Luna Hall Academy: The Entrance Exam

[Falcon]

Always open

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Luna Hall Academy: The Entrance Exam​

Thirtieth day of Fliege

The town of Luna Shire was abuzz with activity. This was school week. The week before the starting both of Tower University, a tall bone white, skyscraper that rose above every point in the city and was visible for miles, and Luna Hall, the preparatory school hidden in the mountains about an hour's drive away.

Students from all walks of life, from every place imaginable were beginning to turn up. They and their families filled up every inn in town, stayed with family in the city, or in some cases even camped at several local camp areas outside the city. The thing was, while university students could stay in their dorm year round, Luna Hall refused to let anyone in until the traditional start of term ceremony.

Less a ceremony than a test of will though. Every current student knew that while it was something different every year, and something any novice could pass, it usually involved getting through in the set time limit and not being late for the dinner feast. Those that were late, without prior arrangements at least, well there were cases of students being put on suspension until the next semester… or so the rumors went. No one wanted to risk it.

All roads through Luna Shire led to the center town square and then out again, but the center was where all students needed to go. There stood a tall, red roofed, inn with the school house banners hung over the upper balcony that extended from the Tea Room.

In this Tea Room sat at least one school representative, though which varied by the hour, taking student registrations. Anyone could apply to join if they met the requirements, and all accepted students had received a variation of the following letter some months prior.

Dear Student,

It is our great pleasure to inform you that your grades are high enough to be secured a place at Luna Hall Academy. Please see the enclosed list of materials including books and uniform requirements. Luna Hall is a licensed flight zone, so those that wish may bring their flying equipment. School brooms are also available at request.

Also note that students are not allowed pets except in the case of a familiar. Some unbonded familiars may roam the school grounds so those without may find theirs. It is recommended that those with a familiar pack for their companion as well. Family visitation days will be the last Saturday of each month.

Term will start the first day of the month of Drehen. Please register at the Tea Room in Luna shire no later than 8pm on the thirtieth day of Fliege.

If you have any questions you may reply to this letter, or contact the me directly by the address on the enclosed card.

We look forward to seeing you on campus.
Sincerely,
Gerard Scritch,
Headmaster
​

Those that had been on the roll since graduating primary school simply needed to sign in. Older students needed to likewise sign the register in person as a proclamation of their intention to attend again in the new year.

The current school representative was an older gentleman in his early fifties with graying black hair, very tan skin, and deep brown eyes. He was wearing his usual orange argyle sweater over a white button down. He was currently extremely busy matching accepted students to the registrar with a book lay forgotten on the table beside him. This man was none other than Gideon Turk, the head of house DjinnGate one of the school houses. He had just started his turn at the registration table and would be there for several hours. Already he washing for a glass of tea.

[

Each student accepted was given a little pamphlet about staying in the city until the test was announced. They were also informed that the dinner feast starting at six the next day would be the absolute deadline, and a basic reminder about school policies and rules.

Each was also given a simple bracelet, magiced so it wouldn't fall off until after the test, with the information that this bracelet would be used as a communication device with staff for the duration of the ceremonial test. Those that looked carefully at the single bead decorating the black chord would find an intricate etching of ruins.

"This will inform you of the start and any additional rules,": Instructor Turk informed each one. "And allow you to contact us if there's an emergency or unforeseen event."

A tap of his fingers secured each one before the students were sent out to have one last day in the city before things began.

 

[Midian]

"Thank you!" Leilani had said, half grateful and half in awe as she looked at the bracelet Instructor Turk had given her. It seemed hard to believe that she was finally getting a shot at going to Luna Hall Academy, almost too good to be true. Having been one of the last few to get her bracelet, she found there were few students around, leaving her to wander along the city streets mostly by herself. There were a few students farther ahead, perhaps a bit older by the look of them, huddled in a group talking. A little unsure if she would be intruding, Leilani instead chose to stop by a tiny bakery near an alley and get a giant, pinwheel-shaped sticky bun studded with chopped nuts.

