about the majors then. Also, he was already a mercenary apprentice, so he doubt that a fighting major was his choice since he was already taught about sword-fighting and survival skills.

And before he can say anymore about his future major, Rey realized that they arrived at the said college bustled with students entered it to get to class in a hurry. "Well, here we are! Coral College! What do you girls think?" He was still worried about the girl saw the exterior of the college due to their hometown being Green, an environmental district, but he nevertheless felt proud that he escorted them to a famous university in Orange District. And if the girls answered his question, someone sneaked behind Rey and said, "Hey Rey! How's the the first day of your Courier job back at your Pops?" The sudden voice behind him caused him to startled and turned around to his would-be attacker, but to his embarrassment, it turned out to be Alre currently in his school uniform.

"A-Alre! Man, don't scare me like that! And yes, I was just taking a break like Dad asked to." Alre was never good at saying hello to him. One time, he was quickly startled at him when he put his hand to his shoulder, which caused him to tackle him in shock and since he did that before he was a mercenary apprentice, he never got over his friends called him "Shock Attacker". "And who are your lady friends, Rey? Another customers back at your Pops's shop?"

"Alre, please! You''re scaring the girls already!" Rey didn't want any foreigner get the wrong idea about them, so he had to make sure he let everyone on their best behavior when he's with them. "They are from the Green District. I'm just here to guide them around the campus. And one more thing..." He suddenly grabbed Alre's collar and threateningly whispered to his ear, "If you call them "farm girls", I swear, I will never forgive you." Remembered that Rey took the foreigners seriously, Alre nodded in agreement to make sure not to tick him off for bad manners. "Oh yeah, this is Alre, the student that I just talked about earlier. Sorry about that though, he has a habit on ignoring who he just talked to."

WORDS: 473 (Lune Launch AP Bonus: 520)

TAG: Ériu

GOALS: To guide the Green District girls around the Orange District (Current Location: Apricot Apartments, Orange District to Coral College, Orange District)

[Ériu]

As they continue walking –leaving the Apricot Apartments in their footprints- Rey shares his boyhood aspirations, a most pure and relatable dilemma regarding what he wants to be when he grows-up. A small, charmed smile squirms its way onto the Elf’s face as she listens to the city kid speak, Waverly wearing a similar expression. Instantly, Ériu thinks of knights when he mentions sword-fighting, the teenaged Shaman finding the concept of gallantry to be fascinating. If he were to be a knight, would he get to meet his District’s ruler, the beloved Princess of Orange? That would be a thing of storybooks: a simple boy of the town rising up to become a chivalrous defender of royalty. She wonders what happens after college for this boy.

She’d like to get in his head and look around for a while, but-so far- her magic’s reach does not extend that far.

It’s here that they stand before the university. Student life surrounds the trio. Ériu’s eyes are everywhere, from the gangs of classmates hanging around the front steps of the school to the very building itself. There’s a promising air about the atmosphere. Their daydreams are ever abundant. She likes the sweet, thick taste of their futures on the back of her tongue.

It’s loud, she thinks to say, but does not want to disappoint Rey. Besides, it’s a minor issue. Waverly whistles, an indication that she’s impressed.

“Quite a sight,” she says, rubbing the back of her furred head. She’d never had any formal education. Her knowledge has come from living life. “Yes, indeedy.”

Ériu’s eyes are darting in a frenzy. Her mind’s in a million places at once. It’s because of this that, when a stranger appears behind Rey, the Elf tenses, body hitching in-place. Waverly turns when the young man speaks, watching him interact with Rey in a way that makes them acquaintances. When their guide tags him as Alre –the very one he’d been talking about before- Ériu feels her body relax.

They stand quiet as Rey introduces them to his friend and then pulls him close to whisper something that they can’t make out. Waverly and Ériu exchange glances, the former smirking at the latter. The Werecat chuckles then, approaching the college student and holding out her paw. “Alre, is it? Rey’s told us a bit about you, says you been studying for some years now. Waverly,” she introduces and then shrugs her shoulder towards the Elf behind her. “This is Ériu. Rey’s been showin’ us around town. Thought we’d drop by the school and get a good look at it.”

Ériu says nothing, still recovering from her most recent shock. She waves, though.

---

words: 447
Rey Ledford

[Rey Ledford]

"Well, nice to meet you, Waverly and Eriu." Alre said to the girls as Rey looked. Despite unknowingly almost insulted them, he knew he managed to greet them with his manners in play. Although, he was worried about the Werecat not because of her race, but her beautiful appearance which Alre was a little attracted to them. This was proven true as Alre bowed in front of the Werecat and said, "I hope you two enjoyed our district, especially for a beautiful Werecat like you, Madam Waverly." Rey only sighed in embarrassment at Alre's attempt on flirting on the Werecat. He has a good luck on relationships, but Rey often worried about his ways to whoo a lady.

