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St. Helena Academy Outcasts (Sorrow's Solace and J)

"Metal's part av the earth, something natural, it's not a wonder that it can be made intae something beautiful." Mena murmured, looking about "Most people just can't see what it can become." she commented. Tristan carefully touched one of the pieces, eyes closing a moment as if he were trying to gain all he could from the piece. "He always loved metal, when he was little we had a gold and silver clock...he said the metal sang." she whispered, watching her brother who was smiling quietly, seeming meditative and calm now.
 
Erik was happy to see Tristan in such a state of happiness, but he also felt like an intruder. It as clear that the other youth was in a state of communion with the metal that seemed nearly sacred to Erik.

"Perhaps we should leave your brother to this?" Erik whispered. "I feel like... it something special, that I do not wish to accidentally interrupt. We could go to the garden just outside and wait there for him to catch up when he's done?"
 
Mena was watching quietly, a look on her face that spoke of her happiness that Tristan looked so content and the other expression of faint sadness. He was going somewhere that she couldn't follow and she felt faintly left out nodding at Erik. "Aye, that's the best idea, he'll be here for awhile." she replied, turning away. There was a window nearby and he'd be able to see them. She left the room and headed to the outside doors, quiet now.
 
Erik saw how quiet Mena had become as they stepped outside. He could tell she was faintly said even as she seemed very happy for her brother. He felt a desire to help Mena be happy again.

The youth noticed a number of rose bushes close by. Their blooms were already gone, despite it still being early fall, and Erik suspected an early frost had been through. Trusting in his limited control of his magic, Erik focused his will on the nearest bush.

He reached out and touched the plant, letting one of its thorns prick his finger. A drop of his blood fell on the bush, and in a moment, it sprang into wondrous bloom. Soon, the fragrance of roses filled the garden. Erik plucked on of the red flowers, and offered it to Mena.

Erik realized he was being very impulsive, which was uncharacteristic of him. He feared that he might make a great fool of himself with Mena, but Erik felt it was worth taking the chance if it might make her happy.
 
Mena's quietness lasted for a long moment and she gave a faint gasp as she looked around the gardens and the moonlight flowers that practically glowed in the sunlight. Awe crossed her face as she saw the rose bush grow into full bloom "Ohh, how did ye do that?" she asked, voice soft as she took the rose and carefully broke off the thorns, tucking it into her hair. She smiled at him now, face lighting up "It's amazing, thank ye Erik." she added, touched by the gesture.
 
"My magic works through natural things," Erik said. "I can give a little life to a plant or a sick animal, but nature is about balance. To give I must take." He showed her the tiny wound on his finger. "I can sometimes almost understand what an animal is thinking... or it could be they are fae animals and that is why I can understand them a little." He smiled softly at Mena. "You're very beautiful. A rose suits you."

Erik suddenly felt horrified as he realized he had spoken out loud. All his life, discipline and self control had been hammered into Erik Grunwald. Now, he feared his loss of control would upset and insult his new friend.
 
Mena smiled at him and nodded "Ye're lucky in a way, that ye know what ye're magic does. I still have no idea." she replied, voice soft as she took it hand, brushing at the cut with a gentle touch. "I'd love te hear an animal's thoughts." she added and looked up at him, giving a smile. "Th-thank ye." she responded "It's very sweet av ye to say, and ye didnae offend if, if that's ye're worry." she assured him.
 
Erik smiled softly at Mena. He realized that he had smiled more in that day than in an entire year at home. Mena's callused hand was much more gentle than his mother's soft hands. Holding it felt so... right to Erik.

"Would you really like to hear an animal's thoughts?" Erik asked softly. He was new to his magic, and no where near in control of it, but fae blood flowed in his veins, and the young man instinctively knew some of the rules, like the rule of taking to give. He knew with the same fuzzy, instinctive certainty that he could share such a thing with Mena.
 
