forum The Shadow Society // OxO // Closed

Started May 12, 2020 by @ElderGod-Icefire

tune

(alrighty!)

Theodore opened the door to the study where the Shadow Society was held every year. This wasn't his first year at the Hawthorne School for Boys, and so he knew who would be in there, unless there was anyone new.

Nikolai Ulyanov, 18 years old, Russian, fifth generation member of the Shadow Society, was sort of the unofficial leader of the boys. Tall and dark haired, he spoke with an accent that he never seemed able to get rid of. Not that he would have wanted to. Jakob Valgard, 16, Dutch, and a third generation member of the Shadow Society. William O'Connell, 17, Irish, first generation member and always very nervous about that. Amir Jacobson, 18, half Indian and half English, fourth generation member. They were who he was most familiar with, though that wasn't everyone in the Hawthorne Shadow Society.

Theo, though, was sure that he was the quietest, because he has so much to hide. He sat down in one of the chairs, letting out a quiet breath and running a hand through his curly dark hair. He had changed out of the school uniform, dressed in a soft, cream colored sweater.

Dressed in formal attire, a look that only his father appeared to appreciate, Oliver took a deep breath and slowly pushed open a door. The Shadow Society was one of his duties to both his family and society, didn't mean he enjoyed it. He was a fourth generation member so he practically knew the ins and outs by now, plus there were a few members with whom he didn't get along well with.

He strode into the room, his usual proud expression plastered to his face, and glanced at the other members who were already gathered.
Tobias Couture, 17, French. That second generation boy was the only one whom he could confidently call an ally in not only the Shadow Society and Hawthorne School, but also in general society. He was a quiet boy when around strangers, but as soon as you mention something he's into and it's getting him to shut up that's the trick. Their families had been quite close from the beginning, their father's were practically brothers, so it would only be natural to assume that the two of them treated each other as family too.

There was no avoiding the glare from that Russian as Oliver took a seat close to Tobias. The two of them butted heads from the moment they met, but at least Oliver was willing to keep it civil in the company of others—the older was obviously the more mature.

"Is this everyone?" Nikolai asked. "I did not receive word of new member, so unless anyone else did, this is it, yes?"

Theo nodded a little bit, getting out a journal. He kept notes from most meetings. "Yeah, this should be it."

"Good." Nikolai replied, looking to the door. "Then the only one we must now wait for is the headmaster?"

Jakob was the one to nod this time. "He should be here–" and then the door opened and their headmaster stepped inside.

The headmaster had also gone to this school, and was a member of the Shadow Society. He was in charge of making sure that the boys learned everything they were supposed to, and that they behaved. Mostly, he left them to their own devices though, so that was good. At least, in Theo's opinion.

"It's good to see you." Tobias murmured to Oliver, not even glancing his way. He, too, wasn't a massive fan of certain people in the room, and the boy thought it was necessary to never take his eyes off them for fear of being hurt in some way—something Oliver never understood.

Oliver's back immediately straightened as the Headmaster entered the room. Another person that he didn't get along too well with, but they were on civil terms at least. The Headmaster was a tall, spindly fellow who appeared to lack any weight or muscle, but this didn't mean he was weak. As far as Oliver was concerned, the Headmaster was one of the wisest members of the Shadow Society within Hawthorne's walls and to cross him would be seen as signing your death certificate.

The Headmaster looked over the boys in the room, nodding respectfully to a few of them. "I assume you all know why you are here today."

Theo nodded a little bit, shifting in his seat. He was a bit uncomfortable in these meetings, seeing as how if any of these boys knew what he was, he would be dead, but…he did like their company. He did like being around them, because when the headmaster wasn't around, they were usually a decent lot, so long as he didn't bring up magic or anything.

Nikolai relaxed a little as the headmaster began talking, stretching out in the chair. The Russian was a bit of a teacher's pet, to be honest, though not much of one. With the USSR on the rise, his own family was in a precarious spot, seeing as how they had been nobility. That stress sometimes made itself known with a fiery temper and a quick anger, that usually ended up directed at Oliver.

"I'd like to start by welcoming the first generation members," The Headmaster glanced at several individuals, including William. "You have nothing to be nervous about. As for the rest of you, welcome back." he started slowly pacing, keeping his eyes on the boys who stared at him. "It's the start of a new term, which means I need you to be on your toes. Evil lurks in every corner of this world, and we don't want it within our walls. Be on guard, stay strong, and do your duty to the Shadow Society like your fathers before you."

Oliver, while looking sharp at the Headmaster, wasn't fully paying attention to what he was saying. He had heard this all before, it was feeling more like a broken record being forced to repeat itself. He knew it was necessary though, especially for the first and second generation members, to make sure they were as loyal as they were expected to be.

Theo nodded a little bit, jotting down notes in the journal as the headmaster spoke. He shot William a quick smile, trying to reassure the Irish boy. William gave a nervous little smile, shifting in his seat and seeming quite anxious about all of this.

Nikolai drummed his fingers for a moment as the headmaster spoke, waiting to see if they would be told anything important.

