A new semester begins..

[Moridanu]

*Laughing with delight, Moridanu rocked in her old, worn rocking chair as she watched the small black kitten take her first tentative steps into the outside world. Since being given the kitten two weeks ago, Moridanu had made sure to keep the small ball of black fluff safely locked away in the small cottage that she lived in on the school grounds. The cottage was quite cosy, with a large bedroom and small bathroom taking up the top floor while a quaint kitchen, dining and living area made up the first floor. The kitten, which Moridanu had christened “Drucilla”, had quickly made herself at home within the walls of the cottage, becoming quite bold in her explorations and giving Moridanu endless hours of enjoyment as she watched the kitten tackle large balls of wool and jumping at her own reflection in any mirrored surfaces. Now that she felt that she and Drucilla had bonded and she was fairly certain the kitten was no longer a flight risk, Moridanu felt it was safe to introduce the kitten to the world outside.

The morning sun sent golden waves of warmth to wash over her as Moridanu sat on her small porch and watched Drucilla stalk a flower that was bopping its violet head in time with the warm summer breeze that blew through Moridanu’s small garden. As the kitten finally leapt upon the small helpless flower and reduced it to a shred of violet petals, Moridanu’s emerald orbs trailed away from the garden to gaze over at the large school that stood several yards away. Endroit de L'étrange was a large, rambling building that filled at least two thirds of the large block of land. The rest of the rolling green hills housed the riding stables, training yard, swimming pool, gymnasium and recreation hall. Despite all the buildings, and the enormous school, the size of the plot still meant that a large area of lush green pastures were still available for future planning. It was at the edge of these lush green pastures that Moridanus cottage sat, and as her eyes flickered over the school she was glad that she had decided to build her cottage so far away from the main building. While it would only take her a brisk twenty minute walk to make it to the school once classes began, the way that her cottage was tucked away out of sight should mean that no students were tempted to come and seek her out in her non teaching time.

As her mind turned quickly toward her teaching plan for the semester, Moridanu mentally ticked off things on her checklist. Supplies ordered.. check. Acceptance letters sent out.. check. Finalise the syllabus.. still in progress.. Her nose wrinkled as she urged herself to stop procrastinating and to get on with business. But as her eyes flickered back to Drucilla, who was now puffing up her chest and making a strange mewling noise as she stalked a grasshopper that was almost the same size as her, Moridanu could not help but laugh as she stretched lazily in her rocking chair and glanced back at the school.

Her enhanced vision could see the principals office from where she sat, and a movement behind the windows of the office told her that her friend Michel Ranier Phillipe had arrived and was making the final preparations for the beginning of classes. The students would be arriving soon and Moridanu looked forward to beginning her role as Professor of the Dark Arts. As she owned the land that the school was built on, Moridanu had been asked to become a founding member of the school and it was an honour that she treasured. It was because of this, that she had decided to build this cottage on campus, thinking that it would be more convenient to be living close by, instead of travelling back and forth from her home in Kendelah, which was several hours away.

A sharp claw raked across her bare foot and she looked down to see Drucilla staring up at her with expectant green eyes. Smiling down at the kitten as she scooped her up, Moridanu murmered ~ Ye seem as hungry as I, little one.. let’s go get us some breakfast..~ With one last backward glance at the school, Moridanu carried the small kitten back into her cottage and closed the door behind her. *

[Talisen Phoenix]

The Foreboding headmaster's office was located in the old watchtower the highest point of the castle. From his office the huge glass Clock tower could be seen behind his desk, it lay dormant as usual; Looking through the clock was a perfect bird's eye view of the entire school. The Headmaster Phoenix could be seen sitting behind his large black desk; it was filled with parchments quills, crystal balls and daggers. The walls of the Office were filled with the headmaster's private collection of books and artefacts, a replica of the Phoenix Blade sat in a crystal glass case on the wall. Dark and menacing Tapestries hung on the wall; the largest was of a beautiful gothic Elven woman with long dark hair and covered in black circular tattoos.

Talisen himself was dressed in a long thick navy cloak, his face was deep in shadows but even if it was in light there would be a hood on the insides of his cloaks hood hiding his eyes, how he actually saw nobody knew. Talisen reached for one of the long silver daggers that was sitting on his desk, he brought the dagger up to his eyes, his wide sleeves fell down revealing the pale skin of his arms, they were covered in tattoo of a coiling blue serpent that wrapped around his forearms travelling up his arm and into the confines of his cloak.