Mena herself felt relaxed and happy as well, spending time with Erik was as natural as being with her family. It was a friendship being forged due to their differences from others and the interests they seemed to share. His hand was softer then hers, but his grip was gentle and kindness and the need to be accepted filled him. She wanted to make him happy and smile more, it seemed like such a rare thing. "Aye, I would." she replied in response to his question, she was curious as to how he would be able to do such a thing and was intrigued at the possibility.

(Ack, sorry I have to go to bed. I'll reply as soon as I can.))
 
Erik looked around for a moment. Then, he spotted chipmunk eating what looked like a peanut. A chipmunk would do.

Erik let his instinct guide him. He pushed his jacket aside and placed Mena's hand over his heart. He hoped the cloth of his shirt wouldn't interfere, but he wasn't going to ask Mena to place her hand on his bare chest.

"Look at the little chipmunk," he instructed Mena with a whisper. Then, Erik concentrated on the tiny creature. As he stared, the chipmunk looked up and met his eyes. Erik looked deep into the chipmunks, big, brown eyes and there, he found it's little chipmunk thoughts.

The tiny creature was thinking of the tasty peanut a groundskeeper had left for it. He was thinking of gathering food for the coming winter avoiding the cat, and of the tree he called home. They were simple, innocent thoughts far removed from the complex worries of humanity. Then the chipmunk went back to his business, and the connection ended.
 
Mena flushed a bit as her hand was placed on his chest, it was better then touching bare skin which would have been awkward for them both, but still she could feel his heartbeat under her hand. Turning her head, she looked over at the little chipmunk, feeling her on self relax. The sensations and thoughts of the little creature filled her mind and her eyes widened briefly as she felt a smile cross her face. It was rare that something that innocent and peaceful could touch her and it was a gift to be able to experience it. "That was...amazing. I'll have te leave out some food for him." she commented a few moments later, awe in her voice as she dropped her hand from Erik's chest.
 
Erik blushed when Mena moved her hand and he realized how incredibly forward he had been. Blushing was a new sensation to Erik. He'd never had reason to blush at home, but he recognized the hot feeling of redness from the times he had been firmly slapped in the face.

"Oh... Oh, um... Yes, yes, I think he likes peanuts..." Erik said. "I'm sorry about... I don't think the magic would work otherwise... I..." He smiled with a mix of embarrassment at the awkward situation and joy that he had been able to give Mena such a happy moment. "I am happy that I was able to share that with you... I apologize for being so... intimate with you." Erik wasn't about to tell Mena how nice it had felt to have her hand on his heart. He didn't want her to think he had been trying to seduce her, not that he'd even know how. At least no one saw us, Erik thought. I've embarrassed Mena enough as it is.
 
Mena gave a small smile of amusement, seeing the flush cross his face that looked slightly foreign. 'Don' worry about it, I can tell when someone's bein' honest and when someone's trying to get into my pants. Ye're the honest type." she responded with an easy smile. Right about then, Tristan approached, the peaceful smile still resting on his face "I like this place." he commented simply, looking around the garden and then at Erik, raising a brow at his reddened face "Mena did ye embarrass him already? That's no' fair, I wanted a chance!" he exclaimed, looking honestly offended a moment.
 
Erik blushed a little harder. Though his English wasn't quite perfect, there could be no mistaking the meaning of "get into my pants". He nodded happy that Mena understood.

"I am lucky to have such an understanding friend," Erik said. He smiled when he saw Tristan, but not before the other youth had spotted his blush. Erik's eyes widened a moment before he realized Tristan was joking. Erik chuckled and shook his head. "I was wrong. I am lucky to have two such friends."

Surprisingly, a young man came through the garden then, ringing a large hand bell, like a town crier of old. Erik guessed he might be one of the students, or perhaps a very young worker at the college.

"The dining hall is open," the boy announced. "Dinner is served from five until eight. The dining hall is open."
 
Mena grinned widely and stepped towards Erik, kissing him softly on the cheek. Tristan, sporting a similar grin slung an friendly arm around his shoulder "Good te hear it." he stated, nodding. "And if I do embarrass ye, it's all in affection." he explained, looking over at the young man "Food! Come on ye two!" he crowed, already dashing to the school. Mena shook her head with a smile, "Ye'll get used te us, shall we?" she asked, turning to Erik with a smile.
 
