RP:Newest Returning Instructor

Part of the Rise of Larket Arc

Summary: Valen returns to The Academy of Magics in Larket to see about being reinstated to his old position as an instructor there. Enter the new Headmaster, Percival, who is all too happy to welcome the vampire back. Also the king visits and Valen gets a new office space.

Academy of Magics

Valen would have made his way to the Academy in Larket at breakneck speed, soaring through the air with determination to push his abilities further than ever before. What abilities you might ask...? Well one look as he lands, sporting wings made from shadow, would tell someone all they need to know about him....and that was just one of the many talents he posesses. As he comes to a somewhat rough but passable landing, he would dust himself off with a hum while musing aloud "I really need to find a way to make it easier to concentrate. Almost lost them passing over Kelay...Wonder what Lydrain is up to?" Passing now through the doors he would look around, hoping to see his friend sitting in his normal place by the fire. This was certainly not the case though, so he goes to check the headmasters office. "Lydrain? Are you in here? Just wanted to let you know I returned!" Again, no answer. Frowning, he would go back to the chairs by the fire and slump down in one before thinking to himself on where his friend could have gone. "I hope nothing bad happened to him..."

Percival arrives by the fire where Valen is a few minutes after the vampire has resigned himself to sit and ponder where Lydrain has gone. “Ah, Valen… Long time,” the aero mage with light blonde, windswept (perhaps matching Valen’s in that respect, since they have both been flying recently) hair greets the seated male. Valen might recognize this rather young half-elf as a student from his previous stint with the Mage Academy, but time changes much and the elegant grey robes that he wears now betray the fact that the student has become the (head)master. To any that have met him, this development is perhaps not as shocking as it seems. Describing the young man with one word is simple; ‘prodigy’. As is the case with most geniuses, he appears to perceive the world differently than others. He has been accused of being able to visualize the very threads of magic that make up the arcane arts. Such an ability allows him to understand and learn advanced techniques simply by seeing them put into practice no more than a time or two. It is no secret that this man is on the shortlist of those destined to become the next Archmage of Lithrydel and that perhaps lack of ambition is the only thing keeping him from the title. Teaching often does not come easy to those born with so much natural talent, and that is certainly the case with this half elf. Given his failings as an instructor many believe his appointment as headmaster to be a desperate ploy to keep involved with the Academy… they are not entirely wrong as there is no shortage of places that would be overjoyed to have this phenomenal mage in their employ. Without waiting particularly long for Valen’s response, Percy offers up some information, “I have been told you were looking for Lydrain.” The insincere, sweet smile the wind mage has been sporting melts and droops like a wax candle into a solemn frown, “He has not been with us for some time, I am afraid.”

Valen would immediately recognize the voice, of course, and with a smile would move to stand and offer a hand in greeting to the fellow mage. He certainly remembered how this one performed admirably, even may have written a letter of reccomendation singing his praises to a few places if requested of him. "Percival!" he would say excitedly, that wonderful smile never leaving his face. "True it has though that was not my intention I assure you." Upon hearing that Lydrain was no longer at the academy, or had not been for some time, Valen would feel near panic in his chest before calming himself down. Whatever happened to Lydrain, it must be on his own terms as he was far too crafty and wise to be taken by surprise. This did not deter his own fronw though from being there. "I am sorry to hear that...He was perhaps one of my dearest friends, as I am sure you may recall. One can only hope that wherever he is, that he is doing well but it seems that I have come back too late at any rate. I learned much more than anticipated while I was away...I came by hoping to see him you see, to inquire if my position as a teacher was still valid due to my longer than expected leave." One thing Percival would remember about this man would be his devotion to the students under his charge. He never raised his voice in frustration, reprimand sure if it was deserving, but he was never cruel or belittling. He had always offered to stay behind to offer extra lessons, and above all else, he treated them like they were his own children in some way. "Oh but look at you Percival...those robes!" Pride now swelled within his chest for the younger male. "It seems that you are just the person I needed to bring those questions to anyways. I am so very proud to see you wear them, and no doubt you wear them well!"

Percival shakes the vampire’s hand in greeting and then futility attempts to smooth down his messed up head of hair. The wind mage maintains his regretful frown for as long as Lydrain’s absence from Larket is the topic of conversation, but once Valen reveals, almost in passing, that he has learned a few things in his travels, the headmaster cannot contain the genuine excitement that shines through on his face. He almost cannot even be bothered to respond to everything else Valen asks, quickly nodding through his approval, “Yes. Yes. Of course we would be thrilled to have you back as an instructor again…” Percy tells him who Valen will have to meet with to hammer through the logistics of being reinstated as an instructor, but insists that is a task for another time while he politely poses in those headmaster’s robes, cheekily summoning up a gust of wind to add a little flourish to the action. “Come into my office…” he practically begs, “you must tell me all you have learned while you were away,” and begins to usher the vampire back towards the headmaster’s office.

