open Silver School for Necromancy and Other Purities

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Starforce @Kujamih @Zombie Breeze @Zoom Jump-Scare

Silver Tongue gave Thamani a knowing look. Had he overheard her?

The headmaster ignored Spiral's question of robes. The mare was almost certainly attempting to make small talk to garner favoritism. As an impartial steward, he would not engage with this sophistry.

Instead, he made way for the final stop: The dorms.

Dutifully, each wisp carried their book around for their respective master. They would try to stay a few paces ahead and to their side. This way, there would be no delay if they wished to read while moving.

However, before they got to the dorm, a great pit came into view on their right. The setting sun, obscured by the surrounding hills made it impossible to see what was inside.

"Do not let yourselves be distracted," Silver spoke, "the only thing you will find down there is disappointment."

Edited October 25, 2021 by Loud Opinion

[Spiral Spell]

@Loud Opinion @Zombie Breeze @Zoom Jump-Scare @Kujamih

As they walked Spiral would take note of Silver Tongue's lack of an answer. That was to be expected, Spiral was just testing the waters to see if she would get what she expected. With that in mind she knew that small talk wouldn't garner her any special attention. Silently following along, Spiral would observe the layout of the areas they passed in great remembrance. With the layout of the place firmly within her mind's eye she would know possible routes to sneak about when night falls.

Walking past the great pit she would silently observe that as well. She didn't speak and had a rather neutral opinion on the pit. Perhaps Silver was telling a lie, perhaps not. Either way she knew that asking questions wouldn't yield her the results she wanted. She just had to suck in her pride and go along with the flow for now.

[Evil Pink One 12,985]

@Loud Opinion

the hole attracted Void for some reason, like a moth to a flame. she herself could not understand her craving and it's allure to her. is there really only disappointment there? it might not be for her, right?

Voids eyes would be fixed in a trans to that pit.

" C-can I...we have a greater explanation about that pit headmaster?" Void sheepishly said.

[Windy Breeze 15,175]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Kujamih @Zoom Jump-Scare

---

Thamani looks at the pit curious as to what purpose does it serve. Generally in Zebrica, pits are made by villagers to dig a well during the dry season. Her interest, however, died out when she heard Silver Tongue's statement. Still, any tongue can tell a lie, it can be possible he is just trying to hide something.

 

[Dr. Clue]

A random pit to throw in ponies that they don't like? Check. Monsoon thought to herself. She peered over the edge like the others, but when she didn't see anything, she decided that she would just have to take Mr. Tongue's word for it. Monsoon hated that, where she had to take the word of somepony. She was the kind of pony that liked to prove things herself, but given that flying down there was probably a very terrible idea, she decided that now would not be the time to find out.

"Oh well," she said as she stepped away from the edge and back towards the group.

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Zoom Jump-Scare @Starforce @Kujamih @Thunder Light

"That pit is connected to Tartarus. We have an understanding with the steward to lend us some of their souls to labor."

"These souls are as dull as they come. Now come, let us not give them more attention than they deserve."

The next destination was on the other side of the next hill.

The structure was a black-on-white wooden house. Several stories ended off in a set of intersecting, triangular roofs.

"The dorms," Silver introduced, "You'll find all the amenities on the ground floor. Sign-ups for classes are also there on the board."

"The rest of the School are either classrooms or under construction. Feel free to roam the grounds as you please. Our professors are open to questions and conversations. They'll be notified when you enter their classroom, so you can always meet them there."

Silver Tongue looked about done but tacked on a final statement, "A locked door is not a challenge. It's a warning."

[Spiral Spell]

@Loud Opinion @Thunder Light @Kujamih @Zoom Jump-Scare

Spiral once again was a bit put off by Silver Tongue's manner of speaking. Once again there were no straight answers to be found through dialog. Spiral would thank Silver Tongue for the information thus far and would proceed to the ground floor of the building in front of them to take a look at the classes. This was a big moment for Spiral, as she was going to decide her future here. Upon arriving at the board she would look at the list of classes there, to see what was offered. 

[Evil Pink One 12,985]

@Thunder Light

@Starforce

@Loud Opinion 

@Zoom Jump-Scare

as everyone would expect from Void, she would again join the flow of the tides, following her friends everywhere they go and doing everything they do. at this point one can say that Void is like a child copying what the adults are doing.

seeing that Spiral is up ahead and taking the lead Void too followed her.

" w-what class are you taking Spiral?" Void spoke happily, while wagging her tail.

[Dr. Clue]

@Thunder Light

@Starforce

@Loud Opinion 

@Kujamih

Wow, it seemed like the school was going all out on having all their buildings the same theme, if by that, they meant creepy yet opulent at the same time. It was a combination that Monsoon would never have considered together. Monsoon walked with the others up to the board to see what classes there are.

"Hmmmmm..." She said out loud as she looked over the options. She wondered what the other students would choose, and is she should choose the same options as them so that way they would be in the same classes.

When Mr. Tongue mentioned his last statement, Monsoon couldn't help but to be ticked off by that. What else are they trying to hide here?

