Post by The Headmaster on Aug 8, 2013 20:46:13 GMT -6
At the podium of the Grand Hall, the Headmaster absentmindedly tapped the mic. There was no response from the speakers. He frowned slightly and tapped it again. "Is this even on? How do I-"
With a sigh, Principal Varana stepped forward and flipped the only switch on the mic's sleek black surface, rolling her eyes visibly, much to the amusement of some students. Snickers emanated from the audience, seated on chairs painstakingly arranged in rows. The Headmaster looked hurt, a woeful expression much like that of a chastised puppy's. His brown eyes widened and glimmered in the light, and his messy brown locks seemed to droop with sadness as he tilted his head down. With a little clearing of his throat, he recovered himself.
"Ah, thank you, Principal Varana. I come before you at the beginning of a new year. There are some new students, and some experienced students, and some in between.
"However, one thing binds everyone: all of you are wastes of air and energy. Until you propel yourselves forward with your own willpower and drive to learn, you are nothing to me, and nothing to humanity. You are utterly worthless."
"Bit harsh, coming from someone who can't even turn on a mic," whispered one audience member, a first year.
The closest older student quickly hushed him. "Don't taunt the Headmaster. It's a bad idea. Trust me."
"For one night, however, you are allowed to relax. That night is tonight- the initiation ball. Whether you're returning or you've just started, take this night to make friends. There are dorm assignments posted on a billboard, as well as name tags. Feel free and get to know each other already- you'll be spending a lot of time together, so I would recommend being civil." He paused for a moment, drawing breath and fiddling with the sleeve of his formal brown tailcoat. "Don't expect to simply succeed, especially those of you entering your fifth or sixth year here. You will be rewarded for cleverness with your continued life."
The Headmaster paused one last time. "Welcome to the Academy."
The students poured into the banquet hall, which was just the mess hall with tablecloths. Stuffed boar, soup, and other delicacies were arrayed on all of the tables. As the pupils began to eat, the Grand Hall was hurriedly cleared of chairs and the speakers prepared for the dance that was about to happen.
The doors of the Grand Hall opened, and standing there was the Headmaster, Principal Varana at his side. He meticulously adjusted his glasses, pushing them up his nose with two fingers.
A blinding light began to emanate from behind him, its white brilliance curving around their forms. However, while Principal Varana stayed the same size, the light began to curve more and more around the Headmaster, as if slowly dissolving his form, slowly seeming to swallow him in the brilliance. An enigmatic smile flickered across his face, and then in a flash, he disappeared entirely in the light.
The light vanished, leaving behind no sign of the man. Principal Varana was looking at the spot he'd just stood with the tiniest bit of surprise evident in her raised eyebrows and slightly open mouth. Shrugging, she turned to the student body.
"The Great Hall has been cleared and is now free for use. Please feel free to meander between the two rooms to your heart's content. Billboards containing room assignments are arrayed around the Mess Hall, as you can see." She gestured to them, all at convenient locations around the hall. "Do enjoy yourselves before a hard year." She gave a short bow and walked off with swift purpose and certainty in her carriage.
With a sigh, Principal Varana stepped forward and flipped the only switch on the mic's sleek black surface, rolling her eyes visibly, much to the amusement of some students. Snickers emanated from the audience, seated on chairs painstakingly arranged in rows. The Headmaster looked hurt, a woeful expression much like that of a chastised puppy's. His brown eyes widened and glimmered in the light, and his messy brown locks seemed to droop with sadness as he tilted his head down. With a little clearing of his throat, he recovered himself.
"Ah, thank you, Principal Varana. I come before you at the beginning of a new year. There are some new students, and some experienced students, and some in between.
"However, one thing binds everyone: all of you are wastes of air and energy. Until you propel yourselves forward with your own willpower and drive to learn, you are nothing to me, and nothing to humanity. You are utterly worthless."
"Bit harsh, coming from someone who can't even turn on a mic," whispered one audience member, a first year.
The closest older student quickly hushed him. "Don't taunt the Headmaster. It's a bad idea. Trust me."
"For one night, however, you are allowed to relax. That night is tonight- the initiation ball. Whether you're returning or you've just started, take this night to make friends. There are dorm assignments posted on a billboard, as well as name tags. Feel free and get to know each other already- you'll be spending a lot of time together, so I would recommend being civil." He paused for a moment, drawing breath and fiddling with the sleeve of his formal brown tailcoat. "Don't expect to simply succeed, especially those of you entering your fifth or sixth year here. You will be rewarded for cleverness with your continued life."
The Headmaster paused one last time. "Welcome to the Academy."
The students poured into the banquet hall, which was just the mess hall with tablecloths. Stuffed boar, soup, and other delicacies were arrayed on all of the tables. As the pupils began to eat, the Grand Hall was hurriedly cleared of chairs and the speakers prepared for the dance that was about to happen.
The doors of the Grand Hall opened, and standing there was the Headmaster, Principal Varana at his side. He meticulously adjusted his glasses, pushing them up his nose with two fingers.
A blinding light began to emanate from behind him, its white brilliance curving around their forms. However, while Principal Varana stayed the same size, the light began to curve more and more around the Headmaster, as if slowly dissolving his form, slowly seeming to swallow him in the brilliance. An enigmatic smile flickered across his face, and then in a flash, he disappeared entirely in the light.
The light vanished, leaving behind no sign of the man. Principal Varana was looking at the spot he'd just stood with the tiniest bit of surprise evident in her raised eyebrows and slightly open mouth. Shrugging, she turned to the student body.
"The Great Hall has been cleared and is now free for use. Please feel free to meander between the two rooms to your heart's content. Billboards containing room assignments are arrayed around the Mess Hall, as you can see." She gestured to them, all at convenient locations around the hall. "Do enjoy yourselves before a hard year." She gave a short bow and walked off with swift purpose and certainty in her carriage.