Wanting to sit, she hopped up into the exterior windowsill of a closed business at the edge of the alley and began to eat after propping her broom against the wall beside her.

Spoiler

Her skirt was a little more than knee-length and trimmed in tattered lace, and her blouse was pinned up to her throat. Both were shades of pink, the skirt darker than her blouse, and the kerchief tied around her neck darkest of all. She'd temporarily stowed her goggles in her red satchel, which she now hung off one knobby knee as she ate the bun.

As she was licking her fingers clean, Leilani hesitated, listening to the sound of something moving in the alley. Unsure of what she thought she was hearing, she grabbed her satchel and broom, tiptoeing in to investigate.

 

[daird]

Samantha nodded as she received her bracelet. "Thank you, sir." She dashed off, her blue skirt fluttering behind her a little.

Luna Shire was so much larger than the tiny village she was from, so she got a little overwhelmed. Take your time, Sam. Find one place, and start there. There was a small potions shop over on a corner, so she decided to start her day off with a little shopping. She needed a better alchemy setup than the second-hand one she currently had; perhaps they had something on sale.

 

[PhantomThief715]

Long black tresses blow in the gentle wind, a tall slender figure stepping out of the Tea Room and into the streets of Luna Shire. The woman was beautiful with stunning blue eyes and sunkissed complexion. Ever step she took was elegant and refined. The young woman wore gray mid calf swede heeled boots, dark blue jeans, gray tee shirt, teal cardigan, silver bracelets and a teal and gray scarf to finish off her stunning loom. The woman slips on her bracelet she just received and continued to walk. This beauty beyond compare was none other then Nerezza (Erza) Tempest.

The Tempest family was a prestigious family of magic uses often named in history as great mages. The family was currently on the Magic Council and was one of the founding families.

Erza continued to walk thought the beautiful streets of Luna Shire, wondering what it was she'd do now. She could have wondered into the local Guild her family had that was controlled by her Uncle or had gone to a local sweet shop. The possibilities of what she could be doing at this time was endless, so she'd walk until something popped out to her, or in this case someone. While the young woman was walking someone ran smack into her and fell on their back ends. Erza however caught her balance and staid standing. She looks down at the person who had fallen and offers a hand to help them up. "Are you okay?" She asks.

Outfit

(And I leave an opening for that one clumsy person there is in every rp.)

 

[Lockheart]

SORIN​

Sorin had seen it all once before. The hustle and bustle of the start of a new year at Luna Hall. This was to be his last day in the city before going back to live in the RocCliff dorms. He idly fondled at the bracelet as he looked around for Mara. Yet to see her enter or leave the Tea Room, he waited. Leaning casually against a wooden post.

A bag hung at his side, the strap pressing down into his shoulder with the weight of too many books. Sorin adjust to strap a little. His brown boots, a little muddy from a day spent walking around town, rose up to hiss calves. The black trousers, with too many zips for all of the extra pockets stuffed with handy magic trinkets, were tight around his legs but far from being restrictive. His simple grey shirt was somewhat scruffy at the shoulder where the bag strap had messed it up. Most important of all was his father's scarf, a dark red, tied around his neck to keep the cold out. Finally black gloves concealed the makings on his hands.

Come on Mara, where are you? he wondered to himself. She was taking her time and cutting it real close.

SORIN

​

 

[Cresion Breezes]

Vinno woke up with a dry cough, regretting about falling asleep on a beach. She looked up at the ships that were idling at a distance, voices can be heard coming from the same direction, Luna Shire's main docks. The slightly cold ocean breeze scratched painfully at her throat and nose, and the small bead on her bracelet had pushed into her skin leaving behind a red dent. Another cough the dull pain persisted.

Standing up, Vinno rubbed the dark circles under her eyes while cleaning off the fog on her glasses. Gazing at Luna Shire's town center, the chattering noise of students and tourists can be still heard despite the ocean winds. Tower University stood high in the town, Vinno blanked out while staring at it, not batting a thought about the tall, slender white building. The corner of her long and heavy work pants was stained a little wet by the sea water, it pressed cold against her skin again and again while swaying with the wind, a reminder of how time is still passing. Stroking her slightly messy hair ends and a long coat that has been kneaded into an entangled mess, as Vinno tried to make herself look somewhat presentable in public before heading back to the bustling center of the town.