The Academy was already getting some students coming back early, teachers would also be arriving shortly. The students without homes and familles had remained at the school over the short break. Talisen sniffed the air, yes, things were getting back to normal, and the schools energy was beginning the lift again and become more alive than ever. Little was known about Talisen even his longest dearest friends knew very little about his past. All they knew was that he was the headmaster of the Avalon, had taught for years. There were rumours that he was the last battle mage of Avalon who had survived the initial war against Lucien.

Talisen put down the dagger and began to scribble furiously against a piece of parchment; he stuck the parchment on top of the dagger and said a little spell to stick the paper to the dagger. Behind him however something began to stir, it hadn't happened for many years but the clock tower hummed softly and with a thunderous click, the Long hand on the clock behind him moved one second. Talisen remained frozen on the spot, he lifted his head into the light revealing the grey hood that covered his eyes, he lifted his cloak hood. Long black hair travelled down the back of the hood that hit Talisen eyes, He would have to see Mori… Trouble had been brewing for many months now, but it seemed finally the school was in danger.

[Catrux]

OOC: I'm aware that my role is most likely not yet determined, which is why I left the post very openened.

IC: Finally he had arrived, Sehkem was now upon the grounds (or skies) of the fabled Avalon Academy. Truth be told he had never heard of it before he was produced with a summons. Looking back he did not know which seemed more out of place, the fact that he was found for the summons to be delivered or that some previously unknown school was who summoned him.

Sehkem lighted upon the large clock tower while he attempted to decide where to go. The summons were very vauge it didnt even specify as to the reason he was wanted, for all he knew he could be walking into a trap. He quickly dismissed the notion, This place holds too much honor and prestige to resort to such underhanded tactics, this must be for another reason

He glanced about once more to make sure he didnt miss anything and was about to take off when the tower below him chimed. It was no normal chime, it was ominous, forboding. Somthing was not right. Sehkem flew towards the main building in search of anyone who could answer why he was here.

He landed in front of the door with a thud, and went in towards the tower. The few that populated the hallway whispered amongst themselves the word "angel" came up in almost every conversation. Every time he turned toward the one who called him an angel, they immediately looked away. After about the fourth group he stopped and asked "If you think I am an Angel, why do you fear me? Why do you avert your eyes?" Without waiting for a response he inquired "Where is the Headmaster?"

[Moridanu]

*The morning sun shone through her kitchen window, her golden curls seemingly on fire as she hummed to herself while she washed up the breakfast dishes. Glancing down quickly she looked around for Drucilla and found her finishing the large saucer of milk that had been her breakfast. Smiling tenderly, Moridanu gazed in happiness at the cute ball of fluff before she turned back to the dishes. Placing the small purple bowl, cup and silver spoon on the draining rack, she cast one last glance out into her garden through the open window.

The school was barely visible in the distance, but as she moved to tear her gaze away, she found that she was unable. Golden brows creasing in concern, Moridanu absently reached for a red and white checkered towel and wiped her hands dry. Something felt.. wrong. Straightening her back slightly at the realisation, Moridanu moved quickly from the kitchen, making her way quickly up the narrow winding oak staircase that led up to her bedroom. Slipping her nightgown over her head as she walked to the bed, Moridanu threw the garment onto the violet and silver quilt as she crossed to the large armoire that stood just left of the large round window that dominated the wall in front of her bed.

Less than ten minutes later, she was moving quickly back down the narrow staircase. Dressed in a long brown leather and suede patchwork skirt that fell down to her long dark brown boots, Moridanu adjusted her brown suede cross over shirt so that the long loose sleeves were pushed slightly up her arm, bent down to scoop up Drucilla and carried the kitten into the lounge. Dropping her down softly on the soft chaise lounge that stood near the fireplace, Moridanu kissed her on her fluffy head and chuckled as she watched Drucilla pounce the small teddy bear that Moridanu had selected as her playmate. During the recent bonding with her kitten, Moridanu knew that with a full belly and after a few minutes of wrestling with the teddy bear of doom, Drucilla would fall asleep for a few hours. Planning to return long before that time, she cast one last glance around her cottage before stepping outside and closing the door behind her.

The walk to the school was brisk, and although she normally enjoyed being one with nature on her daily walk, this time there was a dark sense of foreboding that seemed to follow her with such an intensity that she looked back over her shoulder more than once as she approached the school. Each time there was nothing behind her, yet still she could not shake the feeling that something was after her.

