If she expected sleep to greet her quickly, she was sorely disappointed. The aching in her body from her tussle with the Chimera, the…dreams or visions or whatever she defined them as, made sleep elude her. Instead, she was left with the harassing moonbeams filtering through her window to keep her company and the soft sighs of her new roommate to interrupt her harried thoughts.
She was left with nothing but a headache that pounded dully against her skull, making her stomach roll and every muscle in her body feel as though it was being pricked by needle.
It'd been a brutally horrid evening and she was no closer to understanding the significance of her presence here. And the cryptic assurances of the headmaster certainly didn't assuage any trepidation she felt.
If anything they sent warning bells ringing in her ears.
Nor did the acrimonious attitude of her would-have-been guide…who had—Ellie begrudgingly admitted—been right about the concussion.
Not that she'd ever admit it that pompous, demanding, agitating…
With a small groan of frustration, after tossing about her bed for a few hours, she finally rose and tiptoed through the darkened bedroom and towards the adjoining bathroom to the left, hoping a shower would ease the fierce throbbing in her skull and the prickling of her skin.
This whole affair was unsettling to say the least. Ellie certainly didn't want to spend any longer here than need be, not after what she'd seen and her rather bizarre interaction with the headmaster…
Especially given the fact that he'd known her mother.
THAT fact was interesting and a bit disconcerting. And she wondered about the twinkle in the man's eye as he assessed her appearance, the smile never slipping from his face, even as he knew a Chimera was lurking about the outer grounds of his precious school.
You'd think he'd be a tad more worried about the whole affair.
Ellie shook her head to try to dispel the thoughts as they flittered through her mind in rapid succession, sending her dripping locks smacking into her eyes.
A bit begrudgingly, Ellie admitted that the water was warm and inviting, and did help to temper the knots in her shoulders and stomach, washing the remaining bits of dirt and grime and tingling from her fingers and toes. But the ache persisted and the girl knew she couldn't spend the whole day standing beneath the spray of steaming water. And though she'd been given a pass for the day—not that she'd planned to attend courses anyway—the girl knew she couldn't and wouldn't spend the entirety of her free time cooped up in an unfamiliar room with her thoughts. It never boded well.
Hastily, the girl shut off the water, and hurriedly dressed in the pajamas she'd been afforded the night before and ventured back out into the bedroom, wary of waking her new roommate who still slumbered in a tangle of sheets and ginger hair, soft sighs and snores escaping her mouth.
The agitation she'd tried to assuage with the shower returned when she realized that she didn't have her trunk and, therefore, had nothing else to wear but her tattered uniform…
Until—to her utter surprise—she found herself staring at a rather beaten, scuffed, and dirty trunk with her initials on it sitting at the foot of her bed.
A trunk that had not, in fact, been sitting there when she'd entered the bathroom to shower.
With a suspicious glance towards the opened window Ellie ventured towards her trunk, spying the small, crisp note waiting atop it.
Miss Way,
Apologies for taking so long to return his to you. My hopes all your belongings are intact. The university will, of course, provide a replacement uniform for your time here at the academy. I look forward to seeing you around campus and in the classroom.
All the best,
-H.M. Randolph
Ellie was flummoxed by the presentation of the letter and her trunk but with the firm reminder that this wasn't her home village, where most residents were of non-magic heritage, Ellie supposed the headmaster had a right to utilize magic to retrieve her things…well more than a right really. He had the auspicious privilege of the power of making the job immensely easier with his magic. And he'd done just that.
She was grateful, to say the least. And without another thought she hurriedly opened the dirty trunk and rifled through her mussed belonging, pulling out her mother's bracelet and a fresh pair of clothes, returning to the bathroom and changing into something more familiar, just as the sun was beginning to peak over the horizon.
Klaus pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration and exhaustion as he stalked across campus, his shoulders hunched forward in a physical display of the inner agitation he felt.
His glower—much more sour than normal—deterred anyone from making eye contact with him as he ventured back towards his office, thoughts whirring in his head at lightning pace.
More than his agitation, he hated to admit, was a deep-seeded curiosity that niggled at his senses. No matter how inconvenient this situation with the new student—Eleanor Way—and his current charge to protect his new 'buddy', the prefect found himself mildly intrigued by the cryptic nature of Randolph's admonishment. Especially the rather interesting relationship said headmaster had with the girl's family.