Erik blushed again when Mena kissed him on the cheek. Before he could say anything, Erik felt Tristan's arm around his shoulders. The German youth smiled sheepishly at his two friends. Then, Tristan ran off with what seemed to be wonderfully characteristic enthusiasm. Then, Mena asked if they should follow.

"Of course," Erik said, though he felt a little flustered to be practically alone again with Mena. Once more he reflexively offered his arm, though even as he did so, Erik realized Mena would be unlikely to take it.

Erik matched his pace to Mena's as they followed in the wake of the swift, young Scotsman. Erik thought about the kiss he had received. He wondered if it would be permissible to kiss Mena in return. It wasn't as if he had received any advice from his parents and etiquette teacher on that subject.

"I hope in his understandable enthusiasm, Tristan will remember to save seats for us," Erik said in an effort to make a joke. The teen realized he was quite hungry, too. He had been too nervous to eat lunch that day, and breakfast had been coffee and a roll.
 
The young woman chuckled slightly at the offer and simply patted his arm "None av that with me Erik, I'm just myself, ye know." she commented, not having much of an idea that was Erik's was of showing respect for her, to Mena it was more of an old fashioned, awkward gesture that Erik felt like he had to make. She didn't say a word about the kiss and didn't really seem to be thinking on it at all, it was something natural really that she did to show affection. Besides Erik looked as if he could stand some affection in his life. "So do I." Mena replied with a soft laugh as she felt her stomach growl lightly. A morning headache had made her eat little and in the whirlwind of farewells and last minute packing her lunch had been sparse.

(Gah, bedtime for me, early again>< I'll reply as soon as I can tomorrow)
 
The dining hall appeared open and roomy, with high ceilings, and and tall windows that would let in plenty of natural light during the day. The walls were decorated with art and photographs of previous classes. The tables were made of sturdy looking wood that was well polished. The savory smells of food came from the lines where students were served and from what Erik guessed was the kitchen in the back of the dining all. The overall impression was one of history and comfort.

Erik spotted Tristan easily enough. He was one in line with a happy smile on his face enthusiastically indicating what foods he wanted. Erik saw that the students were getting trays and flatware from a cart near the start of the line. He allowed Mena into the line ahead of him, as seemed proper.

"The food smells wonderful," Erik said, his stomach growling just enough to embarrass him. He was getting his tray when he felt eyes on him. Erik looked up and around to find Richard Preston III and two teens he didn't recognize staring at him and Mena from a nearby table. Their expressions seemed unfriendly, but not obviously so. It angered Erik that they would look at Mena like that. For himself, Erik was used to far more hostile expressions from his siblings.
 
Mena stopped for a moment, gazing about the dining hall with an undisguised expression of awe. The table and chairs were of top quality, and the art hanging on the walls had her mesmerized until she heard Erik speak. "Hm? Me too." she replied, tone dreamy a moment, the same cast to her eyes as she stepped along the line, looking over the array of food a moment as well, before ordering some roast beef, rice and vegetables. As Erik looked over to their watchers, she turned her head too, feeling a chill on the back of her neck. Looking over the three youths she gave a simple nod and smile, walking on to sit beside her brother, who was eating quickly but politely, enjoying each moment. "Ye forgot vegetables." she pointed out, sliding some from her plate onto his. He made a face at her as she started to eat.
 
Erik selected roast chicken, potatoes and mixed steamed vegetables. He took coffee and water for his drinks. He followed Mena and took a seat beside her. Erik saw Tristan's look of distaste at the vegetables, so he sampled those first to see if anything was wrong with them.

"The vegetables seem good to me," Erik said after a moment. He wondered if his friend just had never had good vegetables. Then, a girl and boy sat down across from Mena and Tristan. They were still putting their napkins in their laps when one of Preston's friends came up behind them, and whispered something to them. They looked up with shocked surprise, and hurriedly left. The boy smirked.

"So, are they bringing a trailer for you to live in?" he asked Tristan. "So you and your girlfriend can feel at home?"
 
