[Open & Closed] ❀

[enkidoh]

Who: Enkidu & you!
When: Today, the 10th of October
Where: The Coven, mostly
What: School shenanigans
Warnings: n/a


A - Lessons
[It seems they have a choice in this. There are a variety of classes and books and it seems that using magic isn’t a difficult thing at all either. Of course, they’ve never had the abilities to belong in a caster class but when push comes to shove, it doesn’t take much to make it flow through their body.
 
So it does not take long for Enkidu to decide that this is a positive thing. They can redefine their own purpose and place here and that is just incredibly new and exciting. Just like that moment when they decided to side with humans instead of staying a mindless beast has been exciting. And all that excitement shows when they enter the class.
 
Because they are totally that student that asks a lot. Next to that they do not really mind to silence others when they are chatty during the teacher’s lecture.]
 
I am sure you are able to discuss those matters outside this room. Please be silent. I try to listen. And I am sure that I am not the only one.
 
[The look on their face isn’t even an annoyed one. When they gaze at the culprit the expression is completely neutral.]
 
 
B – Magic
[The thing with flowers is that they are lovely. They also smell good and bring a smile to someone’s face. But there’s also something like too much flowers. Enkidu absolutely doesn’t mind that the front hall of the Coven building has changed into a sea of flowers. In fact, it is an improvement. There is absolutely nothing wrong with bringing some nature back in this large, stone city.

Slowly they make their way through their conjured sea of flowers, careful to not damage them or bring them harm. And maybe, for everyone else it is somewhat of a weird sight. A figure all dressed in white and without shoes tiptoeing through flowers that should not be there.]

Isn’t it beautiful? [They look up and smile.] I have used a spell to get them here. [The smile broadens because, oh, they are so very satisfied with the result.]


Closed to Mello
[They’ve gathered an immense pile of books around themselves now. Each one is even more interesting than the previous one was. So much knowledge and so much they can learn! But, to be absolutely fair, they find themselves a little overwhelmed.

Nevertheless they still want to grab that last book over there. The one quite close to another person who seems to be browsing around. For the last time they walk away from their table to grab it but when their hand is on it, the other person has taken hold of it as well.]

Ah.

[Enkidu looks up and whispers.]

I hope you don’t mind that I take it.

Comments

B

[hippocarnival]

Whoa. [Yuya stops at the other end of the hall, staring at the redecorating that's occured.

He walks through them with a lot less care, tromping on flowers he can't avoid.] Uh--yeah. You made them?

[enkidoh]

Be careful!

[Enkidu points at Yuya's feet and the flattened flowers underneath said feet.]

Stand on your toes and walk carefully! [Allow them to demonstrate how this works. Carefully they thread through the flowers, not harming any of them as they do.]

[hippocarnival]

[Yuya stops in place immediately, wide-eyed as he looks between Enkidu and the flowers.

His brow knits, incredulous.] Okay, I can do that, but this the front entrance? There's going to be a lot of people coming through.

[This location may be unideal for preserving them.]

[enkidoh]

[When the other mentions that Enkidu gazes at the large door behind the other. Oh. It seems trampled flowers are inevitable.

They had no idea that they grew that far. But then again, they have poor control over their magic.]

That looks like an entrance.

[They tiptoe closer to Yuya.]

You are right about that. [But there is a solution to this problem!] We could pick them. Would you want to help me with that? We could prevent the inevitable trampling.

[hippocarnival]

I... don't think I can stay and pick all of them. [There are so many flowers, just let them get stepped on.] But I can help a little. What are you going to do with the picked ones?

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu crouches down as if they have all the time in the world.]

Don't worry. [They smile.] I appreciate all the help you can give me. And I understand that the positioning of the flowers is quite unfortunate.

[That is an interesting question.]

Put them in a really big vase. [Enkidu stands again and stretches their arms to make the other know how big that vase is going to be.] Really big.

B

[kublan]

[ Troy felt out of place in the coven. But that doesn't stop him from trying his best to learn what he can, and what he finds useful. Walking down the halls of the Coven towards an outdoor space he can practice at. He could have sworn this part of the Coven wasn't filled with flowers, so he had to take a couple of steps backwards with a puzzled furrow etched on his brows. ]

What? You gonna start a garden or something?

[ His confusion immediately turns to a smile. He leans against a pillar and watches Enkidu. Seeing their smile beam like that was heartwarming. ]

[enkidoh]

This stone city lacks life.

[It makes them feel somewhat restless. They are significantly more at ease when surrounded by tall trees, green grass and the smell of earth.]

Have you ever looked at it? All stone and buildings. [They continue to tiptoe through the flowers. A lot of flowers. Like, really, it's ridiculous.]

[kublan]

I noticed. Didn't really put much thought into it though. Grew up in a city so all of this is normal to me.

[ Troy says as he steps closer, meeting Enkidu in the middle and at the edge of the patch of earth they conjured up, not wanting to trample on it with his boots ]

The lack of floral life seems compensated enough by the amount of people though.