Edited November 3, 2021 by Zoom Jump-Scare

[Windy Breeze 15,175]

@Loud Opinion @Zoom Jetstream @Starforce @Kujamih

---

Connected to Tartarus... Thamani gave one thoughtful gaze at the pit before moving on to the dorms How terrifying an average would feel as they find out they stood next to the entrance of Tartarus. Even I quiver from the thought of falling through the hole. A clumsy creature will find themselves in trouble if they get too close. For now, she'll avoid the pit.

Thamani carefully read Silver's explanations, taking notes of all information given, including the last off-putting statement. Thamani considers his metaphorical speech both a clue and a warning. Having given free roam, Thamani decided to enter one of the dorms, but before she could open a door, she looks back at Silver “Are we the only students here in school?"

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Thunder Light @Zoom Jetstream @Kujamih @Starforce

Before Tamani could leave, Silver answered her query, "Currently, yes. Though I do hope others will see what our school has to offer. I never got your name."

"You've been very quiet ever since you got here. I do hope there is no language barrier between us."

The board hung between two windows. The interior was of no relation to the structures bygone. The healthy oaken walls framed a fireplace that was composed of a stone similar to granite. The color was the expected grey, but the composition was more uniform. The ground around it was the same stone. Only a few stray embers made it to the red carpet beyond. The seats were luxurious. The counter to the left, near the stairs, had the design of a carpenter's dream and seating to match --if lacking in luxury. Beyond was the stairwell leading both up and down a flight.

However, the walls seemed drab; No crest, knickknacks, flowers, candles, or decorative furniture save a few empty shelves. Upon the counter was a note, but it hardly seemed to be the most pressing.

More importantly, the board hosted rather tame-looking classes, given the school's namesake. At least, they started tame.

First years must take a 'Living Wellness' course hosted at the end of the day and have a selection between 'Natural Magic' and 'Protection and Dispelling of Nefarious Magic.'

The second year's core was 'Leadership and Martial Mastery' followed by an opt of either 'Clairvoyance' or 'Magically Assisted Anatomy.'

The third year's core was, as expected, 'Basic Necromancy,' and the option from 'Psyonics' and 'Demonology.'

Finally, the fourth year core: 'Advanced Necromancy' and elective of 'Chronomancy' or 'Hexology.'

A note at the bottom instructed readers to, at the start of each year: Stamp their hoof-print on the box next to the core course and to choose one course from the year's selection.

At the bottom of the board was a ledge that hosted an ink-well for stamping.

[Windy Breeze 15,175]

@Loud Opinion

---

Thamani answered both issues for him with an acknowledging smile, “We only just met, Mr. Tongue. I'm not distancing myself but rather to remain observant and speak less. My ancestors used to tell us about talking too much mightt lead us to making a mistake—wrong and unnecessary messages may slip in your sentences if you are not careful”

“By the way, I'm Thamani Muziki, a local street perfomer; a singer in Nyanda village, the home of my tribe"

Satisfied, she went into the dorm, ending her conversation with Silver. It was pleasing to have a small talk with the professor but she still needed to hide some information including her reason how she got here in the first place.

“...I'll be home—fast as a flash, and safe and sound”

The disembodied calm assuring voice made Thamani lean against the door, slamming the door rather loudly. She slid down to the floor, hooves over her ears in an attempt to block out the voice, trembling.

No, not now. It's not the time for this! Trying to resist the voice and her emotions building up in her heart, she forced herself to stand up, looking around the room.

 

Edited November 12, 2021 by Thunder Light

[Spiral Spell]

@Loud Opinion @Thunder Light @Zoom Jetstream @Kujamih

Spiral would look at the courses listed here. It wasn't a lot of options, really but that was to be expected from a rather small establishment. She would choose Natural Magic and would stamp her hoof on the appropriate locations as expected. The area was rather spartan all things considered but despite however suspicious things had seemed she was more than willing to go along with it for her dark plans. She had all the time, and motivation in the world to proceed forward. Noticing the note she would look at it briefly to see if it had anything important on it.

Looking to Thamani, the Zebra seemed to be in distress. After a few moments of observation Spiral would walk up to Thamani and put a hoof to her shoulder. "You alright?" she asked quietly in a concerned manner.

[Evil Pink One 12,985]

@Starforce @Thunder Light @Loud Opinion @Zoom Jetstream

 Void was quite busy trying to decide which class she'd pick, not noticing what's happening in the background.

she ended up picking natural magic, for an unknown reason it just drew her in it.

she hoof stamped it and done. she has chosen her class.

after her hoof stamp, a loud bang of the door shook her up.

*SLAM* 

" EEEEPPPP!!!" Void yelped.

confused, she would then look around wondering what just happened.

"d-did I do something wrong again?" she nervously asked.