After getting used to the noise that the busy streets brought, Vinno arrived at a small coffee shop. Vinno doesn't particularly like hot drinks, but it was one of the few things that can stop the coughing. She sat at a table outside of the shop, sliently watching the people walk back and forth as if the world has nothing to do with her. A girl in a blue dress dashing around shops, a young woman strolling elegantly in the streets, a young man with a huge bag standing near the school orientation Tea Room...Vinno yawned as she rubbed her eyes again, and can't help but feel those dark circles are getting more noticeable by the minute. She thought about dozing off again as the street noise started echoing as if it were something far far away.

 

[Midian]

But within the echoes, a rough voice filtered through, almost otherwordly.
Pet me, I'm soft.


The source of the voice, Vinno quickly discovered, was a bright green, ring-necked parrot carefully inching sideways along the back of her chair, eyeing her with one sharp, inquisitive eye. It cocked its little head, regarding her, and hopped a couple of inches closer.

What're ya doin'? Mwah!

It bobbed its head and turned its other eye to her, lifting one foot.

Pet me, I'm soft!

However, there was no telling if Cal was soft or not. A moment later he nipped her earlobe and fluttered away, making kissing sounds all the way around the corner.

 

[Falcon]

((collab with @Midian))

Earlier

Headmaster Scritch sighed as he looked out his office window at the down below. It was open and he had spent some minutes watching a small green ringneck parakeet fly down to the town just visible in the distance. Scritch hoped his little feathered buddy was being helpful, but the conversation earlier left him in doubt. It hadn't exactly started out well. Scritch and his Deputy Head had been going over the plans for the night's test, each double checking the tasks and that everything was in place and in perfect working order. Cal had seemed deeply interested. Well, as long as you knew what to look for Cal seemed interested.

"Do you want to be involved this year?" Scritch had asked, "meet the new students?"

Cal turned his head so as to look at the headmaster with one eye for a long moment, then turning his head the other way to look at the deputy head with his other. He cocked his head a moment and then hopped over to the headmaster, raising his wings and lifting one leg.
"Step up, time to get up Cal!"

Scritch obediently moved a hand so the parakeet could have the perch he seemed to want.
"Good. I know you haven't found anyone you want to partner with again, but you can be a very helpful friend when you want to be,,, you are planning to be helpful aren't you?

The Deputy Head heaved a sigh and fanned out the paperwork Scritch was supposed to be signing.

Cal watched the paperwork move and fluttered down off Scritch's arm, grabbing a corner of one of the papers and beginning to chew it off.
"Whatcha doin? I love you! Mwah! Thank you!" Cal seemed to reply, shredding the corner of one piece of paper before hopping over to content himself with preening the feathers of a quill.

The older man frowned and scrubbed a hand through his now mostly white hair. His green eye watching Cal closely as it's glass counterpart magically swiveled to follow the first. There was a bit of a lag though.

"Here," he started taking the papers from the Deputy head, "what don't I bring these to you in a bit?" The Deputy Head agreed and with an affirming nod left the office, clicking the door closed behind them.

"Cal?" Scritch questioned again.

"Yes headmaster?" Cal questioned, his gravelly voice retaining the cadence of a parrot, but his words now more direct and focused.

"If you want to take part I have no problems, but the goal is to encourage teamwork and cooperation between the students. Not to get them lost."

"I understand, headmaster," Cal replied, hopping forward and lifting a foot again.
"Step me up?" he asked politely, opening his wings for balance as Scritch did it. Cal liked to look out the windows, but usually only while sitting on someone. "Won't make people lost," he affirmed after a minute of looking out the window.

"Very well," Scritch answered with a smile, "But to enter you must be touching a student or something they are holding when the test starts. 8pm sharp, Cal."

"Sharp," Cal repeated and flew back down to the desk. "See you headmaster," he said, taking flight out of the office.