"Sorry, Alre often acts like that whenever he meets a pretty girl like your friend." He explained to the Elven girl. "But still, I still think you're pretty as well." He didn't want make her too uncomfortable, so he had to make his compliments to her short without any flaws. "But back to the college, while they have some equipment to teach some students about their majors, they sometimes asked artisans or crafters around Orange District to help them out. Either by contributing their work to them or teaching students to jump-start their careers, the staff are not afraid of asking the districts' help for a while."

"Speaking of which, Rey. They just already started accepting tours, you can get in there and get one for the ladies." He thought of it as a good idea, but Rey felt there was one more problem. "But what about the classes currently going on in there?" He didn't want to disturb some classes or make the girls fell uncomfortable in crowds, but that was up to their decisions. "The tour guide will explain everything to them when that happens. They have to make sure not to surprise the students during classes." Rey knew a tour would be completely nice, but it's their decision, not his as he turned to the girls in worry. "Okay, but what do you girls think? Maybe I should continue be a tour guide, since I already know around the college during my tag-along visits."

WORDS: 365 (Lune Launch AP Bonus: 401)

TAG: Ériu

GOALS: To guide the Green District girls around the Orange District (Current Location: Coral College, Orange District)

[Ériu]

Alre’s compliment is met with flashes of wide-eyed stares from both Werecat and Elf. Ériu’s expression is that of confusion, Waverly’s of amusement. The elder sister gives a hearty, full laughter that erupts across the area, stopping unexpecting passersby for the moment. She is unable to hold Alre’s hand-shake any further.

“Ach,” she exclaims after gaining most of her composure. “Laddy, you’re barkin’ up one agin’ tree.” For her part, Ériu is speechless. Waverly isn’t elderly by any definition of the word, not even close, but she had had her hands in raising the Elfen girl from child to young adult. Her numbers aren’t altogether accurate, but the Shaman’s sure that the Sorceress is well in her thirties by now. Of course, being Werecat means having the privilege of aging gracefully. Never mind that Waverly stays in shape on the farm.

Needless to say, Ériu finds the whole ordeal strange, but then, she’s never proclaimed to be a scholar on personal proclivities, so she keeps her mouth shut and fixes her expression to one of indifference. It doesn’t last long, not when Rey offers her a compliment of his own makings. Ériu’s response is nothing short of bashful. Her eyes avert to one side as a subtle, pink glow rests upon her cheeks. It one that she wishes she could just scrub off with the palms of her hands.

“Th. Thank you, Rey,” she manages, running a hand through the loose strands of her strawberry-blonde hair. “That’s very kind of you.” She looks up when she hears Waverly speaking once more.

“Ya sure know how to make a gal feel like a girl again, boyo.” She slaps the college student on the back with a good-hearted sigh.

Ériu is nothing short of thankful when the topic changes and Alre mentions tours offered by the school. Layer-by-layer, the awkwardness she feels slips from her shoulders, and she remembers why they’re here in the first place. An official tour would be an excellent way for the pair to see the school. She’d get to see classes in action, ask financial questions that she doesn’t think Rey would know the answer to. Her eagerness is clear in her bright eyes.

“I would like that, yes,” the Elf answers, glancing up at Waverly for approval. The Werecat makes no effort to disagree with her decision. Briefly, Ériu wonders if Rey will be tagging along as well simply out of his own curiosity. She bows her head to the boy. “Thank you for showing us around today, Rey. I hope we haven’t put you out too much.” Such a pleasant boy. He's definitely passed her test. Perhaps they’d see each other again.

---

words: 447
Rey Ledford
ooc- Whoops! I thought I'd mentioned it in one of my posts, but Waverly's actually much older than Eriu, probably about 15 years or so. ^^' Would you care to continue, or do you think this is the end of their outing?

[Rey Ledford]

Rey just sighed at Alre's ignorance on Waverly's age. Judging at what she said, he guessed that she was too old to be his friend's girlfriend. But he decided to tell him a little later about it as the girls agreed on Rey being their tour guide in Coral College. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you can see everything what Coral College has to offer." But not forgotten about his friend, Rey turned around and said, "And maybe you should go back to class right now, Alre? I don't want to bail you out for tardiness this time." Alre was still smitten to the Werecat unknown of her real age, but his little friend did had a point. He was still guilty about forcing him to explain his tardiness a few months ago and the reason why was his idle chat with him when he visited the college. "Oh man, you're right! I'll see you back at the shop, Rey! And let's meet again, ladies!"