Valen would be all too happy to follow the Half-Elf to his office,the cheekiness of his former student earning a soft grin, while he remembering the way to the Headmaster's Office all too well. Once in and settled, he would tell his tale of where he had been and just what he had seen. The biggest lesson it seemed to be offered from his adventures would have been that while he had always subscribed to the philosophy of his mother, that "Magic is really very simple. All you have to do is want something, and then let yourself have it." there was indeed more cases where this was simply not so. For the stronger magics, one had to be willing to spend the time needed to cast such things as there were spells and the like that required nigh on proof that the intent was strong enough, through a test of time some of them seemed. "I actually witnessed someone spend no less than two whole days concentrating on a sort of ritual. It was to help crops grow, something that seemed so simple, and yet for two whole days he did nothing but sit, unmoving, chanting. Two whole days straight without rest, food or water! On the third day, all of the crops, animals, and even the streams provided bounties beyond any of which I had ever seen!" No doubt they would spend more time talking about such things, that was simply the one that stood out enough to be fully mentioned in his mind.

Percy sits and listens with interest to the wisdom and anecdotes Valen has returned to Larket with. His light blue eyes widen with every mention of some strange or unique magic he has yet not heard of. His love of the art, as it has always, shines through, and reluctantly he diverts the conversation every so often to what the returning instructor has missed in his absence. The recent power struggle in Frostmaw is glossed over and Larketian current events are focused on. The Paladin Kelovath’s -betrayal-, the -nasty-Fermin plagues, and the impending conflict with the -warmongering- Frozen Kingdom are all referenced with the Wind Mage’s own political spin placed on them. Some time into their chat, one of those current events enters The headmaster’s office. Macon, the new King of Larket arrives looking quite regal with the marble crown of Larket atop his head. He is accompanied by a pair of Kingsguard, but they wait just outside the door. Percival rises, smiles faintly, and bows his head slightly, “Your Highness. You are…” he was about to accuse the king of arriving to his appointment early while he lifted his head out of his bow, but realizes that time has flown with Valen’s stories, and adjusts accordingly, “...Right on time!” The air mage waves his hands superfluously while making introductions, “Valen this is our King Macon. Your Highness, our newest, returning instructor, Valen.”

Valen listened to all of the events that had happened and that were in progress as well as could be expected. So much change in his absence and yet all he could really count on was that in the end there would be hopefully a peaceful resolve to it all. At the entrance of the King his eyes would automatically look him over, just to get a feel for how he carried himself...or perhaps he simply enjoyed learning about one's taste in clothing, before offering a polite bow to the monarch. "A pleasure to meet you my King." he would say before standing upright. It was not every day one met royalty and he was sure he had not dressed for such an occasion. "I was merely catching up with Percival here and telling him some stories about what I have seen during my absence while he was filling me in on what has changed as well. I do hope I am not intruding on any sort of plans you might have, but we were also discussing my possible resuming of my duties here at the Academy." It was not so much that Valen was nervous around royalty but just the simple fact that he felt one could never be too polite. "It would be quite the welcome sight to see a class full of students once more."

In The King’s opinion (Read: The only opinion that matters), the well being of The Academy translates directly to military strength, and in times like these military strength is quite the priority. So anything that improves the education of the mages here is a welcome addition to Larket. With that in mind and the fact that Macon is in benevolent ruler mode, the former councilman smiles and looks back and forth between Valen and Percy, “Excellen’. We are glad to be ‘aving y’back then.” While the king is welcoming the vampire back to Larket Percival is eying him curiously, or rather he is eying the space around Macon, there is almost certainly something there that only he is able to see that fascinates him, and before the leader of The Hard City can get to vetting Valen for a Kingsguard position The Headmaster claps his hands loudly and seeks out attention, “Your Highness…” and lets the king know that ‘they are waiting for him to begin ‘his appointment.’’ Purposely vague for the sake of Macon’s privacy. The King nods thoughtfully, but does not take his leave immediately.

Valen was at a loss for words at the moment. Eyes would water ever only just and he is quick to dry them with the back of his hand hopefully before anyone noticed. "You are too kind My King. Rest assured that while I am back at my duties, all who come to learn will do just that. I take pride in the fact that I have not had a complaint, nor have I had a student that wanted to leave my tutelage." the interest that Percy was showing was not lost upon the Vampire but he would most certainly not be making any inqueries about it right now with the King himself in earshot. Sensing that it was his cue to leave these two to their privacy Valen would offer another bow in grattitude. "Should you ever need me My Lord I will be all too easy to find, and know that however I can repay this kindness I will do so to the best of my abilities." Righting himself once more, curiosity wondered if perhaps he was to wait until he was dismissed? Or had he pretty much been dismissed with the mention of such private matters? Rather than seem like a complete toad he would offer "Well it appears that you two have very important matters to discuss and I will certainly not stand in the way or take up any further time." Looking over at Percy, a genuine smile of gratitude and the friendliest of affections would be granted to him. "See you around, Headmaster." With that, he would not turn his back to them, but rather walk out the door backwards just in case there was one more thing they needed from him.