Scritch watched a moment longer, just knowing the little bird would find a way to have some fun before things started before finalizing the paperwork and strolling down the stairs to his deputy heads office. They still had a lot of work to do.

---

7:45pm

When Leilani looked into the alley way is was a bit dim to see and the thing moving in the shadows was equally dark. But when the beam of a flashlight dug from her bag fell on the shadow the thing froze. Upon further inspection it was clearly a tiny kitten, long black fur muddy and matted, the folded ears combined with the extra large eyes giving it a very pitiful begging look.

The poor thing had its paws up on the rubbish bin behind a delicatessen. Trying repeatedly, in vain, to get at what looked to be the remains of a large chunk of turkey sandwich settled on top. He was clearly too small to even make the jump to the rim though, and looked a bit battered for trying. Worse still, there was nothing nearby which it could climb to get higher and closer to it's target.

"Oh, honey!" Leilani exclaimed, quickly lowering her voice to avoid frightening the kitten.

"How'd you get stuck out here, huh?" she asked, covering the light partially with her fingers so she didn't hurt its eyes, knowing it saw better in the dark than she did. Carefully she approached and saw the turkey it had been after, lifting it out and giving it a tentative sniff. It thankfully didn't smell rotten and hadn't picked up many garbage smells yet. She sat the turkey down where the kitten could get to it and took a few steps back, searching for anything to put water in. Eventually she found a small tin and rinsed it before filling it with water and putting it nearer to the kitten.

The tiny mew it gave her was clearly one of gratitude as it fell on the turkey like a starving animal, which it clearly was. The dimmed light made it clear, upon closer inspection, that the kitten's size was mostly furr and it's actual body was extremely underweight.

When she set the tin of water down it moved immediately to that, hurriedly drinking its fill. The turkey at this point was more than half gone. But despite its hurry to get the food before anything else did, the kitten seemed much calmer. In fact if she listened closely Leilani would find the distinct sound of a small motor running.

Since it looked preoccupied with the turkey, Leilani cautiously stepped away and and dashed into the deli just as the owner was going to flipped the sign from open to closed.

"Miss, we're closed," he tried to start, but gasping for air like a fish, Leilani managed:
"I'll pay for it but there's a cat out there that's starving, can I please get a little of anything?"

The man, large and mustached, grumbled, but complied and grabbed her a small package wrapped it white butcher's paper. "It's roast beef, and don't worry about the money; I haven't got time to ring you up," he groused, but held the door open for her as she ran back out and into the alley.

Thankfully the small kitten was still attacking the turkey and hadn't left. Leilani unwrapped a little of the sliced roast beef and held it out once the turkey was gone.
"C'mere baby, I got you some more food. You look like you need it."

The kitten approached cautiously, wide eyes now looking hopeful as it slipped under her crouched knees to both hide and get at the little piece of roast beef she was offering.
"Eat it slowly, don't get sick," she murmured, holding the piece and gradually inching it out of her fingers as the kitten ate. "Go drink you some more water too, okay?" she said, drawing the tin closer and adding more water from her water bottle.

The tiny cat complied obediently, resting one tiny paw of her foot as he bent to drink, dunking his face accidentally and pulling it out with a rough sneeze.
But as he bent to drink again the bead on the bracelet began to glow and a deep voice that many students would recognize began to speak

"Goodness!" Leilani laughed, whipping off her ascot and wiping his face.
"You gotta take it easy, oka--"

She cut off as the voice began to speak.
"I gotta go kitty, but..."

She looked at the remaining package of roast beef.

"Want to hop a ride? You can have some more food in a bit and my shirt's really warm," she said, offering her hands out to the kitten. The dark ball of fur inched closer with a hopeful mew but then suddenly looked at the water tin and back at her. "Is this thing on?" The headmaster's voice seemed to be saying. "Can everyone hear me?"

"Water? Okay, we'll take the tin too," she agreed, emptying the remaining water out of it and stuffing it into her already full satchel.
"I have more, don't worry. Are you ready to go?"

