Standard disclaimer: I don't own a thing that you recognise.
Diary excerpt- Adam Copeland
8th of August, Year 2005
Since our arrival to the manor, myself and Mr. Levy have been under constant scrutiny from our colleagues and our students. We had been anticipating a reception such as this, however, at times it is taxing. I confess that perhaps, it is warranted, that our mere presence should arouse such suspicion... Especially when one takes into consideration, the information that they have supposedly attained regarding myself and Mr. Levy. I feel, however, that it is partially unwarranted on my part. Aside from Mr. McMahon, none of my fellow faculty advisors are fully aware of my position. Not even my own flesh and blood is aware, a fact that does weigh heavily upon my conscience, as I do wish to inform him of the truth. But, no matter, I do have my instructions.. To conduct myself in a certain manner, to draw the suspicion.. I can only hope, however, that She does not become aware. Since neither myself or Mr. Levy has been called upon by Her, I am to presume that all is going well.. We have, to the best of our ability, communicated every one of her requests. We have, to the best of our ability, retrieved the necessary information.
I can only wonder how much longer we shall endure this, how much more is required. Mr. Levy and myself are both under the assumption that she, Ms. Dumas, is in fact the One that they have been seeking. Otherwise, we both feel, she would not have been brought from her home in New York. She would not have had her academic year interrupted under this pretense. Had circumstances been different, had I arrived under less hostile conditions.. Then perhaps, I could discuss my concerns openly with my cousin.. Perhaps even to Ms. Dumas. She is, as we are all aware, on a pathway that would put her in the direct line of danger.. That would test her beyond limitations of the human body. I can only hope that she is sufficiently prepared.
With a shake of his head, Adam closed the leather bound journal... This volume the most recent in a line of hundreds. And just like the others, contained within one of the footlockers, this one held his inner most thoughts, private musings and observations. A mere wealth, or so he felt, of knowledge on the human psyche... And of course, in the most simple of terms, it was merely a recording of time. Of all of the events that he had witnessed or taken part in. The remainder of the academic year, the challenges that would surely be presented towards it's end... The end result of it all. This, perhaps, would mark the most significant event that he had been involved in. Perhaps, it would mean a difficult ending for everyone directly involved, though.. If he had any say in it, the end to the situation, the solution, would not be as difficult as it should or could be. But, that would all depend on all parties involved in the age old power struggle... And to how well Amy would be prepared for it. Adam didn't doubt his cousin's ability to fully prepare the young woman for the role that she would hopefully assume. He could only hope that she would accept it... The blond man turning his attention to the small clock on his desk, taking note of the time as he moved... Adam anticipating that there would be a gathering in the kitchen this night.. The tall blond entering the elevator to find it occupied.
Jason offered a curt nod in way of greeting, "Good evening, Adam."
Adam offered a nod of his own, "Good evening Jason, Amy, Lisa.. I would not want to be too presumptuous, but.."
Lisa smiled kindly, "We're heading to the kitchen.. Ames had a case of the late night munchies, Trish is already asleep."
The taller blond nodded, "I see. I am unaware where it concerns Scott or any of the occupants within the same wing as myself.. I have found sleep hard to come by, this night, otherwise I would not have ventured beyond my quarters."
Amy sent a look towards Lisa, "Maybe it's just me, but that seems to be a general problem amongst us.." She turned her attention briefly to Adam as she continued: "The inability to sleep, or the hindrance upon sleep whence one is trying to sleep."
"Perhaps that is the case or perhaps it is coincidence?" Jason suggested after a moment, "Since it does not occur to everyone residing at the manor, I am inclined to believe it is unrelated."
"Quite right," Amy nodded her agreement, "And unless we put the time into a study, if it is occurring to everyone.. I suppose we shall never know."
Lisa blinked at her friend, grabbing Amy's elbow before she could exit the elevator. "I'm not sure if you've been listening to yourself lately.. Or maybe you've just been spending too much time with Jason, but--"
Amy shook her head, "I'm really not sure what you're talking about Lise. And it's not like I spend that much time with him."
"Oh really?" Lisa waited for Adam and Jason to exit first, "Seriously, Ames.. Listen to yourself. There are times that you sound just like him.. Except in your own voice, of course. It's weird."