Soon she was at the clock tower, her keen emerald eyes immediately noticing that the normally dormant clock was now ticking. With a raised amber brow, she sighed as her brown boots taking her quickly to Talisens’ office. Certain that the Headmaster would have some idea what was going on, Moridanu knocked on the door three times and waited to be let in. Further down the hallway, there seemed to be some commotion and Moridanu glanced down towards the source of the loud voice she could hear. All she could see was a group of people all gathered around what appeared to be something large. It was asking where the Headmaster was, and Moridanu frowned slightly as she turned back to the door and knocked impatiently again.

~Talisen!~ she called out. ~Tis I… let me in..~ *

[Talisen Phoenix]

Talisen heard the familiar voice almost like the vessel of the goddess herself had known what would happen, Talisen stood up and clicked his fingers, the large heavy black oak door pushed open and a loud mechanical click unlocked the door as it moved.

Talisen forced a smile at Moridanu, it was hard to tell when he was smiling or grimacing, it was amazing how much a persons eyes could actually tell a person

"I'm sure you heard and felt it then… It's finally come to this then Moridanu… Goddess help us… "

He said as he made a sign upon his brow a blessing from the goddess. He moved sightless back around his desk, his cloak billowed behind him as if there was a great wind in the room, though there was not even the slightest breeze, Talisen cleared his desk and pulled out large ancient Map of Morthika, he studied it closely. He reached into his cloak pocket and pulled out what looked like a large crystal on the end of a string, he hung the string in the air and moved it over the Map; it immediately began to vibrate over the parchment, moving with a mind of its own. Talisen lifted his head into the air and nodded knowingly. The crystal moved in circled over Lucien's Lair, or at least what was believed to be Lucien's Dwelling.

Suddenly without so much as a warning, the crystal moved violently over the large wood that was known as the Black Moss Forest, it shook violently again pulsating with dark energy before the crystal exploded into a thousand pieces. Talisen dropped the string and shielded his eyes by instinct even though his eyes were hidden by the grey hood. He looked up at Mori and turned his head quizzically…

"What could possibly be in the Forest?"

The Small group of girls huddled together in awe, one leaned forward and poked Sehkem wing.

"We've been taught to taste ones energies, yours is unusual… that is why we fear you angel of another realm…"

The Girl whispered slightly terrified, she pointed to an archway, within the arch way was a winding stair case that seemed to travel for meters upwards. The Girls quickly left there heads bowed.

[Catrux]

OOC: Im unsure of timeline so I am going to play this as if Moridanu and Sehkem have already met, either through Queen Sand and Moon or War between light and dark.

Sehkem listned to their words and directions, his head turned toward the archway. He turned back toward the girls and softly spoke "I am no angel." Visions of things he had done in the past assaulted his mind, then suddenly they stopped. His eyes most likely showed either remorse or pain, the two were very close.

After glancing at the girls once more he followed their directions and ascended the stairs. He gradually became aware of voices, then thought to wait till they were finished. A few moments he waited before he recognized one of the voices, it belonged to Moridanu. The other voice he could not place. So either Moridanu is the Headmaster or the other voice is. Either way could explain his being called here.

He decided to ascend further and knock upon the door to the office. It was yet a good distance away, and it would be possible for them to hear him comming, but then again they were talking so the sound may be covered up. He approached the door, it seemed he was as of yet undetected, so he knocked upon the door, and called through it.

"I was called to this place, I wish to know for what purpose." Sehkem waited for him to be either told to return later, brought in, or given a response through the door. He hoped it would not be the first or last, he wanted to see this Headmaster who brought him here.

[Moridanu]

*Moridanu nodded her golden head in greeting as she crossed the threshold and walked through the open door of Talisen’s office. Her bootclad feet found their way quickly to his large desk, her emerald gaze glowing slightly as she saw him make the sign of the Goddess before her. As he spoke of the foreboding sense of doom she had sensed, she nodded again as he asked the Goddess for help. Dipping her head slightly so that her long amber curls fell down in glistening waves to hide her face from view, Moridanu took a long deep breath before letting it out slowly. When she raised her head once more, her eyes were a pale, pale green – almost golden. Glowing with a serene sense of power, those golden eyes seemed to dance suspended in front of her face as Moridanu smiled at Talisen gently while a voice unlike her own danced from her ruby lips.