"We can hear you, Headmaster, go ahead," came the voice of Instructor Turk.

"Good good! All familiars are advised to be touching their student or a thing they are carrying. Students, please pick up your luggage. If you have so much you cannot carry it, please set it safely aside to be retrieved later."

In answer the kitten promptly sat on Leilani's foot.

"I guess you're coming, huh?" She asked,quickly picking up the kitten and standing up.

A tiny mew was the only answer she got as the clearly underfed ball of fur moved to cling to her shoulder.

"Any student or familiar left behind may report back to the Tea Room where Instructor Turk will be waiting," the headmaster's voice echoed again.
((end collab))

---

8 pm

The headmaster's voice had radiated out from student bracelets all over the city at exactly 8pm. Everywhere kids between the ages of 13 and 17 were picking up bags and setting aside luggage in safe corners and reaching for their familiars. Older students murmured that this was "not like previous years'."

Five minutes later the headmaster spoke again.

"All right, that should be time enough to get situated. Everyone be ready for a transportation spell. An again, if you are somehow left behind go see Instructor Turk at the Tea Room. Everything further will be explained on the other side."

8:06 pm

​

The light radiating for each bracelet suddenly encased the student wearing it in a bubble. A bubble that pulled them into the air and seemed to pull toward other bubbles all over the city. The sight was rather like a thousand giant fireflies being pulled into the night sky.

There was a sudden shrinking sensation and then--

Pop​

It was like winking out of existence and then back in again.

On the other side things were completely different.

It was broad daylight.
Each student landed in soft white beach sand. Some were completely alone others could see each other ten feet away. The world seemed comprised of ocean, small islands, and long paths made of cobblestone, various types of bridges, and train tracks, connecting them. In the distance the outline of a large island could be seen.

In front of each student was a small grey backpack containing a first aid kit, a full water bottle, and a lunch bag made up of two different sandwiches, an apple, a small bag of chips, and a large cookie.

The headmaster's voice crackled again, but this time seemed to be coming from somewhere above rather than the bracelet.

"All right? In front of you you should find a basic supply bag. It does include food for those of you that missed dinner or get hungry over the trial. Those of you who informed us of dietary restrictions should still find your meal appropriate.

"You are in a labyrinth designed by your teaching staff. The goal is to get through all four levels to the exit. There are way stations at the ramp to each level and to the exit. These stations include a toilet, a pump to refill your water at, an information board, and places to rest and sit to eat.

"Instructor Sydney will be waiting at the end to assist your exit and take roll as you pass through.

"The Labyrinth is fairly straightforward. Make your way past the obstacles to the waystation at the center. Climb to the next level and do it again until you reach the end.

"Obstacles are set at first year beginning level. That being said I expect older students to help you younger rather than breeze through. Teamwork is encouraged! You may also find some of the Schools unpartnered familiars inside to offer clues and assistance. They are there to help although communication with some may prove tricky.

"If you get into trouble you may use your bracelet to contact staff. The trial will end at 6 am tomorrow morning after which will will have a welcoming breakfast feast, the sorting, and a free day to get settled. That gives you 10 hours.

"Any magic within the confines of school rules is allowed, although not necessary.

"If you are ready it's time to begin!" A voice could be heard giving an indistinct request in the background. "Oh yes," the headmaster continued, "two hints for you. Again, Teamwork will speed things along. The second is this. Remember, Luna Hall has four houses. Good luck climbing the four levels to the top!"

And this time the voice really did wink out.

Students scattered all over the outer islands of the lowest level stood and collected themselves. Most quickly figured out that to one side was a barrier or wall of some sort that allowed them to orient themselves toward the indistinct outline of the large island which must be the center. As they set out it was clear that some paths did not join as expected. Some did come together, some crossed over into the air, and others, surprisingly, tunneled under the water.

Mara and Sorin found themselves on opposite sides of the same island which was connected by a stone path to the one on which Erza had landed. Seth had landed on the next island in, also reachable by the first two. If they so chose they would be able to form a team of four right from the start.

