imperturbatus | 2nd Full Moon

Prelude, The Lake, Late Night

[ Jiro was beginning to have a strong dislike for the creatures on the grounds, or at least those on the lake.

It had been a routine inspection. He was checking the grounds, making sure that everything was safe for the school from all accounts. It was one of his duties. However, part of it unfortunately involved going across the lake by boat... That, perhaps, was his mistake.

Maybe some of the people awake would have heard the startled yelp and the following splash of something falling into the water. One of the boats was then capsized and floating upside-down in the middle of the lake, with a violent pool of bubbles breaking the otherwise calm surface water.

It took some time before the red-clad man emerged, walking out of the water to the shore with steam rolling off of his body in the cold night air. He collapsed in the snow, resting a bit and, should someone move the hat on his head, they would see nothing but his hair and bones. However, he didn't intend to linger, and as soon as he had the strength he limped back towards the castle.

Perhaps, in the morning, there would be rumor of a walking skeleton on the grounds. Hopefully, it would remain only a rumor. ]

Inside the Castle, An Hour Later

[ He was shivering, weak, and exhausted by the time he re-entered the castle. The steam coming off of him had stopped by then, leaving Jiro soaking wet and walking slow, back towards the staffroom. There were spare robes he could change into there, ones that were warm and dry. The sooner he could do that, the sooner he could begin to feel like himself again, and work on a slow process of regaining his strength.

It was never so simple, and the sound of footsteps immediately had him on edge, nearly snarling at the source before remembering himself. Still, there was something in his tone that betrayed his agitation when he spoke. ]

Who's there!?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Most likely, there should be some in the staffroom, I believe.

[Always for if there own get messed up for one reason or another.]

If you need me to walk with you, I will.

I'm afraid I may need it.

[ As much as he is on his feet, he still feels too unstable on them to make it that distance. Damn... It's a little bit of a blow to his pride, but apparently not enough of one to earn stubborn refusal.

He's still going to try and walk on his own anyway, but if Daphne offers to help he won't say no. However, he does look at her again after a moment. ]

I don't believe I've had the pleasure. I am Jiro Mochizuki, and I've recently been appointed groundskeeper here for the school.

I'm Daphne, I'm the History of Magic teacher here. It's nice to finally meet the groundskeeper.

[She started to walk, keeping close to him in case he needed a shoulder.]

What were you doing out on the lake in the first place?

... It seems silly but I was seeing what the trip by boat across the lake was like for myself. I need to be ready if I'm going to be escorting new students across it as well.

Unfortunately, I think the lone boat made the squid rather curious and it decided to investigate.

[ That was a sigh from him, but it was a completely honest answer as well. Even if he hated water, probably more than most.

He stumbled partway through, his knees and a hand going straight to the ground so he didn't end up falling on his face again. Damn, did it really take that much energy out of him? It had been quite some time since he'd felt so weak... Stubbornly he tried to get back up, but that would depend on if Daphne would let him unhindered. ]

You won't have to do such a thing until at least September.

[So it was odd to try not of all times to see what it was like. As she watched him try and get up, she couldn't help but hold out her hand for just in case he needed it.]

True, but now seemed as good a time as any to get the first time out of the way.

[ Getting to his feet isn't happening, at least not at the moment, and it takes a few moments longer of struggling before he lets out a sigh, biting back his pride and accepting her hand so he could pull himself up. ]

[She pulled him up quietly until she was firmly on his feet before speaking up again.]

It is, but Spring and Summer are just as good times. Mostly because it can get so cold up here the lake can freeze over.

Maybe so...

[ Perhaps it's a good idea for him to stop this conversation, or at least the current topic. ]

It's quite different, working in a school like this. If I may be so bold, might I ask what you enjoy about working here?

What I enjoy? I guess the more peaceful atmosphere than what I am use to for the most part.

[She liked her old job, but at the same time she knew that it was probably for the best that she took a break after an incident. Just until she got back on her feet or something.]

What is it you enjoy about this place?

The fact that each day is unlike the last is something. Sometimes I wonder if I'm learning more than some of the students most days.

[ It's a bit of a joke comment, but it does get followed up with something more serious. ]

It's a good place... For both my brother and I. That he's happy here is enough for me.

[She smiled slightly. She liked to hear that they are happy because a sibling was happy. It was nice.]

You must really care about your brother. I like that.

I couldn't ask for more... Well, maybe I could ask for him to eat less cake.

[ Among other things, but he hasn't heard about Kotaro causing any mischief as of yet which is actually pretty impressive to him. ]

Does he have a sweet tooth then? I believe there are ways to cut down.

[Sure her sister would eat sweets but she knew to eat others things as well and keep healthy.]

Far too strong of one, I'm afraid. Because most of my work is at night I can only see him in the great hall at dinner, so there isn't much opportunity to make sure he doesn't eat too much of it.

[ As much as he loves his brother, he could be a real pain in the neck sometimes, and the thought causes Jiro to sigh. He is a little boy, after all... ]

I see. Then if we could find someone who could keep an eye all the other times would that be fine?

[She ate most meals in the Great Hall, so he figured he might as well.]

It would be ideal, admittedly.

[ It's not hard to guess what she's offering, and even if it's hard to simply trust he's sure that these teachers wouldn't be around children if they were going to endanger them in any way. If it proved to be the contrary... Well, best not to think of that. ]

Then we'll see if I could perhaps get the chef to only give cake once a week. That would be the only time it would be available.

I can't promise he'll like it, but that really does seem like the best course of action. I do appreciate the concern, Miss Daphne.

Your welcome. I just don't want someone to get ill because of too much sugar.

I can't say the thought appeals to me either, even if a stomach-ache would be a good deterrent. I'd rather prevent that in the first place.

Most people would anyway.

[They were soon up the steps and into the school itself.]

Can you make it from here?

I will be all right from here, thank you. You've been a great help.

[ He took a few steps forward then, opening the door and allowing Daphne to go first. Even after all hid time in the shadows there were still some mannerisms drilled into him, after all. ]