~You already know the enemy whom you seek, my child. You must all act quickly to stop the rise of immeasurable evil that is sure to engulf this realm and all it holds kin. You will not be alone, ask and you shall receive. I am with you…~ her voice trailed off as the brilliant light in her eyes that had just seemed to fill the room with their glow, slowly began to fade. Lowering her head once more, Moridanu took another deep breath, letting it out slowly as she raised her head and grinned at Talisen.

~I’ve warned ye before old friend, ye gotta b’letting me know when ye are goin t’be askin for her blessing~ she chuckled softly. ~It kinda takes a bit outta me y’know?~

Rubbing her temple distractedly, Moridanu focused her attention on the map on Talisens desk. There was no need to discuss the vision of the Goddess. It had happened enough times now for her to readjust to the invasion of her mind, body and soul fairly quickly. It was only the low, throbbing headache which would plague her for the next few days, that served as a reminder to her that she could never forget who and what she was.

As her emerald eyes roamed over the map of Morthika, Moridanu glanced over to see Talisen produce a crystal. Nodding at his idea, she watched as the crystal basically proved what they already suspected. A dark power was rising, and it was undoubtedly associated with the Dark Lord Lucien. The crystal spun over the Lair, before it moved quickly to the Black Moss Forest. Shielding her eyes instantly as the crystal exploded into a thousand shards, Moridanu lowered her hand and arched a slender golden brow in answer to Talisens question.

~Well, somethin’ certainly is by t’look of things.. and if Lucien is involved.. ~She trailed off as she stared thoughtfully at the map. ~… Elyza…~ she whispered, her brilliant emerald orbs paling slightly.

She was yanked out of her trance by the sound of a loud knocking on the door and a voice calling out

"I was called to this place, I wish to know for what purpose."

Straightening her back slightly, Moridanu ran a hand through her tumble of amber curls before she asked Talisen.

~Friend of yers?~ *

[Talisen Phoenix]

((OOC: Well yeah, that’s the thing about this that sorta odd, technically Sehkem should be in the Black Moss Forest with Rafia… as of yet lets just treat it as you haven’t gone into the forest yet, but you have meet Mori before and not in the Queen, sand and Moon, that wont finish for a long time and is sorta out of the normal timeline so just ignore that in the 'real' world for the moment.))

As much as Talisen grew used to being in the presence of the Great goddess, he still felt a twist and turn within his stomach, be couldn't help but marvel at the magnificence and beauty that was the Queen Moridanu as a Vessel for the goddess themselves, he thought softy to himself, ashamedly almost bitterly "I don’t think I can take any more of your help my Goddess" he brought a hand to his scarred face hidden under his hood.

"Elyza? Perhaps a shift in power, is that even powerful, she's no fool, but Elyza isn't strong enough surely? Her magicks are second hand, borrowed and demon in nature; I must stop her myself…"

Questions after Questions, they stirred in Talisen's head, he shook his head, Moridanu would be tired, surely, he clicked his fingers and instantly scrolls that were lying on the floor began to bind and spin together until an extremely comfortable and surprisingly study chair was behind Moridanu.

The Door knocked loudly and a person spoke behind the heavy oak,

"Friend of yers?"

Moridanu asked, Talisen smiled and stood up, clicking his fingers again a small blue flame ignited within his flesh and the door once again unlocked and pulled open

"No actually a friend of yours"

He said to Mori

"Welcome to the Avalon Academy Sehkem, I have summoned you because I offer you a proposition, our school is old and prestige and we need a new teacher, someone who can teach our students in all things involving weaponry and for a select few… Flight"

While Talking Talisen had clicked his fingers and out of the paper that was messily discarded all over the office began to bind and shift together to form another chair, Talisen motioned for Sehkem to sit.

"You will paid, and you will receive board if you so choose, In these times of need we need you more than ever, while the Academy is ancient and powerful it's not foolproof, we need men and woman to guard the children occasionally… What say you?"

Talisen had thousands of things on his mind at once, his energy fluxed and his immense power pulsated through the room and even the school, he smile kindly at Sehkem but even a smile from Talisen could seem sinister behind his grey hood.

[Catrux]

Sehkem wasn't required to wait long, the two on the other side of the door exchanged some words before the door swung open. His eyes found Mori immediately, it was hard to miss her wherever she went, this was almost one of those times. The man before him, radiated quite an ammount of magical energy, almost entrancing.