Macon maintains that regal smile of his as Valen begins to back away. “Thank you. I am afraid I may be takin’ y’up on tha’ offer sooner rather than later…” the king says gravely while Percival casts a secret sideways look at the man that will become known as The Furious King like ‘I just got this guy back and you're trying to take him away?’ “For now… Welcome home.” Macon concludes. The genuine love for all things Larketian that has so endeared The Rage King to the public shines through here and one might be able to see why there are those willing to run through a wall of Frost Giants for this man. Percival s reaction to Valen attempting to take his leave comes after the King’s. The wind mage had been seriously debating between giving Macon or the returning instructor priority. If there was anyone within Larket that could get away with standing up The King it was likely this half-elf, but he decides against taking his chances with the Rage Knight. “Yes.” The young headmaster begins, “Please go see Robert about your reinstatement. Let him know I have sent you, and he will find you a new office. I'm afraid your old one is in use. As soon as I am finished here I will come find you.”

Valen would, and could, only smile even brighter at how nice this king seems to be. The 'Welcome Home' to the vampire is certainly not wasted upon him, as this was a place that he -had- actually called home and was so happy to do so again. "Robert, got it! Thank you so much once more, and certainly thank -you- Your Majesty!" It then occured to him that he did not recall who this Robert was, or where he was located, but he had a knack for guessing. And so it would go, that this Vampire would search every room in which he could find searching for this Robert man. Once he did find him, he would certainly take in his features so as to not misplace or forget him for the next time. "Headmaster Percival says to see you about a new office?" His last office had been his sanctuary to go to when he needed time alone...He certainly hoped this new one could be used for that as well though an office was an office and better than unemployment or boredom. "Forgive my rudeness as well Sir, My name is Valen." and at that, a hand would be offered in standard greeting fashion.

Robert is rather short for a human male, but one would never know it considering how infrequently he comes out from behind that desk of his. The stain of the wood that makes up the desktop is a mystery as there is no single space on it that isn't covered by a paper or some other knick knack. His hair color is mostly pepper, some salt and his magical abilities that landed him a spot at the Academy are a mystery, but maybe someone nosy could gleams some knowledge from the stacks and stacks of books and parchment pertaining to runes. True to form, Robert doesn't rise from his seat to shake Valen’s hand, instead only leaning forward and shaking it firmly while already starting to complain, “Valen, eh? Percy said that, eh? Kid doesn't know what it takes to run a place like this…” He grumbles something else while dipping his head and opening a drawer to pull out a large ledger. “Eh… Valen… You were here before… Vampire, eh?” Another dive behind the desk to grab another ledger, smaller this time and he idly asks if Valen will be teaching the same subject this time around. Regardless of the answer, the office being offered is the same, ‘You're gonna go down this hall… and it is the fifth one in the left… no. Sixth one.’

Valen would shake the hand firmly, though a smile would have to be hodden at how endearing this man seemed to be. True, it must take a lot of coin and resources to keep the academy going, and certainly another teacher would possibly be seen as a burden, the Vampire would be grateful nonetheless. He would of course be teaching the same subject, though would be adding runes to his list of courses. "Thanl you Sir Robert!" He would say, obviously overjoyed that he was getting to resume his teachings. At the mention of him being a Vampire, he would curtly reply "Not by choice Sir, I assure you. Though it will not deter me from resuming my duties to the land and King with full vigor. I thank you for your help, Sir Robert." With yet another bow, he would be off like an arrow from a bow, being sure to take in every nook and cranny of his new office. Honestly he could not remember when he was this excited, except for one recent scenario that caused a soft tinge to appear on his cheeks. "Irenic would love this..." he mused aloud, sure that he was by himself at this moment before sitting at his desk...already starting to arrange it to his liking. He knew that Percival would come later, he just dod not know when that was, but he definately wanted to make sure things were ready for any visitors.

The recordkeeper waves off any excuses and reassurances regarding vampirism, a weak attempt at showing that he has no prejudice one way or the other and was just making a benign observation (as he often does). Robert has made himself indispensable to the academy. If he were to leave there would be no one to make sense of his filing system that he adds Valen’s name to, or rather revises what is already there under the vampire’s name after the new instructor leaves. Some time passes before Percival finishes seeing to whatever has brought The King of Larket out here, and while he is wandering the halls tracking down Valen in his new office the headmaster seems deep in thought. The pensive look is shed just before he makes his appearance, knocking and entering at the same time. Light eyes scan idly through each corner of the room while he says, “Robert put you in here, eh?” smirking slightly as he pokes at the record keeper’s quirk of speech.