On the complete opposite side of the lowest test level, Leilani and the kitten had landed on a seemingly isolated little island. However about ten feet from their position as the broom flies was the island where Vinno had landed connected to the island next to it by a rickety wooden bridge. This one was the location on which Samantha had landed. They could all either continue alone, or form a team as they liked.

 

[Lockheart]

SORIN​

'Well that's new," Sorin muttered. "A transportation spell?"

Then he was enveloped in a golden light. All around him, the light shined almost too brightly to look at directly. But it began to shift and move, swaying slightly as though it had very little weight against the wind. Slowly the golden bubble lifted up with Sorin inside.

Guess he would have to find Mara on the other side. Whatever was happening, Sorin could only hope that he would find her before anything dangerous happened.

SORIN

​

 

[daird]

Samantha dusted herself off as she looked around. Nice place for a vacation. Shame I can't stay. Two other students were there, a boy and a girl who seemed to already have a familiar. She headed towards the old wooden bridge- it didn't look enspelled, but there were always surprises possible. "Hey there! You two want to work together? The sooner we get this done, the better!"

 

[PhantomThief715]

Mara and Sorin found themselves on opposite sides of the same island which was connected by a stone path to the one on which Erza had landed.

Erza
Erza manger to land on her feet, a stone path to be exact. She glances around. "So it's a beach island this year." She sighs to herself spotting a person on either side of her in the distance. She wondered which way she would go. Upon her decision to go left she mumbles a few words and below her feet a magic circle appears and she vanishes. Before her stood a male, most likely a second year. Transportation spells, they came very handy when you knew how to use them. "Hey. I'm Nerezza von Tempest, fourth year at Luna Hall." She says introducing herself to the male.

@Petricus Euryale

 

[Lockheart]

All at once the light had vanished and he was on a path. Presumably on an island. Before he could even begin to plan his next step, there was a flash of the light from the ground and woman appeared. She was older than him but clearly not old enough to be one of the staff members. So she was a third or fourth year student, Sorin assumed.

Fourth year it is, he thought to himself once she was done with her introductions.

"Ugh, yeah, I'm bewildered and lost. Second year," Sorin replied. "I'm sorry... Transportation magic has always made me feel kind off... Out of place, so to speak." He took a quick look around. "So have you got any idea on where we go from here?"

@PhantomThief715

 

[PhantomThief715]

Erza smiles "It's understand able. I saw another person in the other side of this stone path. I think we should start their. It's fun to work in groups. Plus, team work, a few minds work better then one. Even if I'm an upper class honor student." She chuckles. She looks at him up and down. Should they walk or teleport was the question.

"Should be teleport over their or walk, maybe fly?" She asks him. She grabbed a scrunchy from her pocket and pulls her long black hair into a high ponytail.

@Petricus Euryale

 

[Lockheart]

Sorin knew his preferred method of transportation. The old shoelace express. Teleportation and portals always made him feel sick. And he had a feeling that there would some measure to stop students flying around, otherwise this test would be too easy.

"I think it's best if we walk," he answered. "And I work better alone so... I'll help you get to this other person then I guess you two can go together from there."

He could smell the sea air being washed in on the breeze. Maybe there were other people in the area? A locating spell could proves to be useful once they found this third person. But Sorin was not interested in groups. His intention was to do this either alone or with Mara. Even if they had been advised to work in a team.

"The name's Sorin," he said. "Since you're a fourth year honour student I would wager a bet that you can muster up an easy finding spell as soon as we find this other person."

@PhantomThief715

 

[Takashi]

A light silvery spark appears in the center of Luna Shire. This light begins -slowly at first- to make its way around carving into the stone a circle first, then another, then several near-heiroglyphic symbols and in the space between these two circles. It then speeds up and begins to etch lines from the inner ring to the center in an interesting display of geometrical carving. Soon enough, this silver light filled all of the etching with a shining light. And suddenly, after a mild flash, a young boy was standing in the middle.