"Welcome to the Avalon Academy Sehkem, I have summoned you because I offer you a proposition, our school is old and prestige and we need a new teacher, someone who can teach our students in all things involving weaponry and for a select few… Flight. You will paid, and you will receive board if you so choose, In these times of need we need you more than ever, while the Academy is ancient and powerful it's not foolproof, we need men and woman to guard the children occasionally… What say you?" The man spoke, answering many of Sehkem's questions, then concluded with a smile.

Sehkem's curiousity was put to rest now that the man practically declared that he was the headmaster. Sehkem was surprised, not that the man knew his name, but that he wanted him to teach. Sehkem pondered the proposition, hell it would be more comfortable in a bed. He couldn't help wondering how he, one born with the ability to fly could teach any one, unless they have wings of course.

He looked at Mori and then back to the Headmaster. Sehkem had doubts about teaching, he had never taught before nor been taught everything he knew he learned on his own. "First, I would like to know my potential employer's name. I'm a bit unsure of why you would want me, I know nothing of teaching. I have never taught nor been taught, so I wouldnt know how. Lastly, when do clases start up again? So I know how long I have to concider."

Sehkem was already pretty sure he was going to take the job, but he wanted to make sure nothing changed that. He was still fairly skeptical about this place, he had only just heard of it once he was summoned. His ravens shifted their weight nervously on his shoulders. Somthing bad was comming, his ravens had been restless, but not nervous like this. They kept giving him glances, giving each other glances, and sinking down on their feet.

[Moridanu]

*Moridanu smiled gratefully and sat down upon the comfortable chair that Talisen had fashioned for her out of the hundreds of scrolls that had been littering his desk only moments before. As she crossed her bootclad feet in front of her and smoothed the folds out of her long patchwork skirt, she watched with interest as Talisen told her it was indeed a friend of hers while he went to open the door.

Smiling warmly in greeting, Moridanu offered a slight wave to Sekhem as Talisen provided an identical chair for Talisen to sit in. Although she hid it well, Moridanu was slightly surprised to see that Sekhem had found his way to the Academy. She was even more surprised to see that Talisen was offering him a teaching position of some kind, though she herself could attest to the fact that he was indeed a good soul who held some skill at fighting, as well as flying. His help with finding Crowe and ODK at the temple had been invaluable. Her smile grew wider as she was overcome with gratitude once again at the thought of the two men that meant most to her in the world being found alive and safe.

~Well met Sekhem! It has been a few moons since last we spoke.. I trust ye have been faring well?~

She fell silent as Talisen finished his proposal and Sekhem asked his own questions. As the two of them spoke, Moridanu found her emerald orbs roaming around Talisens office. An old scroll, burnt in places and torn in others, caught her eye and she reached forward to pick it up from its resting place on the floor beside Talisens desk. Unrolling the scroll, Moridanu nodded grimly as she read an ancient spell. It was a locater spell, used to find missing objects and people. Rolling the scroll back up once more, she held it up to Talisen and asked

~Mind if I b’ borrowin’ this spell old friend? Somethin’ b’ tellin’ me it b’ comin’ in most useful in a time..~ *




((Sorry this took so long guys.. I actually forgot all about it till BB reminded me.. *offers bribes of Gummi Berry Juice* ))

[Talisen Phoenix]

Talisen nodded at Moridanu

"Of course my Queen, take whatever you like, you can go through my spells if you choose and take any that you like, but be warned some can be deadly on great scales, it may be what we need to Lucien's troops towards Kendelah, I have a feeling he will"

He said with a sigh, he knew Moridanu knew all this and knew most of his spells anyway, but a Battle Mage did and could do things that other magic users couldn't. Battle Magic was cold and cruel, ruthless and devastating. To be a battle mage one has to close of his heart and turn it to stone.

Talisen shook his head at Sehkem's question,

"Of course how foolish of me"

He stood up and reached his arm over the desk to shake Sehkem's hand

"I am Talisen Phoenix, Last of the Arch Battle Mages in Morthika and headmaster of the Avalon Academy"

Talisen sat back down and straightened his back, shifting his weight as he sat.