Valen was just putting the last touches to the desk that was now his as he heard the knock, and saw the Headmaster enter. Another smile graced his features as he stood with a soft bow. "Percy...Or, if you like Percival better, I was not expecting you quite so soon but I got the feeling I should start making ready." A chuckle would be given at the small imitation of the record keeper and he would nod in reply. "That he did. Is..." He looks around now, slightly worried that the question might betray some history of the room that Valen did not know about. "Was he not supposed to? I mean it certainly is nice, don't get me wrong, but usually when people ask me questions like that....A punch line or something usually follows." He knew he must sound silly, and shuddered to think what this man must think of his antics, but such was Valen's charm.

Percival waves his hand dismissively to indicate how Valen chooses to address him is of little importance. At the vampire’s question about the office, The headmaster takes another quick exploratory glance around the room before shaking his head, “Hmm… no. No punchline. I'm sure if he selected this one then it is the right choice. He's very thorough, you see.” He leans to one side, nearing an impossible angle to keep his balance and continues to shake his head, and still scanning for an indication of the history of the office for himself, “I can't even remember who had this one before you,” he finally concedes.

Valen would watch the Headmaster's oddities with a soft smile coming back to his face once more. He always did enjoy this one's quirkiness, made him that much more endearing in the vampire's eyes. Lost in thought for a moment he would ponder more things before Percival's words jolted him back to reality. "I do not doubt that it is the right choice, just as you as Headmaster is certainly the same. Who had this room before me I am sure enjoyed it just as much as I will." Deciding to be the polite host, he would motion to a chair for him to sit if he so chose. "Now, I got the impression that there was something else that needed to be discussed. Or do you just enjoy company that much...?" It was said as a lighthearted jest, no matter what the reason was he was always glad to entertain. "I am certainly under the impression that the King had something he wanted to speak with me about, as he said he would see me sooner than later, though I always have time for anyone that needs it."

Percival nods several times while dropping into the seat offered to him. The young mage adopts a grim expression that seems out of place on his youthful and usually cheerful face. “Yes. I believe King Macon is a…” he pauses and chooses his word carefully here, ending up sounding unconvincing, “...good man. I encourage you to meet with him if that is what he wishes, but…” he leans forwards and lowers the volume of his voice, less so to avoid eavesdroppers, and more so to emphasize that what he is about to say should not leave this room, let alone the Academy. “If he offers to make you one of his Kingsguard at any point, or any position that involves you being around him for extended periods, I advise that you decline. You may blame your duties here or me personally if you like. I just would prefer that no Academy members are exposed to him on a regular basis at this time.” In even more hushed tones the headmaster explains that The King appears to be passively radiating an aura of magic that, when overexposed to it, can drive someone mad. He is looking into a cure or a way to alleviate the effect, but is only in the early stages, thus the king coming out to the Academy for tests to be run today.

Valen would feel his eyes grow wide as certain things clicked in his head. What those things were, he would not say, but would simply offer a hushed nod in understanding. He felt truly touched that this sweet young male would trust him so much with this information, that perhaps a hand would reach out to take one of Percival's. "Perce..." he would say in equally hushed tones. "You must promise me that you will not fall prey to whatever magic that is. I will blame my duties, in regards to your words, but will most certainly not blame you. as for a guard position..." He would simply laugh at the concept with that devilishly charming smile. "I am not guard material. I can teach the pants off of someone but I could never be a guard for a King..." Those piercing blue eyes would stay trained on the young half-elf, wonder and amazement abound in them at the trust, as mentioned before, that was being placed upon him. "I do not doubt that the King is a good man, but Demon's run when a good man goes to war...Friendship dies, and true love lies. Night will fall and the dark will rise, when a good man goes to war." a brief blush would come over his face but it would be shaken off. "Sorry, your assessment reminded me of part of a poem I had heard when I was younger."

The headmaster nods quickly at Valen’s remark that he is not Kingsguard material, “Yes. Yes, but you know what I mean,” he indicates that such an example was just the first thing that came to mind. Percy’s expression goes flat while listening to the foreboding lyrics of the poem before becoming lost in thought for but a moment or two. With a shake of his head to dispel any unhappy thoughts, the wind Mage’s cheer instantly returns and he attempts to dive right back into their conversation that Macon had interrupted, “Let's not discuss that anymore… Now what were you saying about…” he brings up some detail Valen had mentioned about his travels and will re-engross himself in whatever more the vampire is willing to tell. He can go on like this until one of them invariably says something like ‘Oh! Look at the time!’ and heralds the end of their prolonged reunion.