[ He figures it might be a culture clash. Growing up in a densely populated city with little greenery, life to him is the everyday chatter and noise of people living their daily lives ]

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu started as a lumpy clay beast living in a forest and despite everything that has happened and every choice they have made, they have always felt more close to nature. They have always felt more inclined to protect it. To be surrounded by it makes them feel happy.]

I understand that. [They nod and smile.] For me...being so far from nature makes me feel...[They frown as they try to think of a word to describe it.] ...uneasy.

Even though I am very fond of humanity I will always prefer nature. [They lean forward.] You have received my pictures, right?

[They photographed a lot of plants and flowers. In fact, Troy, your entire inbox is full with blurry pictures of greenery.]

b

[digiorno]

[Normally, Giorno avoids the Coven at all costs. Which is stupid, and he shouldn't, but that's just how things go when one is stubborn and spiteful. Until one's Bonded requires one to return a book to the library and one doesn't have the heart to say no.]

[In this case, though, it's a positive. He goes into the library and everything is normal; when he comes out, the building has all but exploded with flowers. Gaudy, vibrant, their gentle scent perfuming the evening air.]

[He forgets immediately that he doesn't want to be here. This is in terrible taste, but it's his taste, and he's delighted.]

You did this? [Admiring, but a touch jealous. He misses being able to do things like this. Reaching up to touch a cluster of flowering vines crawling up the wall, he draws his hand back, uncertain if he's allowed.] You did an incredible job. They're lovely.

[enkidoh]

[Terrible taste is obviously the best sort of taste there is.]

I did. [Enkidu smiles broadly, looking very happy. They are well aware of the fact that they kind of went overboard but there couldn't be much wrong with decorating grey, stone buildings with tons of beautiful flowers.] Thank you!

[Their smile widens at hearing such a thing.]

It is quite an improvement, isn't it? Suddenly these stones do not look as lifeless anymore.

[digiorno]

[This is so true. Overboard is a matter of perspective in any case. In Giorno’s opinion, more flowers would be perfectly acceptable and no one else’s opinion matters.]

There’s so much more color. You know, I love cities for what they are, but I love this more . . . bringing life back in instead of pushing it outside the city walls.

[He sighs, puts his hands on his hips, and nods, as though approving some kind of grand opening.]

Are you going to keep going? [Oh my god.]

[enkidoh]

[It is quite obvious that Enkidu has poor control over their magic. It either comes out all at once or not at all. And now it really comes out because wherever they point at, flowers appear. And at times they just appear in mid-air.]

Hmm...even Chaldea had more plants and flowers. [And Chaldea is trapped in a never ending winter landscape, go figure. Finally they tiptoe towards the other.]

I think I am. [For a moment they gaze at their hands, still smiling a little.] At the moment I do not entirely know how to stop it. Perhaps the best thing I can do is enjoy this properly.

[Aka: they can't witch themselves out of a paper bag.]

[digiorno]

[Objectively speaking, it's probably very dangerous to not have good control over one's magic. Giorno doesn't have the lived experience of this, because whatever controlled this place made him a stupid vampire, but the idea makes sense. Any power out of control is bound to misfire.]

[At the same time, he can't not brighten at the fact that wherever Enkidu points, flowers appear.]

What a lovely mistake to make, if you have to make one. You could charge for redecorating if you wanted.

[Probably not, but look, he'd pay for it.]

You're new, then? [Or just so incompetent that they still don't know how to stop making flowers after being here for months. But hopefully not that.] Is Chaldea where you're from?

[onamissile]

[Immense would be an understatement; Mello has gathered everything he deems relevant, which has so far equaled three highly-stacked piles of books on everything from basic healing to all-out conjuring. He doesn't know where to begin, but fully intends on working his way through everything. There's an open notebook with near-indecipherable scribbling on a table's surface where he was sitting — pages and pages of it — and the average person would deem them the notes of a madman.]

[His study habits have always been a controlled sort of chaos. Much like himself.]

You can have it when I'm finished.

[No whispering in libraries for him. Mello owns any space he decides he's going to occupy. He doesn't mean to be rude — really — but this person just happens to be going for a book that he's already decided has piqued his interest, from the title, alone.]

I'm a quick read, yea.

[Not that he has to explain himself. He grasps the edge of the book, gives it the smallest of tugs.] I'm sure you can find something else until I'm done.

[Sorry. He needs to learn. Everything. Now.]

[enkidoh]

[But Enkidu doesn't let go. They blink and look at the other for a while.]

I touched it first. [And then they tap a finger against the front, pointing out the title. 'Basic spells for Basic witches'. And they are most definitely the most basic of witches. In fact, they are not even sure how they have to properly witch.] I am...a bit less quick but the first thing I'll do is give it to you when I'm finished.

[Mello might be able to see Enkidu's reading spot somewhere close to the window. They have many books and there's a notebook as well with some incomprehensible scribbles in it. It could very well be that these scribbles represent an old language.

Finally they straighten their back as well, noticing another place with a pile of books and a notebook. They point at it.]