Talisen shook his head knowingly

"I'll be frank Sehkem, times are difficult at the moment, the Academy is short on teachers, people are leaving Morthika due to the onset of the war that is brewing, all our teachers haven’t arrived yet, I've sensed something in you from the moment you set foot in Morthika, you’re an able fighter and an excellent flyer, these two qualities make you perfect for teaching flight and combat training. Teaching isn't something that necessarily has to be taught some of us were born to teach"

He said with a slightly twitch at the edges of his lips, Talisen had a way of seeming to know a lot more about people they he actually did, it worked in his favour sometimes… and sometimes against.

Talisen picked up a quill and began to scribble something down in patterns and symbols few in Morthika could read, Talisen saw the patterns spin in his mind and suddenly a part of his brain opened up and Talisen could feel Moridanu's thoughts, in the distance like a hymn blowing on the wind.

~Moridanu, I've seen it in the stars, we need him close to use when the battle starts, He's a ferocious warrior, if Lucien's ever got to him…~

He let his thoughts trail off, he knew Mori would get the hint; he needed some help in persuading Sehkem's to join them.

"Oh forgive me, simple notes to a spell"

He said dropping the quill.
"School is due to start in a week or so, but it depends how fast the war is moving, we may have to stop classes and make sure all the children are secure in the castle"

He said with another deep sigh, it was his one weakness few knew about, children, The very thought of a child being hurt or in pain made Talisen flare into an uncontrollable rage. Few if any alive had ever seen the Headmaster truly angry.

[Catrux]

Sehkem paid close attention to Moridanu and Talisen's conversation, but made it seem like he was tending to his ravens. Talisen reached out a hand, before he could shake he had to remove his glove. Chances are it would not have hurt him, but there is no telling. The Black raven sensed this and immediately removed the black glove upon his hand.

He watched as Talisen wrote, it was somthing more than he had said. It was more important than mere notes. Sehkem let it go with out pursuing since he too appreciated privacy, but he did give Talisen a look to suggest that he too was familiar with magick so do not lie to him.

"You seem to be a fairly wise person, I have one more question for you. Do you know what I am?"

Sehkem was growing quite perturbed by not knowing what he was, he figured it a long shot but Talisen seemed to have the best odds of knowing. Sehkem deliberately made no comment about the school, he was going to see how much he was concerned with the issue.

OOC: Feel free to have Talisen know about Sehkem's race, or not your choice.

[Moridanu]

*Moridanu smiled gently at Sekhem as she watched him from the corner of her eye while Talisen finished his spiel. Wrapping the scroll that Talisen had given her in the folds of her skirt, Moridanu nodded slightly in satisfaction as the scroll soon disappeared. In less than three seconds, it appeared on Moridanus desk in her small office back at the cottage, scaring the life out of Drucilla who had been stalking a piece of paper on the desk. As the small black kitten jumped and puffed up her tail, the scroll appeared, tapping her gently on the rump as she fell off the desk. Moments later, the kitten raced from the room, her green eyes now focused on a shadow on the wall in the kitchen.

Back in Talisens office, Moridanus green eyes were troubled. Talisen had mentioned hiding the students away once school started, but she feared for the students that were here already. Though there were no more than thirty students scattered around the campus, she was still responsible for their safety; as was Talisen.

After Talisen and Sekhem had finished talking, she rose from her seat and walked towards the door. Turning to face both Talisen and Sekhem, she paused.

~Sekhem, if ye do choose to join t’alumni here, I b’sure it will be a worthwhile and excitin’ career move in t’best of times. Now however, is NOT t’best of times. I see no point in trying t’tell ye otherwise… war is imminent, and although Talisen had t’ good idea of hiding the students away when school starts, I fear for t’safety of the ones that be here already. If ye gentlemen will excuse me, I think it best to go and prepare a place where we can take ‘em for their own protection. Talisen? Where do ye think be best? T’basement is rather long, we could fit more than enough beds in there t’house over 50 students.. though it is cold and dark.. perhaps they would be frightened? ~

She looked to Talisen for the answers, her brilliant emerald eyes seeming to glow in her pale alabaster face. *

[Talisen Phoenix]

Talisen nodded knowingly as Moridanu stood and moved towards the door, Talisen had as of yet ignored Sehkem's question completely,

"Ah Moridanu my old friend, this castle has a few secrets even you do not know, there is a place under the basement that we've never explored, It's high in magic's which worries me, but it's the perfect place to keep the children safe, we'll have to explore it soon though…Until then prepare to have the basement readied, If the worst of the worst happens and Avalon is directly attacked then the children can move from the basement into the caves under it. Hmm… I have a class soon…"

Talisen said turning his head an looking at a small instrument that sat on his desk, it looked like tiny planets moving slowly around a sun and moon, protected by a glass dome

"I'll prepare the students that have no home on what is happening, they need to be told, we have no time for sugar coating, they will not be scared"

Talisen said with a smile, the children that were already at Avalon were mostly Orphans though some where in there for the special classes, school didn't officially start for several weeks, but Talisen taught a small group of extremely gifted children before that and continued throughout the year.