He wondered briefly if there'd been a romantic attachment but dismissed the notion almost immediately.
Headmaster Randolph wasn't one to dabble in the romantic realm. At least not as far as Klaus knew and he'd prefer not to dwell on such an unsavory notion any longer.
Emotions, especially ones that trended towards affection and…romance, were far too complicated and messy and distracting for one who aspired to be a reliable member of the wizarding community. No need to fuss over someone else's complicated heartstrings.
And now, Klaus had another task to take care of in ensuring the girl's safety from the imbecilic idea she'd had to traipse alone through the woods. And her petulant, condescending attitude towards him, HIM!
He scoffed lightly at the notion that she'd be daft enough to peg the blame on him for her mishap.
Granted he'd been a little late but that didn't suggest she'd take the trip on her own towards the academy, in an unfamiliar place, with no guide.
It was absurd really.
No, he really couldn't, nor shouldn't be blamed for her ineptitude and cognitive abilities.
What was more absurd, he admitted, the curiosity winning him over again as he slowed his pace as the girls' dormitory came to view, was the strange reaction she had towards him. Not cowardice or fear towards him, no. It was something else, something far more dangerous he supposed, if only he could put his finger on just what it was.
His eyes narrowed at the memory and the way the girl's eyes had flittered with so many emotions, yet revealed nothing to him.
It was somewhat maddening. There were so many unanswered questions left for him, so many unresolved loose ends for him to peruse.
She was certainly hiding something, something that would answer the questioning look she'd given him, the hesitancy in her tone and the defiance in her demeanor towards accepting his help. Once he figured out just what that something was, then he'd feel better about the situation.
Until then…
His frown deepened.
Until then he was stuck researching and observing her. She was a new case study. And if she was in as much danger as Randolph suggested (though he still didn't understand that idea either—much to his agitation), Klaus had a sinking feeling that this would prove much more difficult a case study than he wanted to take on.
'Blast it all.'
Ellie half wondered, as she marched silently through the front doorway of the dormitory, where she might bide her time while the others were in class. She certainly didn't want to draw anymore attention to herself than necessary and her lack of uniform, as well as the news of a Chimera attack (which would spread through the gossiping hordes of students would undoubtedly make her a spectacle—something she was keen to avoid.
She was a new face. They'd connect the dots easily and peg her as the cause of the uproar…
She half wondered, as she peered up at the lightening sky, where the library might be. Perusing books would certainly improve her mood much more than subjecting herself to the scrutinizing stares of curious classmates.
And maybe she could figure out a way to bypass Randolph's notice and escape the school grounds back to Reitz before too long.
"You're out and about early."
The comment made Ellie jump—much to her annoyance and she whirled around to find the dreadedly smug face of the prefect peering down at her as he leaned casually against a garden gate.
She almost laughed at the frame of pink peonies that framed the man's face but his narrowed eyes and deep frown stopped her short.
She stared back at the man silently for a moment as his eyes scanned her face briefly, flicking over the bruising that marred her temple and beneath her eye (something she too noted when she'd gazed at her reflection in the bathroom mirror) before locking gazes with her.
"Not planning an escape?" He ventured accusatorily, straightening to his full height. "I figured with your ineptitude for common sense that you'd try something so daft."
Ellie remained silent, her anger roiling dangerously in her belly.
Klaus Goldstein certainly didn't mince words, it seemed.
Or cared for decency and decorum.
Or respect apparently.
Being taught to hold her tongue, however, Ellie merely narrowed her eyes at the petulant man before her before spinning on her heel and walking away, her flats clicking against the cobblestone walkway the garden provided.
She was momentarily spellbound by the beauty of this place and smiled at the low, manicured hedges and the perfect, stone walls with delicate vines and flowers winding their way upward, while pergolas covered in roses, and iron benches peeking through the shade provided a fragrant, cool respite for anyone.
It made Ellie smile and reminded her of the small garden in the center of town.
'Just missing a fountain' she thought silently, as the soft morning breeze tickled her nose with the tantalizing scents of roses and freshly mowed grass.
"I was talking to you. It's rather rude and childish to ignore someone like that."
The girl cringed but continued onward, unwilling to stop and acknowledge the man who was so arrogant to think he could talk to her the way he was.