(I was thinking that the murders haven't quite happened yet, and they aren't assigned to it yet? To give a bit more time for them to get to know each other)

(Yeah that's fine, I was thinking that's where you were heading with it anyways)

Finally the Headmaster stopped pacing, the expression on his face was one of pride. He cared a lot for these boys, and it made him happy seeing the strong men they were going to grow up to be. He crossed his arms over his chest, allowing his stance to relax a bit, before taking on a more light-hearted demeanor. "Get to know each other, will you? You're going to be working together for some time and I think it would benefit you all greatly if you could at least know each other for the people you are rather than as just colleagues."

Upon hearing that, both Oliver and Tobias shot a look at each other that said what the Headmaster was asking of them was sure to be a challenge. The two of them didn't get along with most of the Hawthorne Shadow Society members, and now that they were being physically asked to get to know each other… Oliver, being the inquisitive person he was, wanted to raise this concern to the Headmaster, however when the man's eyes fell on him he already knew that speaking up was out of the question. He would just have to bear with it.

"That will be all lads, " The Headmaster confirmed, nodding his head. "I expect great things from you. You may leave."

(alright)

Theo let out a breath as he got up and slipped out of the room, tucking the journal into his pocket. He already knew most of the boys…so who was he supposed to greet? He finally turned to William, shaking his hand. "I'm Theodore Holden, but you can just call me Theo, if you like." he greeted, looking at the Irishman.

"Oh– I'm William O'Connell, I'm…Will is just fine." Will stammered out, biting his lip and awkward.

Theo nodded, shooting him another quick smile. "Yeah, of course. Do you have any questions?" he raised his eyebrows a little bit.

When the meeting ended, Oliver and Tobias took their leave. Neither of them had any intentions of befriending any of the other members, especially when some of them looked like difficult individuals to place trust in. Besides, Oliver knew who most of them were already and wasn't inclined to know them on any other level.

As they left, Oliver's gaze fell onto one of the quieter lads–Theodore, was it? He was the kid who never really engaged with the others, something Oliver could respect in a person, though from how he was interacting with one of the new members it was clear that he had no issue making friends. He allowed his gaze to linger on Theo for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing slightly, before Tobias tugged at his sleeve.

William thought for a moment. "Er…how does this…what exactly does the Shadow Society do?" he asked, shifting anxiously.

Theodore thought for a moment about that, cocking his head. "Alright, so the Shadow Society, as you know, is one of the more elite groups among the Praesidia Spectris. Most branches of the Shadow Society actually focus on investigation and control, meaning they investigate reports of Spectris or illegal magic, and then take care of that. In the case of Spectris in the Corporis, the Spectris will either be taken back to their own side of the world, or killed if the offense was dire enough. In the case of illegal magic, first it's legality is figured out. If it is a Corporis human dabbling in magic, they are typically left alone, as they don't know what they're doing in the vast majority of cases. If it is a half-Spectris, they are…usually killed." he paused for a moment, eyes flashing away slightly, then back to William. "If it is one of the Praesidia, then they are put on trial, for which the punishments vary."

(gtg soon sorry)

A soft chuckle floated from Oliver's lips as he overheard the conversation between Theodore and William, though he wasn't looking at them anymore. Tobias had a hold of his sleeve and was pulling him down the corridor. When the two of them were alone, Tobias let go and shoved his hands into his trouser pockets.

The two of them were prone to walking in silence together, no words needed to be spoken for the two of them to enjoy each other's company. Today however, Tobias nudged Oliver's arm with his elbow, however he dared not look the man in the eyes. His hair sat just atop his shoulders, and from the way he styled it, his fringe covered the entirety of his right eye. "So, what do you make of the Greenies?"
Oliver stopped walking for a moment, looking out of the nearby lattice window. The crimson sunset bathed his skin in a rose-gold hue, sparks started to faintly glisten in his eyes. The gardens outside were hushed for this time of evening, though a few students could be seen talking among themselves. "I think they have potential, especially that boy William. I think they just need some guidance in order to make sure they stick to the right path."

Out of nowhere, Tobias pulled the taller man down and slung his arms around his shoulder. A bright, almost mischievous smile graced his lips. "I knew you cared about them, you can't keep up that tough guy act around me."
The only response Oliver gave in return was a soft sigh and a warm smile.

Theo and William continued to talk quietly, a soft smile gracing Theo's lips as he explained things to the newcomer. He wanted William to be as comfortable in the group as possible, and maybe this would help. Of course, talking couldn't replace experience, but it could help. It could augment it. So that was what he was going to do. Augment it, get William comfortable with the Shadow Society.

(Yeah sure)

Theo had spent a while talking to William, and then had gone to collect his luggage, grabbing his bag and heading towards his dorm room. He had no idea who his dormmate was supposed to be this year; he only hoped he would get along with them. He knew that the Headmaster tried to make sure that Shadow Society boys all roomed with each other, so he knew it would be someone from the Society. He just didn't quite know who, yet.