There stood a man, about 44 years of age, just a few feet away from it. The man was brandishing a silver spear with turquoise inlaid just below the head on both sides. He had been told that this boy would be arriving by transport circle at this spot. And sure enough, here he was. "So you've arrived. Good, I've already made arrangements for you earlier today. All you must do is go in there", the man pointed to the tea room, "and introduce yourself, the man inside should officially enroll you in Luna Hall then. Good luck." And then with a nod from the boy, the two switched places and the circle activated again, sending the man back to where he had come from.
(Just for effect, a picture)

The man's spear

Once the boy had entered the tea room, he then walked over to a central desk and introduced himself. "My name is Seth Scarabis, I am here to attend Luna Hall starting today." His enrollment was then finalized and he received... a bracelet from the man? Odd. Seth would definitely have to study more on culture in this place, this continent of Solaria.

~Some Time Later~
Suddenly, after his bracelet started speaking -apparently a communication tool- a bubble enveloped Seth. When the Headmaster mentioned a transport spell, Seth had expected a magic circle. He hadn't even known there were these kinds of teleportation... all the more reason to study here. There were many things like this that he had never known, Seth was sure of it. But that didn't take away his surprise when he was suddenly in the air above a beach.

"Whaaa?!" And then Seth landed in the sand, it wasn't so painful as it was startling though. And after a few moments of being a little dazed, he got to his feet and dusted himself off. Seth looked around, trying to get some idea of his surroundings. There was another island connected to his by an old worn-out pathway, where three other students were. Two females students and a male one, all of them older than Seth. "Alright, at least there's some other people nearby, possibly willing to help out a bit." Or, this could be a mirage... no, it's not hot enough here for that, he thought. Well, here goes nothing. Seth walked up across the pathway connecting the two islands and stopped right on the other side. "You three, greetings. Would any of you be agreeable to forming a team?"