"You're being ridiculous," Amy rolled her eyes as they walked towards the kitchen. "Lisa, seriously.. I haven't changed all that much. I'm still Amy Christine Dumas. Nothing has changed about me."
Jason turned from his position a few feet ahead. "Do forgive me if I am too forward.. But, is there something amiss?"
Amy shook her head, "There's nothing wrong, Jason.. Lisa and I were just talking." An eyebrow raised just slightly, "You look as though you have something on your mind?"
The blue eyed blond man shook his head, "It is of no concern, Amy, I assure you." Lightly, Jason placed a hand at the small of her back, "I had spoken with Shane earlier, about the outing for Saturday."
Amy's forehead furrowed slightly, "We are still attending, are we not?"
"But of course, my dear, I had merely wished to discuss the options that Shane and his father had presented." He cleared his throat, "I had thought, perhaps, should you be interested.. We could embark on a walking tour of Shakespeare's London.. Afterwards, we shall dine, then I am uncertain as to what we should do until it is time for the presentation of Othello."
"And afterwards?" She tucked a few strands of hair back, "I am already aware that many have planned to meet at some point to embark to SoHo. However, I am uncertain if I should like to join them. Simply because, with the viewing of Othello, I am unsure as to how late I should like to stay out."
He nodded shortly, "Understandably so, Amy, which is why I was thinking.. Perhaps, if you are in accordance with it, we could return to the Eye before the production? And afterwards, depending upon the weather.."
Amy placed a hand on his arm, "Why don't we just see what we see? Instead of planning everything out to the exact minute, as much as it does help.. Perhaps, some instances are better left to chance?"
A smile curved at the corners of his mouth, "As you wish then, my dear, we shall leave the remainder of the evening to chance. Though, if I may make a suggestion? Or rather, voice a suggestion from our host?" When Amy nodded, he continued: "Mr. McMahon has suggested Octave.. a well renowned jazz bar situated in the Covent Garden area. Or, perchance we could just head to the area?"
"Either option sounds perfectly lovely, Jason. I suppose, however, it will all depend upon how much we are up to taking in after the theatre." Amy smiled slightly, "Perhaps I could call Lilian to ask for a recommendation? I know that I have only just made her acquaintance, but I felt a sort of kindred spirit connection from her."
Jason opened his mouth to reply to that, only to close it when Shane cleared his throat. "I had wondered, if perhaps, the two of you were intending upon standing in the hallway?" He motioned to the kitchen, "As you can see, we have all gathered this night to partake in the late night snacks."
Amy shook her head, "We were merely discussing our planned outing for Saturday.. Surely, the topic would be fretfully boring to everyone else."
A hint of amusement appeared in Shane's eyes. "Perhaps you are right, Amy.. Your fellow students, however, were also discussing options for Saturday. You see, we are only lacking in the presence of Patricia."
Amy glanced towards the kitchen table then, taking note that Trish was the only one not present. "I see. Well, I believe that Jason and myself have discussed the outing enough.."
"Quite right," Jason agreed easily, the blond man pulling a chair back for her when they'd entered the kitchen. "Just tea this night?"
"Yes, thank you.." Amy rested her hands on the table, pointedly ignoring the curious look on Lisa's face. "Paul, I am merely curious, in regards to the locale of Convent Garden to SoHo?"
Paul arched an eyebrow just slightly, "They are not very far apart from one another in distance. At least not by automobile or the Tube. I am under the impression, however, that we shall be partaking in the numerous nightclubs within SoHo. I do wonder though, if you and Jason are still undecided as to what you shall be doing afterwards, why not stay upon the bankside? Since you will already be in the area, anyway."
xXx
With that, Amy and Jason's conversation turned to the possibilities of Southwark, the pair seemingly in their own world once again. At one point in the conversation, Paul had brought up the possibility of taking the Tube into Southwark.. Jason making a face at the suggestion, merely because it would be a Saturday evening. And whilst they would have the manor transportation at their disposal, the Tube would be more convenient.. Or so Paul had pointed out anyways. Paul had also taken it upon himself to add his own suggestions to the growing list of options.. Jason interrupting him after the tenth... Stating that they just simply didn't have the time. At least not for one night, and on a night where they would already be visiting the Globe Theatre to view Othello. As such, the conversation switched the planned itinerary for the next week.. The first week that they would be out of the manor and in another part of England. None of the students were certain as to where they would be going for this portion of the month.. Their faculty advisors opting not to discuss the matter until the next morning whence all students were present. As such, the remainder of the late night meeting ended at leisure.. Jason escorting Amy and Lisa back upstairs whilst Scott and Adam accompanied Chris, John and Randy. The next morning, of course, they met for breakfast; this time on the terrace thanks to the fair weather.