Maybe he'd get the hint…
"Do you have a habit of reinforcing your stupidity or is this a new talent you've acquired?" The man continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm and annoyance, "I honestly didn't have high hopes for your intelligence, if I'm being honest, but I thought you'd at least have a shred more aptitude than this. Honestly, ignoring your superior only delays the inevitable on your end."
Ellie halted suddenly, her temper flaring as she spun on her heel and glowered up at the man who had followed after her.
"Hang it all," she seethed at him, "Perhaps you should check your pious attitude before you dare chastise anyone for willfully ignoring your vapid and ignorant attitude. Do you honestly think ANYONE would want to talk to someone so conceited and obviously lacking in social graces?"
The prefect, Klaus, quirked an eyebrow at her, a small smirk on his lips, eyes glittering in amusement as he assessed her reaction.
"Finally struck a chord, did I?" He queried haughtily, "Certainly took you longer than most."
Ellie rolled her eyes.
"Oh please, spare me this." She retorted, "It's obvious you don't have a talent or experience talking to women so just end this embarrassment now before you dig yourself into a bigger hole. I'm not really in the mood for your vapid and condescending arrogance."
The man's smirk only grew.
"Nor do you have time to tend to your concussion, I see" He remarked lightly, taking a step towards her, "Really, you willingly put yourself in more danger out of sheer spite? Did you not believe my assessment of your injuries?"
"I'm fine." She retorted, wincing as the words reverberate of the silent walls and buildings of the garden courtyard, making her ears ring. "I do know how to tend to myself. Perhaps you should learn to tend to your attitude."
The man only snorted in reply and stood, stalwart, in front of her, arms crossed over his chest, one brow quirked derisively, eyes ever assessing her movements.
It made Ellie feel rather uncomfortable, if she were being honest, but never one to admit when someone intimidated her, she, too, stood her ground and leveled and unwavering gaze back towards the towering prefect.
That is, until giggles and a gasp of surprise caught her attention.
"Do you see them?"
"She must be the one who was attacked last night!"
Ellie snapped to attention and peered to her left, narrowing her eyes at the two girls who stood, rather conspicuously near an archway, noses pressed together as they chattered. The red-haired girl, with glittering blue eyes, cast a brief glance towards Ellie, a look of amusement and suspicion on her face, as her shorter, blonde friend continued to whisper in her ear.
"I can't believe they allow someone like her to wander around. She's sure to attract more danger to the campus."
The ginger-haired girl widened her smirk before hiding it behind a hand as she quirked a brow at Ellie as her friend continued to harp on Ellie's presence, whether, either ignorant of the volume of her remark or intentionally loud, Ellie couldn't tell.
Ellie resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the petty, and self-centered comments these complete strangers leveled at her. It certainly confused the girl as to why these two would care enough about her to comment in the first place—given she'd not even been there twenty four hours, let alone to comment with such drivel as pesky rumors that did nothing but try to hurt another person. What a waste of time.
Perhaps though…and at this Ellie resisted the urge to smirk herself at the blatant
Ellie shook her head and regretted the movement as her
Before she could say anything however, Klaus also turned his attention to the girls and stepped forward.
"One would think," he drawled, "That nosy first year students would learn to keep their mouth's shut about affairs that bear little significance on their lives."
He scowled at the pair and flexed his fingers, releasing a series of cracks along his knuckles as he narrowed his own blue eyes towards the moonstruck duo.
"One would also think that caring more about one's grades and performance would outweigh idle gossip and meaningless chatter. Isn't that right, Miss Mathews?"
The blonde balked, eyes going wide as a rosy hue colored her cheeks. Despite the reprimand, though, she appeared more starstruck than anything, even as her red-haired friend took a step back from Ellie and Klaus.
"I—I didn't…that is," The girl was floundering for words as she peered at the towering man before her.
Ellie resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the confirmation of her suspicions. The girl was positively smitten with the brooding, self-righteous git.
"What it is," Klaus ground out lowly, leaning forward, an almost sinister smirk on his lips, "Is that you didn't think at all. Your head must be so empty that you need idle gossip to keep you grounded. Provide enough weight to keep your head level."
He snorted and leaned back.
"What a waste, really," He muttered, "Such a pretty face attached to an empty head…"
Without another word, Klaus turned towards Ellie, seized her upper arm and all but dragged the protesting girl away from the garden and the chittering pair who'd been silenced by the man's cutting and abusive behavior.
Ellie, momentarily caught off guard by the personal intrusion, dug her heels into the ground and yanked herself away from Klaus' grasp once they were out of sight of the girls.