[Dr. Clue]

@Thunder Light @Starforce @Loud Opinion @Kujamih

Monsoon looked over the class options along with the other students. Considering her royal guard training, she was already good at 'Protection and Dispelling of Nefarious Magic', so she wasn't interested in taking that class. In addition, it seemed like everypony else was signing up for 'Natural Magic', so she signed up for that too. She stamped her hoof next to her selections.

During this, she heard a door slam and Void yelp. When Monsoon finished, she turned around to look at Void and Thamani. "Are you two ok? You two are acting like you have seen a ghost." She asked. Void constantly seemed to be on edge since she showed up here at this school. She also noted what Thamani said about herself, but wasn't sure what to make of it yet. 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Starforce

Upon the oaken counter, Spiral Spell would read a very simple note.

'To the students of our school,

'Each batch of students caries its own story, and its own aesthetic. The school will always maintain its dolomite culture, but this house should be a place of comfort and carry with it a seance of ownership. Feel free to decorate the dorm through the school's catalog attached to this note.

'With Silver's authority,
'Spring Chicken.'

The crisis at the door would surely break anyone's focus.

[Windy Breeze 15,175]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Zoom Jetstream @Kujamih

---

Thamani would quickly try to die down the concerns, not wanting everyone to know what she's going through “I'm alright” she told them calmly. She hoped they'll take her claim as the truth.

[Spiral Spell]

@Loud Opinion @Thunder Light @Kujamih @Zoom Jetstream

Spiral would smile lightly to Thamani, but could feel as if Thamani was hiding something. She wasn't fine, she was just trying to hide how she was truly feeling. That was quite relatable in all honesty. "Well if you say so, remember that if you are feeling up to it you can always tell me how you are feeling." she spoke calmly to Thamani and looked to the note, reading the note she had all the way through in full. Spiral had understood the message in being that every student and group of students was unique and had their own flair to them. No doubt this was especially the case, at such a prime establishment like this school is.

Glancing to Void she would glare lightly. "You are a flighty one, aren't you? Watch yourself, and be careful. You don't wanna draw added attention to yourself, or us by extension." she stated, internally a bit annoyed at the mare's lack of self control. Looking to to the others she would step forward with a prominent grin. "How about we check out our classrooms?" she asked the group, ready to proceed forward. 

[Evil Pink One 12,985]

@Loud Opinion @Thunder Light @Starforce@Zoom Jetstream

" i-im so sorry Spiral..." Void said in a gloomy, shocked and confused state.

she wonders what made Spiral's.... sudden change of attitude towards her.

she could only figuratively shrunk in her place as she tries to lessen her presence to everyone and tries to give them some space.

as the group moves to check the classroom she would just follow them at the back cautious and quietly.

[Spiral Spell]

@Loud Opinion @Thunder Light @Zoom Jetstream @Kujamih

Spiral walks towards Void and gives her a warm gentle hug. "Its okay, just be careful Void. I said that because I care for you, and I want you to be safe." she cooed warmly, ruffling Void's ears slightly there. After another gentle pat, she would pull away. 

[Evil Pink One 12,985]

@Starforce

Void would just nod at Spiral's suggestion to her.

the gloom and shock was gone after that. but her confusion on how Spiral acts still gave her a bit of confusion. even though spiral has said that. she would still be more cautious and tries to be mindful to others 

[Dr. Clue]

Monsoon looked at Thamani as she reassured the others, however, she had a feeling that Thamani might not have revealed the whole truth. She thought about saying something to reassure Thamani, but considering that she wasn't sure what Thamani was going through, she didn't say anything.

"Hey uh Void, you seem easily startled. Is there some reason why?" Monsoon asked Void with genuine concern. 

"Oh yeah, I'm quite curious about the classrooms myself." Monsoon replied to Spiral Spell. She followed the others along out of the dorms and towards the classrooms.

[Evil Pink One 12,985]

@Zoom Jetstream

Void would pause and shyly look at monsoon, thinking if she should answer her or not. 

hesitant to say, but she just gave an answer that is a bit vague.

"..... I'm scared of timber wolves...." Void after saying that would become more quiet and more cautious to her environment. 

[Windy Breeze 15,175]

@Loud Opinion @Starforce @Zoom Jetstream @Kujamih 

---

Thamani was sure the others wouldn't recognize her statement as the entire truth, especially the confident Spiral Spell, and reserved Monsoon. For now, her lies is mostly tolerated and ignored.

She did not like Spiral's mean response to Void, though she did not like the mare's clumsiness either. Building a strong sense of connection is like building a building out of stone. If she want to establish a fair reputation, then she has to start building up her charisma. She just has to find the right time in order to do that.

For now, she just had follow her fellow peers. She followed them into one of the classroom, staying silent.

[Loud Opinion 602]

@Starforce@Thunder Light @Kujamih @Zoom Jetstream

The setting sun blackened the hills around the quartet. The bright orange contrasted to silhouette the pillared apexes. To reach one of these classes would mean climbing quite a few steps.

Thankfully, a patrolling ghost was hovering in your direction. It wasn't alone either. Another ghost was chatting it up as they made their rounds.

Edited November 23, 2021 by Loud Opinion