Trish took a sip from her coffee, "Where will we be heading next week? I know we're due to travel soon.. And then out of the country, right?"
Paul nodded in confirmation, "Quite right. We are scheduled to embark on Sunday morning. We shall return to the manor after a one week stay, after which we shall remain here for another week. Following that week, we shall embark to see more of the United Kingdom."
Chris arched an eyebrow, "Not to sound rude but.. We know that much already. We just weren't given any details as to where we would be going.. I mean can you give us specifics?"
Adam inclined his head, "Post return to the manor or pre return to the manor? I apologise as I have left my detailed itinerary within my quarters.. But, perhaps, today would be a sufficient day to discuss the remainder of the academic year within depth? Or at least the travel schedule?"
Lisa smiled slightly, "Anything would be helpful.. I'm not sure about the guys, but, the itinerary that we got wasn't very detailed."
Amy nodded shortly, "All that it listed were the major cities and countries that we would be visiting for the duration of the year. In some instances, they had listed a preliminary window of time.. For the most part, however, the information was kept brief.. And that our year was to begin and end in London."
Jason set his tea cup down, "As Mr. Copeland has suggested, we shall discuss this in length instead of our first morning session. Whilst it does take away from some of the academic period, I feel that it is warranted. In the meanwhile, perhaps, we ought to discuss the remaining free activities for this week?"
Randy swallowed down his food, "What are the options? No offence, but, if it involves any poetry readings, plays and the like? I'd rather pass."
Paul chuckled softly, "It would all depend upon the interest of you students. Between myself, Mr. Reso, Mr. Copeland and Mr. Levy, we are more than capable of attending several events. The varied interests amongst yourselves should be of no issue."
"Do keep in mind, however," Jason cleared his throat, "Amy and John, there are a certain number of activities and events that are required for the course of study. I digress that there is no alternative to this."
At that, both Amy and John shifted uncomfortably in their respective seats... Though, for different reasons. Certainly yes, they both understood the importance of those scheduled activities but..
"And, might I inquire, would you happen to have a tentative listing for these activities?"
Jason nodded a fraction, "As I had discussed with you previously, Amy, activities shall consist of theatrical performances, concerts and so forth. Perhaps an opera or a musical theatre production.. But, I am under the impression that those will be a group outing."
"We were intending upon an afternoon trip this day to the London Library. Your temporary membership has been provided for already, thanks to this programme." Paul set his empty coffee cup on the table. "Should that be of any interest to you students, if not, then we shall have an alternative lecture at the manor."
"Well, I think we all know where Amy will be this afternoon," Trish smirked at her longtime best friend. "Although, I can't say I would mind the opportunity to get out of the manor again."
Paul nodded to that, "A visit to the Library will be of great benefit to you all. Especially with your first written assignment coming up shortly. But that, along with the schedule for the remainder of the year, shall be discussed during the first morning session."
At that, breakfast resumed in peaceful silence.. Amy already discussing the literary wealth of the London Library with Jason as they left the terrace.
"I was wondering, Amy, and do forgive me if I am being bold... Perhaps you should like to see Hyde Park whence we are back in London?" Jason clasped his hands behind his back, the pair currently standing the hallway outside of the library. "It would be a day better suited for the weekend rather then the week, however, I am inclined to believe that you would find it to your enjoyment."
Amy nodded, "I would rather like that, Jason.. Perhaps, we could also view Kensington Gardens?"
"If you should like, my dear, we shall visit." He smiled faintly, "I only worry that you would tire of my company after some time."
"I highly doubt that would happen, I confess that I did have my doubts... As to whether or not you were fully capable of serving as a professor for the academic year." Amy half shrugged, an arm wrapping around her waist. "That has since changed and it has not even been a full week."
Jason nodded shortly, a serious expression on his face, "My dear, you were right to have your doubts.. I confess, that I had my own doubts as to whether or not I would be able to meet the standards set forth by the University."