Tristan shrugged "I don't like them all that much, I'm a meat and potatoes fellow." he replied and smiled at the new students as Mena nodded at them. They had been about to greet them when one of the other student's approached and they left. Tristan looked confused, as did Mena before a flicker of knowing filled her eyes and her face hardened in an instant. As the young man spoke, Tristan surged up to his feet, chair sliding behind him with a rattle "Say that again." he hissed, eyes blazing with fury. Mena was on her feet as well, that same coldness washing over her, face pale with fury "Trist, hush. Ye're telling lies about two people ye don't even know already? Tsk, and I thought ye're fancy education would leave for some creativity." she mused, voice thoughtful, calm. By the way she looked at him it seemed obvious that she knew full well of what he had said and was calling him on it.

(I assumed he mentioned Mena and Tristan were sleeping together? I had the idea that Mena got that by her gift)
 
Erik stood, shaking with the rage he was fighting so hard to hold in. Mena and Tristan were his friends. They didn't care that he was a freak and a shame on his family. They deserved better than to be the subjects of such crude and nasty harassment.

"Please sit down," Erik asked his friends, especially Tristan. "This... pig dog isn't worth risking getting into trouble." He looked the other boy in the eye. "I am not a scholarship student. If I get expelled, my parents will just find another school for me. Spread one more whisper of your filth, and your parents will need to find you a good hospital." Erik wasn't bluffing, but he hoped desperately that it wouldn't come to that. He didn't want to have to be separated from his friends, but he would do whatever he had to to protect them.
 
Tristan was livid, fair skinned face turning a flushed red, his fists clenched tight enough to make his knuckles white. He looked a hair away from leaping over the table and pounding the young man's face in. Mena was standing up straight, her face flushed a bit as well, eyes bright with anger, more restrained then her twin. "Ye're right, he's not worth it, especially ye getting into trouble over us Erik, leave it be. Spead ye're bile somewhere else, it's not worth it." she replied, nodding at the young man, before touching Tristan's arm softly "Ye're food is getting cold." she cajoled and her twin shook her head. "Lost my appetite." he muttered, pulling away and leaving the dining hall. The girl sighed, shooting the young man a last cold glare "Erik, ye coming?" she asked, already leaving after her twin.
 
Erik saw Tristan leave without his meal, and he glared with utmost hate at the liar who had dared to spoil dinner. Preston's crony finally showed a little good sense by hurrying away.

Erik's expression softened when he looked to Mena. He heard her words, and nodded shakily, the anger not quite fully suppressed.

"Yes, I will be right behind you," he assured his friend. Before he left, Erik opened his napkin and laid it out. He took a number of rolls from the basket on the table and wrapped them in the napkin. If Erik had lost his appetite at home every time he was grievously upset, he would have starved to death years before. His friends would be hungry again once they calmed down, and Erik intended to make sure they didn't have to go without. Once the bundle of rolls was ready, Erik followed Mena and Tristan.
 
Tristan had already stormed down the hall in fast angry strides, making Mena jog to catch up. He whirled as she approached, breathing quickly "Calm down Trist, the guy's a moron, he doesnae know what he's talking about." she commented, her own voice calm as it nearly always was when he was in a temper. Her brother growled faintly and sighed, slumpnig slightly "I hate it when people get say thing like that." he muttered. "I know and ye think I don't?" she asked, arms folded, her own eyes stormy.

Both sat against the wall, resting their heads back "They're idiots." Tristan commented at length and his sister nodded "Most of them." she agreed, closing her eyes tiredly a moment as Erik emerged into the hall, Tristan giving a nod "Thanks, for reaming him out for us." he acknowledged, while Mena looked thoughtful, eyes still closed. "Those two, the lad and lass that sat with us. I'm going te go talk to them, maybe we can get some answers, and more people on our side." she mused, already standing and walking back to the hall to find the two. Spotting them she approached, waiting politely a moment "Excuse me, can I talk te ye two, please?" she asked, tone calm. Back in the hall, Tristan shook his head "Stubborn twin av mine." he muttered, half smiling.
 
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