Talisen waited until Moridanu had left the room, his sightless gaze shifted back to Sehkem

"What are you?"

Talisen said with a slight turn of his head

"You are a brave man, with a great intelligence, strength and power"

He shifted in his comfortable throne-like chair

"What race are you?"

He added, Nodding Talisen stood up

"The memory of all his is somewhere in your brain Sehkem, I dare not probe your mind to try and find the truth, but I have some theories…"

Talisen stood and made his way towards his ample library, he ran his fingers over the binding of the books until his fingers tapped one on ancient red covered book. Talisen pulled the heavy book out and began to flick through it while he spoke

"One would assume you were an angel, now angels are not something we have in this realm, They are also an idea, few in Morthika worship a christen god, but this 'god' has an entire kingdom of angels at his command, you I think are not one of them"

He said simply as he stopped and found the passage he was looking for. On the page was a crude image of a man, dressed in a long jacket surrounded by dragons, a goddess by his side. Talisen moved his finger down the long ancient text, trying to find the exact paragraph

"Here, this mention a country or a realm, I haven’t figured the complete translations yet, but it mentions this land or realm called Incultarufus, a huge land with both red desert and forest, but something happened which destroyed all the forest and reduced the land to complete desert, the race that existed in this land were called the Vinyakin a race of winged men and woman who were the good and evil of the land, a perfect balance, their were those of evil good and the judges who were both and one at the same time"

Talisen gaze turned upwards towards Sehkem, he could sense his anguish, it was a hard thing to be without a knowledge of ones race, Talisen had let go of whatever race he was centuries ago, but he could understand the mans desire for knowledge

"This is all I know unfortunately",

Talisen spun the ancient text around to show Sehkem, it was most likely he could read the writing, it was a series of circles and slashes, beautiful but mysterious, it was a text he had seen only once and in this book of realms, he waited a while for the information to sink in

"I am late for class, but you are more than welcome to come with me and get a private viewing of how I teach"

Talisen stood and made his way towards the door not turning around to see if Sehkem was following. Talisen made his way up the series of steps, under the many arches and pushing through many a door until he came to a large room. It was actually a courtyard, a very private part of the castle, the ramparts surrounded the courtyard high above almost shielding the courtyard, the floor was made up of a substance that looked like marble but was soft to the touch and step. Already there were about seven children of different ages waiting for their headmaster

"Welcome Children, I want you to welcome Sehkem whom I hope will soon be joining our ranks to be a teacher"

The Children in unison all bowed there heads in respect, they wore matching red and blue robes that were more like jackets than the traditional robes of a mage, these children were among the most gifted at the school, Moridanu also took them for private lessons as did some of the other teaches, this was a Battle Magic class. Talisen stood in front of them, motioning to Sehkem that he should stand back a little

"Can someone tell me where we left?"

He asked, one of the girls older than the others raised her hand, dark black tendrils fell in curls over her shoulder, Talisen never showed any admiration for one student over another, but Izzienbelle was his favourite student

"Izzienbelle?"

He asked, she smiled and lowered her hand

"We learnt to centre our energies, then by using one hand draw on the power of the aquaflamma, ignis and with the other control it through our bodies to then release our energies in one powerful bolt"

Talisen nodded, the ends of his lips twitched with a smile

"Excellent, what can you tell me about the aquaflamma, ignis?"

Another student a small boy raised his hand a second before Izzienbelle, Talisen was surprised to see a look of anger and jealousy plastered over Izzienbelle features, it quickly faded but Izzienbelle has never been anything that a brilliant student who treated everyone with respect, she had never been in trouble for the many years she had been at Avalon,

"Aquaflamma, Ignis in an ancient element, long lost that was once common throughout the world, its mixture of fire and water"

Talisen nodded,

"Excellent Didon, Shall we try then together?"