Amy shook her head, "You really needn't worry, Jason. From what little I have been able to process, you are well informed on the subject matter.. As I would partially expect since it was your academic major."
"I really don't want to interrupt, but.. You're kind of blocking the way to the library." Trish sent a smug look towards the redhead, "May I speak with you for a moment, Ames?"
Amy grimaced, but nodded none the less.. Jason going on ahead.. "What do you want Trish?"
"Unless I'm hearing things... Did he just ask you out on a date?"
"Oh come on Trish," Amy rolled her eyes, "We're just making plans for another day."
Trish smirked, "For a date.. Just the two of you, right?"
Amy shook her head, "I'm not listening to you anymore, Trish.. We've got to get to the library so we--"
"Just don't forget what I said, hmm?" Trish linked arms with her friend, "He's a really nice guy so... Just keep that option open."
xXx
As they had discussed at breakfast, the first order of business was the upcoming itinerary for the academic year. This time, thankfully, it would be in depth and in as much detail as the faculty advisors could provide. As they were all aware, their time would still be split between travel and the manor. For every four week stay abroad, they would still spend one week at the manor, mainly for the necessary time to complete the mandatory assignments. Paul also pointed out that this time would be necessary for some downtime, since their schedules would probably be even more full when they were overseas. Of course, their time at the manor wouldn't exactly be completely stress free.. Nor would they have as much time as they would have liked to truly call a holiday. That time would come, of course, but only in brief spurts. Currently, their biggest break in the schedule would be closer to Christmas, which seemed like ages away. The students also learned that the itinerary they had initially received hadn't been entirely accurate concerning the amount of days they would be spending in certain areas.. Paul clarifying the issue slightly, but not fully as he was not entirely certain himself. But, once they had at least gotten a better idea of the schedule out of the way, Paul and Jason discussed the upcoming trip to Nottingham. Unfortunately for them all, once they returned to the manor.. It would be time for the Welcoming Ball. Needless to say, all of the students were quick to suggest new topics instead of the ball.. But, it was a topic that needed to be discussed.
Shane coughed as he stood in the doorway to the library, "I do hate to interrupt the current conversation, but, I require the presence of the young ladies for a moment. The seamstress has just arrived with their attire for the Welcoming Ball. She merely wishes to check the fitting so that she may make any necessary changes."
Paul glanced between the three females and his cousin. "If it would not be too much of an inconvenience, and if the ladies would not mind, perhaps we could all see the end results?"
Trish, Lisa and Amy exchanged a look at that, the blond woman able to read her friend's faces well enough.. "It's really not a big deal to us, if we could just ask why?"
Paul smiled a fraction, "To put it most simply, Ms. Stratus, I am merely curious to see what you ladies have chosen for the ball. In addition, it would assist us whence considering our own attire."
Lisa seemed skeptical to that, but, the female students were soon exiting the library with Shane.. The guys following shortly afterwards to the main sitting room to wait.
Amy flinched when she saw her dress, really the colour they had chosen was stunning, the fabric was gorgeous but.. "That looked really different in the catalogue."
"Forgive me, mademoiselle, Monsieur McMahon had suggested that we take into consideration, that this would be a highly anticipated event. As such, he insisted that we spare no cost in the production."
"I should have known," Amy murmured to herself, offering a gentle smile to the seamstress. "La robe est belle, vous avez ma gratitude."
Trish sent her friend a look, "Maybe you should try the dress on before you make any further judgment? The detail work on the bodice and skirt is really pretty, Ames... And since you didn't go to the Senior Prom, you should at least indulge yourself with this dress."
Amy smiled tightly, "I know that Trisha, it's just... You can pull this off, I've seen you in your formal dresses, getting ready for Prom or the numerous dances the school had. You know what you're doing and you look good."
The blond woman shook her head, "Ames.. You're going to look fine, more than fine.. You're going to look gorgeous. Just go try it on and you'll see for yourself."
The redhead held up her hands in mock defeat, heading to one side of the small sitting room with one of the assistants that the seamstress had brought with her. "I thought a lot of blue wasn't flattering to a redhead?"