"Hey!" She remarked, trying to pull away, ears ringing, her eyes watering from the fierce pounding in her head.
"No," He retorted lowly, "You need to take care of that blasted headache and concussion. And since you're as vapid and simplistic as those two bimbos—"
Ellie scowled and strained against Klaus' hold, forcing the man to slow and struggled to keep his grip on the girl's arm. The girl only dug her heels into the graveled walkway and yanked backwards, forcing the man's grip to loosen and she wrenched herself from his hold.
By this time she was fuming.
"Don't touch me!" She snapped agitatedly. "You have absolutely no right to—"
"Oh hang it all you petulant brat," Klaus cut her off, eyes narrowed, "I don't really care for your whining this morning. Do you realize you've caused a stir around campus? Not to mention inciting the wrath of a chimera. And now I'm tasked with being your…handler and tutor when I have far more useful things to do."
Klaus made to grab girl's arm again, but Ellie scowled at the man and rammed the heel of her shoe into the prefect's shin, watching as the man winced and stepped again, his eyes dark with contempt.
He seemed to learn his lesson, however, and didn't make a grab at her again.
"NEVER touch me again you pompous, arrogant, and self-serving clod" she snarled. "You're a complete and utter imbecile who has no understanding of social situations. I'm perfectly well at handling myself and I don't need some audacious prick to shadow my movements."
Ellie didn't say another word to the man but turned swiftly and marched away, her blood boiling at the presumptive and haughty behavior displayed on the campus.
'Does he consider everyone completely beneath him?' the thought cast a dour cloud above her head as she bypassed the garden and made her way towards the largest building at the heart of campus.
She hoped she'd find the library there.
And maybe a little peace.
Of course the prefect Klaus didn't seem to keen to keep his distance, even after her definitive rejection of his boorish behavior.
Ellie could hear the heavy, almost snarling breathing as the man lumbered behind her, his footfalls loud and obnoxious.
'Probably on purpose' she thought as she continued to ignore him, making her way towards the building.
By this time there were more curious faces peering at her in her decidedly non-uniform garb. And though Ellie tried to ignore them, she couldn't stop the warmth that crept along the back of her neck at so much exposure.
It certainly didn't help that someone…rather unpleasant seemed to be following after her, a fact that most students noted quickly with wide eyes and paling faces.
The girl half wondered why so many people were afraid of the brutish prefect. It rankled her senses a little bit to see that he had obviously tried to intimidate her much in the same way he seemed to do to the rest of campus.
It wasn't fair or right and it made the girl dislike Klaus all the more for it. His behavior was reprehensible. His attitude…well, that simply didn't suit anyone's tastes. And she wasn't about to cow tow to anyone who used such tactics to assert dominance over people.
So, she continued to ignore the brooding man as she made her way through the growing sea of faces, the curious glances, and the lilting whispers that trailed after her as she passed by.
'That must be the new student.'
'I heard she was attacked!'
'I heard she attacked someone on the road to the school.'
'It's too dangerous. She should have known better.'
'What on earth is she wearing? Doesn't she understand we have a dress policy?'
'Why is Klaus Goldstein following her?'
'Didn't you hear…'
Ellie shook her head and blocked out the rest of the tittering chatter and made her way up the large, marble staircase, casting a glance around for some semblance of a sign as to where she should be heading. Though, to her disappointment, she found that no such navigation was provided her.
Not willing to ask anyone for directions, she quickly made her way left, heading upwards, and towards a rather empty, long hallway that smelled faintly of dust and parchment.
At least that was familiar enough to encourage her.
Klaus watched the girl make her way up the stairwell and down the left hall towards the library. His eyes narrowed as her footing faltered briefly. She hesitated, peering at the long, dimly lit walkway before squaring her shoulders.
The young prefect shook his head lightly at the action, a scowl permanently fixed on his face at the foolhardy behavior the girl exhibited. She clearly had no sense of self preservation. Nor did she seem too keen on obeying the requests of her superiors.
With a huff, he turned down the lower hall and headed towards his office determined to sort through this mess a different way. Intimidation and commanding respect didn't seem to sway to inept girl.
'Foolish twit' he thought, sending a stern look towards the scuttling first year students nearby.
What else could he do though? If she wouldn't listen to reason, he needed something that would pique her interest in self preservation. He needed something to show her the necessity of this whole business with protecting her.