The Children nodded, the children positioned themselves so they were standing in a single file, and Talisen joined the file

"Centre your energy, remember what you've taught, not single wisps should come through, you can join us if you like Sehkem"

He said as he folded his hands together, if anyone could see his eyes they would see that they were closed, centring ones energy was one of the first things magic users learnt, the Children were good at it, but the aquaflamma, ignis spell was hard even for well trained mages. Talisen could feel the energies around him compress and dwindle, he was sure the students were doing a good job

"Now, see inside yourself, see your energies, see the pattern Alphlless Mindlarn Fises"

The Pattern was an ancient form of magic, Talisen hundreds of years ago was the arch mage of all the mages in Morthika, he taught his mages magic through symbols and patterns, it meant nobody breaking into one of his Mages minds could ever figure out their spells. In Talisen's mind he saw the circular patterns move and shift around each other, a circle surrounded by a crude pattern of flames and water

"Reach out and invoke fire water and work them together to make the aquaflamma, ignis…With one hand"

Talisen worked his magic while he spoke, Ripples of a blue fire-like substances exploded around him, tendrils moved around him, spinning and diving to form a sphere around his entire body, Talisen pulled his hands apart and instantly the tendrils began to move towards his hand and form a ball, with a flick of his hand, the blue smoke flew from his hands and smashed into the ground fifty meters In front of him, the ground erupted in blue and red flames, resembling an uncanny mix between water and fire.

"Keep trying…"

Talisen said as he gazed at the rest of the class and Sehkem, the children were struggling, several were glowing, it was a very dangerous spell to attempt for children, they ran the risk of setting themselves on fire or drowning in their own bodies Izzienbelle had managed very weak tendrils to move around her body as did some of the other children, with a gasp Izzienbelle let go and the spell sprayed all over the other children, Talisen waved his hands and the entire class was surrounded by a force field, they would have suffered burns had he not, the children scared now all stopped concentrating

"Good work class, you need more concentration Izzienbelle but very good"

Talisen stopped and turn to Sehkem, is there a spell you'd like to teach us Sehkem?"

He said nodding at the winged man.

((Ah god that was the longest post ever! did it makes sense? sorry if i bored you guys!

[Catrux]

Sehkem looked at the writing that Talisen produced, he could not read it persay, but while looking at it he heard a voice inside his head. The most holy, The most evil. The judge, living reminder of the pact the God's once formed. Brought to life with a perfect balance of all the God's powers."

Just as the voice stopped, Talisen informed him that he was late for a class. Sehkem followed him, wishing to know more about this school and its headmaster. He began talk of mixture of fire and water, somthing Sehkem himself had used before. Although Sehkem created it in quite a different matter.

While the children were following Talisen's directions Sehkem used his method. In his right hand he spawned a ball of flame, in the other a ball of water. He then brought his hands together, merging the two elements, he was then able to infuse more of each element causing it to grow. After Talisen released his energy, Sehkem unleashed his aswell causing much the same effect.

When Talisen turned and put Sehkem on the spot to teach the class a spell he was taken quite off guard. "I doubt any of you would be able to learn from my methods, I employ no spell nor incantation. I merely think of the raw element I wish to use. I will try anyways, I prefer to use two other elements, I am unsure if Battle Mages employ these." In his right hand an incredibly black sphere with tendrills lashing out appeared, in his left a brilliant white that was in all other ways identical to the black.

"As I'm sure at least some of you, if not all, have guessed this is pure evil, and holy energy. Alone they tear away at a person that is not affiliated with it. Together, it is quite devistating." A small smile curled on the lips of Sehkem as he began pushing them together, as the two energies touched his eyes glazed over, an odd combination of Cold and Heat issued forth from the merger. Pain swept through Sehkem, then suddenly it was over, the two energies were finaly merged.

"These two energies do not mix readily, they emit some backlash in the form of physical pain. I don't know if you are willing to teach the students sacrificial magic, even though it is a small sacrifice it is still just that." He looked to Talisen while he spoke the last part. His attention then shifted back to the students. "Please stand away, preferably by Talisen or myself." He waited untill the students were all out of harms way, then looked at Talisen once more, before continuing.

He had to smooth the out side of the grey ball of energy, turning it in his hands. He then took a step forward and unleashed the energy.

OOC: I purposely left off without describing the effect of the spell. If you wish you can come up with what happens, if you would rather me do it let me know and I will come up with something. I haven't put too much thought into what happens next, since i have a lack for time right now.