"The details are merely on the dress, mademoiselle. Lisette felt that it would compliment the colour." A smile formed on the assistants face, "In addition, Monsieur Shane had sent a photograph to us, the Aster flowers provided for a striking view."
"Ah," Amy glanced down to the dress as she was being dressed. "So that's why the pattern looked so familiar then.. It's the same as the Aster flower."
"Mais oui," The assistant smiled, "Lisette thinks, perhaps, mademoiselle should like to put Asters within her hair? Just for the added effect."
The redheaded woman grimaced, "Why don't we see how the dress looks first. I know my hair isn't bright, bright red but--"
"And you doubted them?" Trish commented as Amy stepped into full view, "Ames.. You look gorgeous. The dress is the perfect colour for your skin tone, the light blue on the detailing brings it all together."
"And you look great, Trish." Amy eyed her friend for a moment, the blond woman currently dressed in an emerald green number. "Lisa.. We're just waiting on you."
"I'm not so sure about this whole, black and white look but.." Lisa glanced down to the simple gown, "What do you two think?"
Trish beamed, "I think you look perfectly lovely. Right out of an old Hollywood movie."
Amy sent her a sympathetic smile, "You look great.. And about as uncomfortable as I feel."
Lisette scrutinised the three women for a long moment before smiling her approval. "Trois belle robes pour trois belle dames."
Amy smiled shortly, translating quickly for Lisa and Trish: "Three beautiful dresses for three beautiful ladies." Her expression fell then, "I guess we should go show them, huh? Although, I still don't see why it's entirely necessary... And we don't really have the proper foot wear."
Trish shook her head, "Quit stalling Ames and let's get out of here. Look at it this way, the sooner we get this over with, the sooner you and Lise can get changed."
Neither Lisa or Amy could argue the point, the three women heading out of the room to head to the main sitting room.
Shane blinked as Amy, Lisa and Trish entered, quickly sending a look over to Paul. "Perhaps it is just the lighting, perhaps it is the chosen gown but.. Are you not seeing the resemblance? Even just slightly?"
Paul nodded abruptly, "I see it Shane.. And quite well. It is in our best interest to inform uncle of this information at the earliest convenience."
Amy shifted uncomfortably under the heavy scrutiny. "Can we go change yet?"
Paul smiled, "If you would please, Ms. Dumas, step forward? I do not mean to intentionally draw attention to you, just that I wish to view each of you individually."
The redhead suppressed a sigh, but, complied none the less. And as she turned when asked, Amy missed the appreciative looks she was receiving.
Trish elbowed Lisa very lightly in the side, "If Amy could see him now... Seriously, he hasn't taken his eyes off of her since she walked in.."
Lisa bit back a smirk, "Just like Randy has been watching you? And he's still watching you."
The blond woman rolled her eyes, "Yes well, the difference here is that I'm not ignoring it and I'm not the one with a serious case of denial."
"Trish," Amy nodded discreetly to the centre of the room. "You're up." No sooner had the words left her mouth, did the redhead take a seat on the divan, Jason and John both standing near her.
"That looks similar to the dress you wore for the one dance you actually went to."
Amy shook her head, "Only slightly, John.. The dress I wore to that dance wasn't quite as formal as this one."
"You do look quite lovely, Amy... The pattern on the dress does remind me of the Asters in the garden."
The redhead smiled faintly, "Lisette, the head seamstress, had a photograph to draw inspiration from. In particular, one where I had an Aster flower in my hair."
Jason nodded shortly, "I had thought it looked quite familiar. You needn't worry about your appearance. Rather, it appears that it will be us that should worry."
Amy shook her head to that, the redhead seemingly content to carry on the simple conversation with him while Lisa took her turn. And no sooner had the three female students returned in their previous clothing did Stacy arrive for their daily dance lesson. Of course, none of the students were really looking forward to said lesson, but, it was something they knew that they couldn't skip out on. Especially with the date of the dance drawing closer... The three female students at least relieved to have their attire fully out of the way. It was also during the dance lesson that Amy and Jason planned on taking another evening trip to the gardens. That all depended on the weather of course, but, if it held up; they hoped to leave once supper was over. And once they'd had those plans settled, they carried on with their conversation about the London Library.. Amy's sudden aptitude for the dance steps not going un-noticed by their instructor... Stacy taking a moment to speak with the redhead after the dance lesson was over.