I mean, it wasn't as though he wanted to protect her. He certainly didn't want to waste his time doing such a tedious thing. There were other, more pressing matters (in his opinion) that he could and ought to take care of.
What was one girl in the grand scheme of the protection of the academy? What was one girl in the grand scheme of the preservation of the magical standards and bylaws of his people?
'Hmm'
Randolph found her important though. Klaus had never seen such a firm look in the man's eyes before and, frankly, it surprised and concerned Klaus, if he were being honest. The headmaster was one for joviality, humor, and ease. He didn't project an air of seriousness too often. And when he did it was best to pay attention.
He'd have to settle for doing the headmaster's bidding or the time being, he supposed.
More importantly, though, he needed a way to observe the peculiarities this girl exhibited without arousing suspicion on Ellie's part. He couldn't have her close herself off any further than she was if he was ever going to figure out why she was being targeted by a Chimera…
And maybe he'd finally sort out why the headmaster exhibited a keen interest in protecting her.
Ellie was relieved to note that she'd been right about the location of the library (much to her own surprise) as well as the fact that very few students were milling about he shelves (though she'd been wrong to assume that they'd all be in class at this hour unfortunately).
Ducking her head down, she made her way to the far wall at the back of the great room, and down a row of shelves unoccupied by prying eyes and listening ears. Peering towards the large tomes and the crinkled parchment, Ellie let her mind wander, trying to ignore The way each step made her head throb.
Her headache was a bit worse, she admitted begrudgingly.
But perhaps—and here Ellie took a deep breath, appreciating the musty smell of the books and the wooden shelves—perhaps being here in the dim, quiet alcoves of the library would help assuage the pain.
Running her hands languidly across the spines of the old masterpieces, Ellie peered a bit closer at the titles, her fingers dancing over gold leaf lettering and rich leather. She was aware of the dust now coating her fingers, but she couldn't resist the tingle of excitement at being surrounded by so much rich history and knowledge. She'd never had access to so many works before and not even a blistering headache could dampen the contented smile that graced her lips at the prospect of reading just one of these works.
But…
Ellie stopped, a strange tingle on the back of her neck making her hair stand on end.
There was something…something strange.
The girl turned fully to the shelf, her hand having stopped on a small book, neatly trapped between two monstrous works on either side.
There was a strange buzzing in her ears as her eyes narrowed at the work, her fingers curling around the spine to pull it from the shelf.
There was a flittering of images across her eyes, blurred and distorted, as the book came free of its confines and she got a good look at the work itself.
A History of Gendonelune University: Mages and Lore
The girl blinked a few times as to steady her eyes as the headache continued to assault her senses, the distant sound of shouting reverberating in her ears (though no one was around to make such a noise) making her fingers tremble.
There was something about this book that…something that was calling out to her, sparking the images, the waking dreams.
And that, she knew, was a bad thing indeed. Especially when she didn't understand just what those images meant.
Swallowing back the trepidation she cradled the book to her chest and searched for a place to sit.
His agitation grew the longer he sat in his office, sipping his herbal tea. Even the aromatics wafting from the warm cup could sooth the growing annoyance the young man felt at the unanswered questions that swirled in his mind, begging him to find a solution.
And despite the fact that he knew he should be patient, and though Klaus could often hold out, waiting, studying, and searching for answers (and generally just doing his due-diligence) the more he stewed on the vague responses he'd received from the infuriating new student, the more his patience waned.
Though, that's not to say he was angry any longer.
At least the tea had done its job in that regard.
But that afforded him more time to think and devise a course of action.
A way to provoke an alliance between himself and his new…ward.
"But what would I say, hmm?" He mused, leafing through his notes, having spent the last few hours jotting down observations and ideas. "What would convince her…? How much ought I to give away?"
How much could he afford to tell the girl? What might he say to assuage her acerbic behavior without alerting her to his true motives of observation.
He didn't care so much about protecting her as he did about answering those niggling questions and determining the level of danger that she brought to the university.
Klaus peered down at his teacup and continued to ponder, stewing over how he might approach her again, what he might say to temper the tide of roiling emotions that girl seemed equipped with and eager to carry around.
Something provoked such a reactions from the girl and though he was loathe to admit it, part of Klaus wanted to know why she was so quick to anger…and disregard his queries and commands…
No.
No, he needed to work on something else, get his mind to focus on something more important, more worthwhile.
