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_{(Photo by Santa Venera alla Badia. http://www.santaveneraallabadia.it/)}

Selena checked that the fruits on the small round table were well-stocked and, knowing how many students had a sweet tooth, she added a plate of treats as well. Satisfied, she arranged the candles on the side-table, and finally sat down in one of the cushioned chairs to await the students, arranging the flowers beside her to pass the time.

Cornelia entered the room smiling holding the quiz into her hands , having her answers circled and hoping she answered each of them honestly , `cause after all , it was her future involved. She nodded to the headmistress. "Morning , ma'a'am." she announced in a calm voice as she looked one more time upon the quiz and her choices as she handed the paper to the Headmistress.

[[EDIT: Answers have been noted.]]

She smiled to the professor and waited for an answer. She hoped that it wasn't so exactly clear that she was dieing to see where her she belonged , and she was sure she belonged somewhere.

This post has been edited by Selena Erica Alwen on Apr 30 2009, 08:14 AM

Selena smiled as she saw the girl come in, clearly composed.

"Good morning, Ms. Petrovski. Help yourself to some treats if you wish."

She had expecting her and and stood to receive the paper from her, motioning towards her table of treats while she studied the answers. It did not take her long to look through them and come to a conclusion. She smiled, looking up at the girl. There was little question of which house she should go.

"Ash, Ms. Petrovski. You'll join the others in the Ash house, though I'm afraid you'll have to use the guest flets till the house areas are ready. Do you know how to get there?"

Cornelia smiled back to the Headmistress. Ash was going to be the house she`d be in for the next few years. She nodded to Miss Alwen as she was asked if she knew how to find the guest flets.
"I'll figure out the way , and thank you very much for the sweets."
she replied happily as she was backing out and she was adding her hand in the sweets plate , taking out what seemed to be a lollipop. She took the wrapping paper off it and when she got close to the door she smiled to the headmistress again. "Have a good day!" she said as she left the room.

AsterE L I Z A B E T HRaven

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Aster navigated her way to the Headmistresses room. Upon entering, she was overwhelmed. It was a beautiful little room and Aster immediatly fell in love with it. Looking for the Headmistress, Aster spotted her in an armchair near the window, arranging flowers in a vase. Aster smiled warmly at her Headmistress. "Good day, Headmistress!" Aster walked a little further into the room and without another look at her sorting quiz paper, gladly gave it to the Headmistress.

[[EDIT: Answers have been noted.]]

Aster smiled and patiently waited for the Headmistress to analyse her quiz. She didn't mind what she was sorted into.

This post has been edited by Aster Elizabeth Raven on Jul 13 2009, 01:43 AM

Selena was just inspecting the sweets on the plate when the next student came in. This time, she had to check her list.

"Good day, you must be Ms. Raven."

Receiving the answers the girl passed her, she thought for a moment, her finger absently touching her chin. There were several houses she felt this girl would do well in, but still, she concluded that the girl was more inclined to the Olive house.

"It's the Olive house for you."

She gave the girl a warm smile as she placed the paper to a side. Then, turning to her table, she gestured to her plate.

"Any sweets for you before you make some friends?"

AsterE L I Z A B E T HRaven

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Aster was quite content with the house she had been sorted into. Returning the Headmistress's smile, she gladly thanked her. "Thank you very much Headmistress!"

As she was about to walk out of the room, the Headmistress offered her some sweets. Aster turned to see the quiz off to one side, obviously to be out on file or something and the Headmistress turning in her seat and pointing to a bowl of delicious looking sweets. Aster bit her lip. She loved sweets but her parents didn't like her eating them. After alot of deliberating whether she sould have one, she decided it would be rude to say no to the Headmistress of all people. "Why, thank you! I don't mind if I do!"

With a happy smile, she picked the first one she saw and unwrapped it as fast as she could. Popping it into her mouth, a cute smile with slightly pink cheeks appeared. After chewing the whole sweet and swallowing, Aster thanked the Headmistress again and danced out of the room.

Selena smiled and nodded at the girl's thanks. She could only guess at what the girl was thinking as she looked at the sweets and she had to refrain from laughing at how the girl seemed more than satisfied with the treat. Students these days were definitely different from those in her time. As she left, Selena went back to sit in one of the chairs. Ever since what was left of their family had to abruptly take over the running of the academy, she had not had much of a chance to rest, and that was what she did now. Leaning an arm on a side-table, she listened to the soothing chirps outside the window and closed her eyes.

Everta knocked twice before she peeked into the office.

Professor, may I come in? Upon permission, she pushed the door open and entered, closing it behind her. Her first impression of the room was that it was homey, and brightly lit. It wasn't really what she was expecting for the office of a Headmistress, but she didn't show any surprise.

Everta approached the Headmistress' desk, with a straight face and her papers tightly gripped. My name is Everta Dalca. I'm here to submit my sorting quiz. And with that, she handed it to the Professor.