Hmm, is that all yours?

[onamissile]

[And so Mello is presented with two options: make enemies in the one place where his ability to learn is unhindered, or attempt something resembling patience. He's no good at the second, really. But it's worth a shot — ]

[He follows their gaze over to his pile; it's not that impressive, really.]

'Till I'm done with them, yea.

[And while he won't loosen his hold on the book (not an option), he opts against making enemies in an unfamiliar place where it's not necessary. He tips his head, gives his response a moment of consideration.]

If you're a slow learner, it would be beneficial to pair up with someone who isn't.

[He doesn't see it bringing him down in any way, and so he's willing.]

We can go through it together, if you'd prefer. That, or you wait.

[Callous thing that he is.]

Your choice.

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu won't let go of the book either. It is obviously important as they take their first steps into witch-hood.]

Hmm... Patience is a virtue.

[And for a moment they're willing to stand their ground for this book but then the sudden offer comes to use it together. They blink briefly and start to smile afterwards.

Finally they let go of the book.]

I like that idea. [Finally they take a step back.] Will you join me? [They point at their tiny fort of books.]

[onamissile]

[And so Mello is presented with a decision. They've let go of the book. It's his. He won. He can easily use this manipulation to take it back to his area, and what are they gonna do about it? They've already admitted that they're uneducated where spells are concerned, so it would come down to the physical.]

[Is he really going to fight over a book? He might.]

I had a professor back when I was young.

[As though he isn't young anymore. No. He's eighteen. He's an adult, by his standards. His intelligence far surpasses that of the majority of "adults."]

Who believed that starting off small was a mistake; it led to a path of learning that wasted time.

[He glances down at the book. It's the most beginner-level text he's taken, so far as he can tell by the cover.]

So he would teach us on a higher level from the start, so when exams came, they were a joke. [And really? It was effective. Mello almost remembers him fondly.]

Compared it to football, actually. Said that when he was a lad, he'd train with a tiny goal, and when game-time came along, the goal was so wide that he couldn't fathom missing, so.

[Shrug.]

This book is a waste of time. Unless you're willing to trail behind the rest when it comes to mastering what we have to learn.

[Sound logic. Or so he believes.]

a

[rightfoot]

[ Louis didn't mind helping his classmates to help ensure they could keep up with the rest of the glass. So, he sometimes did catch himself chatting with others. He seems rather unbothered by the call out, and immediately returns the remark. ]

Do you want help, too?

[ Yeah, it doesn't necessarily come out the most polite. It's not that he minds being called out... but it's just how he is. ]

[enkidoh]

[The transition from a very powerful Heroic Spirit to a witch isn't the most easy one. It would probably be far more easy if they were classified as a Caster but alas, that is not the case.

Not even to mention the fact that they cannot rely on their abilities anymore. Any person would feel as if the ground has been swept away underneath their feet but Enkidu has decided to overcome that. They have no time to sulk when there is so much to learn and see.

Finally they press a finger against their lips.]

Shh.

[They nod afterwards because every help is welcome. It could be another way to learn. Finally they motion at the clock on the wall. According to their knowledge the lesson wasn't going to take long anymore.]

[rightfoot]

[ Shrugs. To each their own, after all. Sometimes, people need more than what is offered in class, and since he's been here a couple of months, he's happy to share experience with the new people here. He found it helpful to get from others, too.

His attention diverts to the other, then back towards the teacher.

While he lists, though, he's putting the spell taught to practical use, attempting bits and pieces of it in his own way to help get better at it. He quietly repeats it. Again, and again. He's found this has been the only way to get anything.

The other is right, not much longer. He'll let it go. He's able to, so he'll just wait, but quietly engage with other students, eye contact, a grin, and a small ball of fire. The easiest thing he'd learned. A simple, starter spell in the palm of his hand, one of the ones that he would be glad to say he's mastered.

After a bit, the teacher - dismisses them, inviting the students to engage with each other and use the room for themselves to practice. ]

[enkidoh]

[Enkidu remains focused until the teacher declares the class over. After that they lean back and look at their scribbles inside the notebook. For a moment they wonder how they should start with this and finally they lean over to that loud deer-man from earlier.]

Now we can speak. [They show Louis their notebook. It is full of old symbols and strange scribbles that might not even look a little bit familiar to the other.] If I speak these words the magic will be activated, not?

[It is still difficult to fathom that they are some sort of mage now, like their Master has been.]

Or is there something I need to do to activate this magic first? [They gaze at their hands and then they focus on Louis' face.]

[rightfoot]

[ Louis glances towards them, and blinks. Oh yeah - he had initiated a conversation. He blinks and shrugs. With him, magic was about learning it, practicing it, and following the process and thoughts. However, in the end - he never understood it until he did it. Until he practiced.

He decided on an answer. ]

For me, I think about how I want it. Then I focus, sometimes there's... an incantation, I guess. But I say it to myself, for me. It feels fast when I do it this way.

And...yeah. That's all, I guess. Once you do something a lot it's easier.