The exam grades were due and he had some lesson adjustments to make after last classes atrocious results on their charm work. They didn't even master the basic art of incantations and pronunciations. Half the first year students couldn't even take the time to perfect their stances.
It'd been a failure to say the least. Not because of his ineptitude at teaching, that is, but because the daft students couldn't keep their attention focused on actually learning instead of chattering with one another about the upcoming festivals in town.
What an utterly useless waste of time. It was no wonder Elias struggled so much. He'd never been around others—well other than himself—who could really draw out his strengths and encourage his magic to progress.
And he wondered briefly if the newest student was as incapable as the rest. If she'd been negatively impacted by the same flighty behavior and mannerisms as her peers.
Perhaps it was an age thing?
Though—and he had to concede this begrudgingly—she'd certainly held her own the previous evening, fending off the Chimera.
(Though that didn't excuse her sheer lack of self-preservation or common sense)
"Confound it all" He growled, the tea cup clattering against its saucer as he hastily set the pair on his desk.
Shoving his chair back, Klaus rose to languidly to his feet and grabbed his jacket.
Straightening his tie, he flung the Prefect office door open, listening to the thick mahogany smack against the cool stone as he marched through, glaring at anyone that dare look in his direction. Squaring his shoulders, he adjusted his sleeves—unrolling and rebuttoning them about his wrists—before donning his coat.
'Best look presentable' he mused, turning left and heading up the long stairway that led towards the library.
He wondered if she'd still be there.
Ellie rubbed her eyes tiredly, grimacing as her head continued to pound. She cursed silently at the growing pressure she felt as she scoured the heavy, dusty book in front of her. All the hours—she guessed they must have been several—and the straining she'd forced her eyes to do did not assist in relieving her of this terrible headache.
Nor too did the realization that despite the growing unease she felt, and the fleeting images she knew were associated with the book before her, there was no indication of how or why this book was significant to her, nor why she should care about it.
Instead, she was left with slightly blurry vision, and a growing need to scream into a pillow before running back to the train station and then home.
The book, which turned out to be a historical guide to the academy with the lore and simple story of the its founders, was rather boring (if she were being honest) and Ellie wasn't too keen to keep reading. It didn't engage her attention nor pique her interest as it should have (much to her annoyance).
More questions than answers appeared with each turn of the page and that set Ellie ill at ease. She never liked it when she couldn't sort out the clues in the images she saw, not only because it made her feel somewhat stupid, but because whenever she saw things like this…
Ellie swallowed and continued to scan over the pages, forcing her eyes to focus even as her head throbbed in protest.
Whenever she saw things…well, it didn't usually end in the most pleasant manner.
If she could somehow figure out what was to happen before it actually happened then perhaps she could bypass any potential danger.
For everyone.
"I wondered if you'd still be here,"
The voice was soft, but no less grating than it had been earlier and Ellie bit back her own groan of annoyance as she looked up to see Klaus standing before her, arms folded and eyes analyzing her carefully.
He wore a good mask, she conceded, noting how he gave nothing away. His face remained neutral, his eyes assessing as he watched her.
It made Ellie wary.
And it annoyed her a little too.
"I don't really see how it's any of your business" she remarked softly, a bit a bite in her tone as she leveled her gaze at the tall, blonde man, "You made it clear that you wanted nothing to do with me earlier, and—frankly—I return the same sentiment, so if you could just leave me alone then I'd appreciate it."
"You know, that book is hardly the most exciting read," Klaus remarked, stepping forward, his arms falling to his side as he strode towards that small table where Ellie sat, pointedly ignoring her earlier remark. "There are plenty of more interesting recounting of the formation of the academy. Why didn't you pick of those instead?"
His tone, while still stiff, formal, and rather pretentious (if she had to pick a criticism of it) wasn't as condemning as it had been the first time.
This sent warning bells ringing in Ellie's ears and she eyed the man before her with suspicion.
Just what did he think he was getting at?
And more importantly, why it did even matter to him?
"I seem to recall that you wanted nothing to do with me" She retorted, "What would it matter what I chose to read? It's not that it bears any significance on your conscience I'm certain."
"Indeed it does not." Klaus muttered, leveling his gaze at Ellie, "But that doesn't mean I can't judge you based on your book choice. I was hoping you'd be smarter than the rest of the lot, but I've come to find that you're stuck on insignificant details rather than perfecting your skills and attempting to grow as a wizard. What a pity."