With Alre left to class, Rey didn't waste any time to guide the girls inside the college. For the next few hours, he spent them by not only showing the girls the facilities and classrooms of the school, but also meeting the staff and asking them about the majors of it, which Rey was curious about ever since he arrived with the girls. After that, they are now outside the school as he said. "Alright, girls. What do you think of Coral College after that?"

WORDS: 250 (Lune Launch AP Bonus: 275)

TAG: Ériu

GOALS: To guide the Green District girls around the Orange District (Current Location: Coral College, Orange District)

NOTES: Thanks for telling me. Alre wasn't aware of Waverly's age, but Rey might since he noticed of her personality. And yes, I think it's the end of their outing. But you better reply after this.

[Ériu]

The tour is a fountain of opportunity-to-be. Rey strings them from one end of the campus to the other, showing them buildings and explaining their purposes. Occasionally, they come across members of the staff. Questions are asked, and answers are obtained; curiosity is quenched, but ambition is kindled. Ériu doesn’t know about Rey, but she is even more excited than before at the prospect of becoming a student here. During the tour, she spends her time thinking of her own majors, what classes she will choose to attend. The lady of the administration office that they had run into during one of her breaks had mentioned a class all about runes that can act as boons or curses. She’d called it “Sigilmaking”. The concept intrigues the teenaged Elf.

By the time the tour is complete, the Shaman is all the more certain of her future. She smiles as Rey asks of their thoughts on the campus. “It’s exciting,” the Elf proclaims. “There is so much to do here.” So much indeed, and just as there is much to learn for the sake of growth, there is much to avoid for the sake of preservation. Her mind goes back to thieves in the crowds. Ériu has to blink hard to silence the paranoid whispers.

“I hope to attend one day,” Ériu continues. Her inner child demands it be right now, but intellectually, she knows it will be some time before that can happen. A furry paw rests on her shoulder. The Elf looks up at Waverly.

“We will definitely consider it.”

Waverly honestly harbors the adult concern of costs. As farmers whose main profits are almost-exclusively based on how the seasons treat them, they aren’t the most well-to-do folk. Ériu’s smile tells the Werecat that either she’s not considering the costs of tuition or she’s already got a plan. Perhaps they can make things work if they combine the profits from their crafts. Ériu’s a woodcrafter, she’s a chef, and Maple can tailor clothes to sell as well. Maybe that will do.

“Well, Eri? Ya’ ready to go?”

The blue in the sky is deepening as the afternoon passes. It’ll be evening soon. Time is running its course at an unbelievable rate. The Elf doesn’t want the day to end, but the fact of the matter is that it’s getting late. They should probably head for the hotel they’d seen along the way to the campus.

“Ah. Yes.” Ériu looks back to Rey and bows her head in gratitude to him once more. Waverly offers her to paw in a hand-shake. “Thank you, Rey.” When their farewells are exchanged, the pair of Green Landers turns towards the streets leading away from the college. Ériu cranes her next to speak to the city boy as she leaves. “Enjoy the whistle.”

---

words: 468

OOC- Thanks for the thread, dude! ^^ It was fun getting to know Rey. I hope they can run into each again.

[Rey Ledford]

The Green District girls commented their experience of the tour to Rey, which he smiled for their positive feedback. But to his surprise, Eriu also expressed her dream to attend Coral College someday. However, he became ecstatic at her declaration as he knew he was not alone for that dream. "Yeah, maybe we might run into each other someday in that very college. I'm sure of it." He wanted to get into Coral College when he was older, but for now, he not only save some money for it, but also to work as both apprentices of being a blacksmith and mercenary.

Then when the Werecat asked the Elven girl to go home now, Rey mentally wanted them to show them more of the Orange District's landmarks. But as he saw the sky darkened, he realized that it was really time for them to go home, including himself as well. "I think I should go home as well. My Mom's anger is even worst when I'm late for curfew." Eriu then bowed in gratitude for the tour he gave them and when Waverly offered him a handshake, Rey accepted it in gratitude and said, "No problem. But I hope you girls visit Orange District someday. Good bye, Eriu and Waverly." With that said, he waved goodbye to the girls as they left the college, but not before Eriu told him to enjoy the whistle as she left with her Werecat friend.

"I will, see you soon." As he saw the girls left him completely, Rey knew that they would meet again someday as he looked at the Mount Whistle she mentioned on his hand. As he saw this, he then grinned and ran back to his home to meet up with his parents for dinner. "I can't wait to show this to Mom and Dad!"

WORDS: 305 (Lune Launch AP Bonus: 335)

TAG: Ériu

GOALS: To guide the Green District girls around the Orange District (Current Location: Coral College, Orange District) (Goal Complete!)

NOTES: You're welcome! I also had fun getting to know your characters as well. I hope we can RP again!