[ AW ] A New Beginning...

Paws roughened from the earthen path she had taken alone on her journey to the outer portions of the lower regions. She had not traveled so far from home and with each passing step, she felt the weight begin to dwindle from her shoulders. The tales of this prestigious school had rung heavily in her ears, the continuous onslaught of begs between her parents. Promising if she were to return from the school then she would be in the favor of their decision of an arranged marriage. In their discussion of the options they were given, only the final say would belong to her father. The disgruntled wolf would only nod his head in agreement, their deal would not be discussed any further. Suppressing the tears in leaving her siblings behind, including her parents, she knew this is what she wanted. Genevieve’s steps would not falter from the path in which she was told to stay, only asking for directions.

Entrants of grays and blues would illuminate in the softened glow of the approaching afternoon. It was cold… winter had given way and it seemed the lower lands took more of the brute force of the coolness. Hoping to make it to the school before night struck and she was forced to find an inn that would take her in the night. The silhouette of the building would strike in the distance and her pace only grew quicker. Tail flickering behind her, excitement building up in her chest - almost bursting at how she managed to get here all on her own.

Floral scents would caress her nose, the sweetened herbal almost entrancing her in a daze as she looked to the sky. The world seemed so large as she was trapped behind the walls of her father’s land. Maids would bring her breakfast and whatever else she wished… Now it seemed that this was the moment she would leave the life that many wished for a taste. Blinking momentarily, trying to grasp her bearings in the new place. It was… well… a lot to take in. Tail would fall slowly behind her, but she was quick to pick herself back up. Pushing her head upwards in confidence, even though her body wanted nothing more than to scurry underneath a rock. Her heart pounded in her chest, wondering if anyone would recognize her. Unsure if the lower class dedicated their time to learning about noble families.

"No luck?"
"I'm afraid not sir—but don't take it to heart! Finals and all!"
"Ah yes—what are those, again?"

Orange eyes met those of a confused purple, but the yearling quickly began to describe the college's rituals. With classes came exams, and with those exams came placements. It was not like back home where his mother and father quizzed them lightly, encouraging them to learn for the sake of it. Here, it was a competition. Those that placed well were given the best internships during the break. Sometimes, it was important to not leave during the summers in order to secure those research positions later. Quality experience ensured a lucrative and prestigous position later in life.

A long story short, Manon and Florence were busy and probably didn't have a chance to visit the roostery. But his crow was still there, rest assured! All healthy and fed, looking plumper than all the others now.

...

He tried not to think of the extra rations he had traded to skip a shift and come up here for an extended weekend.

Finding a spot in the courtyard that was shaded by a tree, he curled his tail in and placed his paws on top to warm them. For a moment, he closed his eyes and enjoyed the aroma of the college. Then, idly, he looked around.

Given that it was winter, there were few souls out here. Most were putting their heads down and sprinting from building to building in an effort to reach their dorms or classes. By now, Victorian finally had a sense of which was which. That made him happy, and he would proudly show off his knowledge later.

One woman was striking—he had never seen fur like hers before. It was mottled in various hues of black, gray, and white with ivory socks. She seemed to be taking it all in too, and if she looked in his direction, he'd offer her a small smile. Alas, it wasn't in her nature to approach her and see if she was lost.

Odds were that she knew more than him.

@Genevieve

Genevieve would continue onwards, various eyes would accompany her form but before she managed to get a chance to lock their hues to her own they would scurry in a different direction. A small form would accompany the lady’s maw, not sure what had happened for her to be intimidating within the confinement of the school. Had she been more rough like her mother, she would understand… but her expression did not show the kurtness like that of a noblewoman. Instead, it was light and airy… trying her best to catch the attention of the souls that scattered across the courtyard. No such luck. Quickly shaking out her head, not allowing her thoughts to go unruly within her mind. She had plenty of time to prove the others wrong about her, though perhaps it was due to the expensive scent that radiated from her fur.

The warmth of chai mixed with the delectable spice of cinnamon had called forth the winds to carry it around her. Swirling the mixture within the confinement of the courtyard, adding the sharpness of the cold weather. Her maw pursed in thought, unsure where the dormitory would be for the female’s. Unless this were to be co-ed, then she would be wondering where she was able to place her things. Of course, she would not come empty handed and would enjoy bringing in the scent of home to a place which would slowly become it for the next few years as she dedicated her time to studying.

Perking her ears forward, the smaller woman would look around the courtyard. It felt… so empty… She had almost half a mind to turn around and start again in the spring. Alas… if she did so she would be breaking the deal and her father would be finding her the next suitable bachelor. Refusing to belong to anyone, she had found a breathing soul. She sniffed softly, grasping in the scent of smoke - yet it was not intoxicating like that of a fire. Instead, it held the softness of a floral scent that wafted along with it.

He was the first to not look away, instead he offered her a small smile. In return she gave her own, moving towards the other. Thinking it was an invitation to converse, she was not used to going up to others but things were exceptionally different here. Genevieve would try her best to fit in, not allow others to think she is some pampered princess.

“Hello” She called out, breaking the distance with each stride she took. Giving him an even bigger smile, “My apologies for disturbing you, I am new here and seem to have turned myself around.” She looked towards the building then back at the male, “I was wondering, if you knew where the dormitories would be.” Everyone else seems to be afraid of me She would add silently in her head. Realizing how rude she had been, her ears flicked downwards, “My goodness, my manners certainly had run away with my frustration, I am Genevieve.” Purposely leaving out her last name as well as her title.

His smile was returned with with a row of pearly teeth and bright, vibrant eyes that sparked with excitement.

Dark ears perked as she approached, and he welcomed her with a small dip of his head. He couldn't help but notice, also, that her scent was unknown to him. It was warm and tinged with spice, but with his meager salary, he had never known chai or cinnamon. Nonetheless, he delighted in its foreign richness.

Ah—the dormitories? "I believe I do, one moment..." He stepped away from the tree and glanced between the buildings. Hmm... How odd it was that he would be giving directions. Two years ago, he had been a stranger here. Florence was getting settled in, nervous and antsy as a junebug in July. And... Manon. She'd shown him around quite a bit and they'd gathered here in the courtyard for several meetings. He felt a pang of melancholy, but it was quickly banished as he recognized the building with its crumbling archways.

"Oh, no worries at all," Victorian offered as he glanced back at her, laughing lightly at her profuse apolgoy. "Victorian Coax, a pleasure." He bowed his head again before pointing his muzzle in the direction of what he hoped was the dormitory. "I believe that's the building you seek, but I'm only 80% certain. Shall I walk you there to see?"

He had little else to do today, so time was in abundance. "We might have more luck together."

But of course, he'd respect her choice if she declined.

@Genevieve