Ellie's mouth fell open lightly and she glowered at the man who took a seat across from her, blue eyes glittering dangerously as a smirk played on his lips.
Did he think this was funny?
Did he think his behavior endeared him to anyone?
"Do you think people find you attractive when your ego gets in the way of your mouth?" she muttered, turning back to her book, her hands playing lightly with the frayed spine and the dry pages.
The book was old. Very old. And she wanted to know why it was supposed to matter to her.
What was she supposed to learn from the book.
"I hardly care what others think of me," Klaus' voice was softer though still haughty and formal. "But I am curious to see why the headmaster elected such a student as you. What talents do you possess? And why does this particular tome pique your interest so?"
Ellie looked up again as the man's long fingers reached towards her, and rested lightly atop the gold filigree text and the crude map on the topmost page that she'd been looking at.
The girl's eyes widened as her heart rate increased.
Images immediately swirled in her mind's eye, causing her head to throb painfully.
She saw trees this time.
A tower?
Stars.
And a shadow…a glimmer of a face, though she couldn't make out the features quite yet.
It was too blurry…
"Miss Way?"
There was also a lake. She could almost see the way the water lapped against the shoreline, licking against the cool grass that swayed gently in the invisible breeze that she knew was there.
"Miss Way."
An alarm resounded in him as Klaus watched the girl stiffen, her eyes glossing over as she seemed to stare at something far away.
Her thoughts had pulled her inward, he noted, as he leaned forward, taking in the pale cheeks and the furrowed brow. The girl was concentrating on something rather…profound.
And then she winced.
"Miss Way?"
No response. The girl didn't even move and Klaus observed, with some degree of concern, that her breathing had shallowed, while her hands had balled into fists.
There was certainly something bothering her.
Something wasn't right. And Klaus knew that this wasn't just a reaction to his presence. No, there was something more significant taking place.
He briefly wondered if it had to do with her magical acuity.
Perhaps…
His eyes scanned the girl's features his concern doubled as he noticed she'd stopped breathing altogether. Her lids had started to droop.
And she winced again.
"Miss Way."
This time his tone was more firm as he leaned forward, grabbing onto the girl's wrist, giving her a light shake. When she didn't respond, the young man rose to his feet and grasped the girl's shoulders, giving her a firmer shake.
"Miss Way!"
Ellie blinked, trying to clear her vision and met with the concerned glare of Klaus Goldstein. She felt the pressure of his grip on her shoulders.
She sucked in a few gasping breaths and pulled away from the man, stumbling to her feet.
Her heart was still hammering in her chest at the feeling—the feeling those images evoked.
Dread.
Fear.
Panic.
Something was coming. Something sinister. She could…sense it somehow.
"Are you alright?"
Ellie blinked again and looked at Klaus, clamping her mouth into a hard line as she nodded silently.
She was never one to discuss this particular…talent with others and certainly wouldn't entertain the thought of discussing this with someone who so obviously disliked her.
"I'm fine." She remarked finally, being met with a skeptical gaze of her would-be buddy.
They stood, a table between them, neither willing to blink or back down. Ellie, stood as straight as she was able, with her head throbbing as it was.
She winced as a particularly painful jolt lanced behind her eyes.
Klaus sighed.
"You're a terrible liar" he retorted, "But I won't press the matter. At least not yet. Let's take care of that concussion if we might?"
"I said I was fine."
Klaus rolled his eyes at her response and smirked.
"And I told you that you were a terrible liar. I know you've done nothing for that headache and if you aren't careful then you'll make it worse. Not a good start to your studies here if you intend to pass your classes."
"What if I don't intend to stay?" Ellie bit back, reaching for the book, slamming the large work shut as she glowered at Klaus' overbearing and smug face. "Wouldn't that be a benefit to you?"
Klaus, to his credit and the consistency of his character, nodded in agreement.
"Indeed it would," he noted lightly, also reaching for the book, plucking it from Ellie's grip, "But I've never been one to simply give people a pass. What fun would it be to simply have you run off without giving your full effort? At least I'll know that you're inept of your own accord and not because of anything I did."
He tucked the book under his arm and gave her a sidelong glance, gesturing for her to follow after him.
"The way I see it, we're stuck together for the time being. We may as well be honest about things and attempt to make this work. That way, once your trial's over with and you're on your way back home, you can blame yourself instead of me—which is something you seem rather keen to do in the short time I've known you."