[[ EDIT: Answers have been noted. ]]

((Thanks again :)))

This post has been edited by Prof. Selena Erica Alwen on Jun 17 2009, 12:51 PM

Selena turned and stood, smiling at the girl as she came in. Receiving her quiz answers, she gestured towards her side-table which was still rather well-stocked with sweet treats.

"Let's have a look at what you've got. Feel free to have something to eat while I go through this."

Selena had known of some students who seemed to be suitable for more than one house, and she certainly didn't wish for the girl to grow restless if she had to wait. Besides, the way she had gripped the paper had been rather tense and while Selena expected some respect, she certainly did not wish students to be more uncomfortable than necessary. Still, a quick scan at the paper was all it took for Selena to confirm the girl's house.

"You'll go right into Ash, Ms. Dalca."

She smiled as she announced that. She had certainly not expected to find students who fit so exactly into one house, and, placing the girl's quiz on a tray, she gave some thought over what the girl might need.

"Would you know the way to your dorms?"

Everta tried not to show her nervousness. She politely declined the sweets offered by Professor Alwen. She was hoping she wouldn't have to wait long, just awkwardly standing there. Fortunately, the Headmistress was fast to inform her her house would be Ash.

Regarding the woman's question, Everta just smiled slightly and nodded.
Thank you, Professor. She really had no idea where the dorms where, but she'd find her way. Being babysat wasn't one of her favourite things to do.

With that, Everta slowly turned to the door and exited the room, setting it shut once more.

Selena nodded and smiled as the girl seemed more than keen to venture out on her own. As she left, Selena turned to the window, looking out at the students moving around the academy. Giving a light sigh, she picked up the latest ministry documents she was to go through and sat back in her chair. She was already feeling the strain of being a sort of mediator between the ministry and the academy and not for the first time, she found herself wishing Seraphinus was headmaster, the way she was sure he wanted in the first place. Giving up trying to read, she made her way out of the room. Perhaps she would get a drink and return before the next student came.

James stopped in front of the closed door, fixing his tie with two fast tugs before knocking. He didn't wait to hear from who was inside; instead, he just turned the handle and pushed the door open, taking a step in and flashing one of his confident smiles.

May I? He closed the door with his back turned to it, still looking at the woman who sat behind the desk. She seemed relatively young, even younger than him perhaps. For a few fractions of second, the thought that he had gone into the wrong office crossed his mind, but that was definitely the right office. James had been expecting an elderly woman, probably not in the possession of her complete mental faculties anymore. But this was a surprise... and not an umpleasant one.

Good afternoon, Headmistress Alwen James said when he approached the desk, offering her his hand to shake. My name is James Blake, I'm opening a small business on the Town Centre. It's going to be a stationary and book store, that's why I'm here.

He said all of it seemingly without taking a breath and always with the same smile on his lips.

Selena was glad she had returned to her office without taking an extended break for, almost as soon as she thought she would take a siesta, she heard a knock on the door and her eyes snapped open again. She had just enough time to straighten up in her seat and be thankful she was at her desk before the door opened and let in a pleasant young man. She judged him to be little more than her 28 years, and, still cursing herself for being caught so unprepared, she stood and smiled as he approached.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Blake. It's certainly a pleasure to meet you."

A pleasure, so long as the weariness didn't show in her eyes. He was certainly well-mannered and she took his hand in a comfortable, firm shake before motioning for him to sit.

"Do have a seat. So, what could I do for you?"

James sat in the chair in front of the Headmistress' desk, to which she had pointed to. Her shake was firm and confident - sign of a determined woman. Most definitely charming, even if she looks a bit tired.

Headmistress, I'd like to provide the best service for Sylvan students, in terms of supplying the correct materials for their classes.

James was very aware he usually sounded too formal, but he liked to confuse people with his affected tone combined with his pleasant features. It worked specially well on young women such as Miss Alwen, but James could see she wouldn't be too impressed.

I'd like to ask for a list with the books required by each teacher, as well as stationary material if they wish, he said, slightly leaning foreword.

((I'll keep my posts short(er), so that you don't have to force your hand so much :P))

Selena swept aside the half-written report from her desk, letting it join one of those neat stacks of paper. As Mr. Blake spoke, she let her arms rest comfortably on the table, leaning forward to concentrate on what he was saying.

"Ah, yes. I believe I have a list for several of our classes."

If only I can recall where I left it. In times like this, when her headache was starting to mount, she was grateful those little stacks on her table were more or less organised. Flipping through a thin file, she took out a slip of paper.

"Here are the titles for the Music Department. Natasha mentioned that only the Music History classes require textbooks though I'm sure she would be pleased if students read up more."

"For Instrumental Study, I'm told that students are expected to purchase Music Scores but considering how each of them would require different pieces and only a single copy each time, perhaps I'll have Natasha and Daniel to let the students know to order through you when they need them?"