@PhantomThief715 @Petricus Euryale @Helena SKy

~Meanwhile~
~~~~~~~~~~~
"A-nuuu", the noise was something between a howl and a yawn, coming from a certain canine familiar. Anu was somewhere on the second level of this labyrinth, laying down in a corner at the moment. He might help students if they passed by him. However, if they could find the jackal then they were actually going the wrong way. And so, Anu would likely be leading people to him if they listened to his noises. But there are ways to persuade a desert dog into helping you.

@anyone who wants, once they get to the 2nd level

 

[PhantomThief715]

Erza nods with a gentle shrugs as the began walking. The walk away long however not as long as it looked. Few words where exchanged and soon enough they were stand before the other female and a male fall before them. "Another teleportation spell. It seems the head master sends us another student." She says looking the two up and down.

"Nerezza Salome Von Tempest, Nice to meet you." She says greeting the male who just popped up. " I'm fine with helping my underclassmen." She says giving a soft smile.

@Petricus Euryale @Takashi @Helena SKy

 

[Eru]

WOLFGANG WINTERMOSS

---

Interactions: Vinno (@Cresion Breezes)
Mentions: Samantha (@daird), Leilani (@Midian), any other nearby students

---

With a wink and a pop, Wolfgang found himself landing in a small spot of sand, underneath a bright blue sky, which was quite the change from the ambient evening atmosphere of Luna Shire. Picking himself up, Wolfgang listened curiously as Headmaster Scritch's voice rang out from above, looking around to get his bearings. Even though he was a third-year student at Luna Hall, this year's entrance exam was strangely different than others before it, and Wolfgang was eager to get started.

Earlier that afternoon, after registering in the Tea Room, Wolfgang had spent his last time before school meandering through the streets of Luna Shire, window-shopping and people-watching. He didn't quite have the funds to purchase anything 'extra' for himself, but he did have everything he needed for school already, which was good. Wolfgang hadn't yet spied any students of SpinxHill from his previous year at Luna Hall, although he hoped he'd bump into at least one or two during the exam. It would be good to have some familiar company.

Collecting his thoughts again, as the headmaster's broadcast finished, Wolfgang picked up the grey backpack he saw on the sand before him, looking through its contents. He gave a small puff, slinging the pack onto his shoulder, swapping it with his broomstick which had previously hung there. The pack wasn't particularly heavy, and the food would be helpful -- but, Wolfgang had already had a bit of a long day in Luna Shire, and the exam was expected to take a number of hours. Even though the sky was bright, it had been around 8 o'clock in the evening in Luna Shire. Wolfgang hoped he'd have the stamina to make it through four levels of this labyrinth without getting too tired.

Right, Wolfgang thought to himself, time to get this show on the road. Looking around again, he noticed that he was on a small island, set within a very large body of water. The middle island was a fair distance away still, but it looked reachable within a half-hour's flight. Several other students were standing on similar islands nearby, Wolfgang noticed, and he wondered if any of them were 3rd-years like himself. He decided to go have a look; if there were any new students, they might be even more anxious about the exam than himself. The water connecting these islands didn't look overly deep, but Wolfgang wasn't ready to get wet just yet. So, he hopped onto his broom, kicking off and gliding over to the nearest students he could see.

A bit nervous, as always, Wolfgang cleared his throat as he approached a trio of islands, two of which were connected by an old wooden bridge. There appeared to be a girl standing on each island, but he didn't recognize any of them at first. Wolfgang slowed to a halt on the closest island, where a girl who looked a bit older than he was standing alone. Dismounting with a small poof of sand, Wolfgang called out to her, "Uhm, hi there! I'm Wolfgang, in SphinxHill. I don't think I've met you before?"​

 

[Luma]

A serenely calm, dark-haired girl braced herself as a flash of light enveloped her and landed her in.... a beach of some sort? Oh dear. A labyrinth, the voice called? Hm. Well, this was awfully interesting. It sounded more fun than the exam usually was anyway. Just.... a bit hot. Wearing mostly dark clothes didn't help either.

Okay, time to look around. There was the bag; that was definitely worth taking. What else? Well from the looks of it, that big island surrounded by smaller ones was probably the goal. The trouble was figuring out how to get there. Did the "always go left" technique apply here? Well overthinking it would get nowhere. Best just to go.

Iris stepped across a series of carefully-positioned rocks that formed a path onto another island with an unstable-looking wooden bridge and two other people: a boy that looked about her age and... Vinnie or something? Hard to keep track of all the other houses, but Vinnie was one of those very memorable people. She circled them and headed for the bridge.

Before Iris could make it all the way across, she was met with another girl, this one a good bit younger. Probably a first year? But she was in the way....

Iris gently pushed on Samantha's shoulder with her right index finger, hoping to squeeze passed and continue onward.

@daird
(and technically anyone else in the immediate area)

 

[daird]

Hmm. A maze. Joy. Samantha knew that with magic involved, just barreling through wasn't going to work. She could end walking on hidden portals, or running into invisible walls. She'd have to take it slow and cautious. Oh, how she wished she had a broom!

Another girl tapped her on the shoulder. The redhead turned around, a little startled. "Sorry, didn't see you there. Want to team up? Working together, we can have this little exam passed in no time." She called across the water, "The same offer goes to the rest of you!"

 

[Midian]

@daird @Luma @Cresion Breezes

Leilani checked her shirt first to make sure her new companion was still in there, and pleased to find the little kitten safely tucked in, she bent carefully to get the additional pack, grunting.
"Gonna have to get the broom to carry this stuff... You're a little small, fluffbutt."

She removed her broom from her back and held it out at arm's length, running magic through the gnarled and twisted wood until the straws at the end puffed out slightly, crackling. She strung the two bags along the shaft and then hopped sidesaddle onto it, drifting over to a tired, dark-haired girl first.
"Hey, I'm Leilani, and it looks like we're all out here together-- I mean, in this-- part? I saw more people over there, and we might do better if we work together and look after each other. I'm headed over if you want to join?"

The broom got her over to the other two fairly quickly, and Leilani hopped off this time, waving at the other two girls and introducing herself to Samantha and Iris.
"I wanted to see if you guys wanted to work together, maybe? My broom can carry a few more bags as long as you don't want it to go too high or too fast."