Ellie quirked a brow at the man.
"I could say the same to you, you know." She bit back.
"Indeed you could" Klaus nodded in agreement, "But I hardly care. Nor do I have my entire academic career on the line. I'm already well into my studies. The only effect this whole situation can have on my success is if you fail as a student. I can't allow that. I'll need to train an assess your abilities and attempt to teach you how to succeed. If you succeed, then I succeed. IF you fail your trial, then it won't bear any significance to me after that. But until then, you need to perform well."
He gestured for her to follow again.
"But first, tea. It's a wonderful cure of headaches. Let's go to my office. We can talk more there, develop a schedule and list of expectations."
"No thank you."
Klaus rolled his eyes at the anticipated response. He knew he was pressing her patience (and part of him relished in the way her cheeks flushed in annoyance at his behavior) but he also knew that despite her stubborn and aloof behavior, the girl was truly hurting.
Her eyes still appeared slightly unfocused and he could see the faintest markings of a bruise, though it was well hidden by her hairline.
And, though he was reticent to admit it, her welfare concerned him. At least right now it did since she'd been injured under his watch.
And that was a critical failure on his part. Klaus prided himself on perfection, attentiveness, and decorum.
This created an issue then, given the abominable nature in which he'd unsuccessfully prevented the girl from encountering danger.
An issue he needed to remedy.
Klaus sighed.
If only the girl would allow it without causing another contentious and fiery debate between them.
She was truly a stubborn creature.
He resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her petulant nature.
"I mean to enact a truce of sorts, Miss Way. I don't like this situation any more than you do, but Randolph insists that I look after you for now. And you are considered my partner and buddy—" he winced at the word, "while you're at this academy, so it's important that we at least attempt to work together."
The girl still appeared skeptical but then she winced again and Klaus turned more fully to face her, taking a step closer.
"Listen," he swallowed lightly, tamping down his annoyance at having to explain this to her again…and having to admit his own failing. "You're hurt. I can see it in your eyes. The tea will do you good. At least come for that."
It took a full ten minutes to convince the girl to follow after him and ten more for her to even attempt to drink the tea he set before her. She'd given him a skeptical glare and pursed her lips, watching as he brewed the tea and enacted the calming spell to enhance the aromatics and effectiveness of the warm beverage.
And though she said nothing, Klaus could see the hesitation and suspicion warring in her eyes. She didn't trust him, that was certain.
Not that he trusted her much either, if he were being honest.
But eventually, as he managed to keep his composure and spoke softly to the girl, Eleanor Way eased back into the soft, crimson cushion of the chair nearest the fireplace and slowly sipped the Chamomile tea he'd given her, with a charm to help with her headache.
They sat in silence, she drinking her tea with her eyes fixated on the fire that flickered brightly, licking the logs, curling about them and enveloping them in a heated kiss, and he fixated on studying her.
Her chestnut hair was slightly disheveled, tendrils coming loose from their ties. Her face had gained some of its color back and Klaus noted the smattering of freckles across her cheeks, highlighted even more by the orange-ish glow of the firelight.
She certainly seemed unremarkable-at least visually-but he was reminded of her use of the earth moving spell the previous night and knew that beneath the surface there was a power the bubbled and pulsed.
The greater question was, however, how much of her visage before him was an act? Was she sincerely that naive and inexperienced?
The absurdity of that nearly made Klaus snort derisively.
He frowned from his position behind his desk and returned to his notebook, jotting down a few more notes.
A few more observations.
And a few more theories about why Eleanor Way reacted the way she did in the library and why she was obviously hiding something.
And what powers she possessed and how it would impact his ability to protect her from whatever danger Randolph saw in her future.
But, more importantly, what danger her powers would bring to this university and the students here. He had a priority to protect the school from any attack.
Even if it meant outing this girl's power and manipulating her into trusting him so he could do so.
If she were a danger to the school, he needed to stop her before she could cause more damage no matter what Randolph might think or say.
Something was definitely wrong with the girl. Something sinister surrounded her. And he was determined to figure out just what it was.
Klaus' pen hovered above his notebook as he peered at the girl again, noting her pursed lips and her pointed refusal to make eye contact with him.
He watched her for a moment longer before making another note.
Plans to neutralize the threat: Identify and destroy the girl's powers.