Strangely, she didn't seem to be able to find those lists from the other departments. She knew that quite many of those language classes - hers included - used more notes than textbooks but she was sure there was supplementary reading the students could do with. She flipped through the file, lips moving ever so slightly even though she was not in the habit of muttering.

(( Aww. How sweet. Still, I'll be nice. :P ))

James silently observed Ms. Alwen as she looked for the lists among her desk. She only seemed to need a couple of seconds to recall the place where she would find the sheet of paper. As she talked, he kept his eyes at the level of hers, only lowering them to look at the paper she offered him.

Yes, these mustn't be hard to order. I know the publishers.

It wasn't something he liked to brag about - well, actually it was, but James wasn't about to strike up an informal chit chat with the Headmistress - but he had a lot of connections in publishers pretty much around the globe.

As for the music scores, I'll have a few classic pieces in store. Anything rarer can be easily ordered as well. Any student that needs them can keep the book store's contact and order them as they wish. He finished with an open smile.

Frankly, James couldn't wait to get to work. The store still needed some repairing before he could open it to the public. But he was quite enjoying the conversation with Ms. Alwen.

Selena nodded and smiled at how Mr. Blake sounded confident about ordering. It was truly good to have someone who knew what he was doing and that was much more than she could say about herself. Of course, the solution he had for the musical scores was far better than what her tired mind would come up with at this point in time and her smile grew at that relief.

"That would certainly be wonderful."

By this time, she had found the list of books published by their academy press and passed the paper over to the shop owner.

"Here are some texts used in various classes. I believe most of them are self-explanatory but do let me know if you should like any assistance in figuring out which classes use the texts."

Letting the man have a little more time to look at the titles, she found the letter from her sister with the titles of the texts she would use in her class. She pulled a blank sheet of paper over and copied them neatly and smiling, she passed it to Mr. Blake.

"This list would be for Introduction to Literary Devices."

"I'm afraid that's all I have at the moment, Mr. Blake. Professor Gregorio is a new addition to our staff so I'll give him more time to confirm his booklist."

She smiled, clasping her fingers on her desk as she mentally went through the list of classes just in case she had missed anything.

Ms. Alwen's smile was truly radiant, James thought to himself. He only averted his eyes from her for a moment, while she looked for the remaining lists. James took a glance to the nearby window, having to squint a little because of the strong sunlight.

When the Headmistress spoke again, James turned to look back at her, taking the new sheets of paper she had on her hands.

Thank you, she said smiling, flashing his white teeth. He knew his hair must also be shining golden under the newly arrived sunrays, and he passed his hand through it while reading the list. He wasn't even trying to look charming, it was just his nature. Well, maybe he was trying a little. He liked to make a good impression whenever he met someone for the first time.

I thought I recognized the name Alwen from somewhere, James couldn't help to say, as she gave him the other list, for Introduction to Literary Devices. Narratives. A Writer's Manual. I own it myself. Quite the treasure. It wouldn't be too presumptuous of me to assume you are related to Sieglinde Fidelia Alwen, would it? His expression was innocent, but a bit toned down from his usual theatrics.

Oh, it's no trouble. He reached the inside pocket of his jacket, taking a handwritten card he had prepared beforehand. He offered it to the Headmistress this time, making the opposite transaction. I know, it's a little shameful that a stationary shop owner doesn't have proper business cards, he started jokingly, but this will have to do for now. Here is the address of the bookstore. The phone line hasn't been installed yet, but this way you can reach me whenever the last lists are ready. He could just as easily said 'Professor Gregorio can reach me', but he didn't purpousefully.

(( Do me a favour and try not to say James is a "she". :P ))

Selena smiled at the man's appreciation, certainly pleased to see someone with his manners and being sincere about them - very much unlike those clowns she had to deal with at the Ministry. She caught herself as her gaze wandered to the top of his head where the sunlight crowned his hair gloriously, and blinked, a hand brushing back her own hair from where a few strands had strayed towards her face.

"You're welcome."

It came out more as a mutter than her usual articulation. Perhaps her fatigue was catching up on her, after all, or perhaps there were other reasons she would not admit to herself, but she turned her attention to Mr Blake as he commented on the name. With a certain smile, she noted that he was sharp indeed to note that.

"You would be right to assume that. Sieglinde Alwen was my mother. She passed away a year ago."

Selena felt compelled to add in the latter after she noticed how she was addressing her mother in the past tense. If the man could put two and two together, he could easily conclude that she had died during the battle but Selena did not wish their conversation to turn awkward at the mention, and she brushed away her thoughtful glance and leaned forward to take his card with both hands.

"Thank you, Mr Blake. I'm certain you will have no trouble getting the cards printed as soon as you've settled down. I'll definitely visit as soon as I can. To pass you the list, of course."

This time around, she had no idea why she appended the last line.