✿ 𝖇𝖑𝖎𝖙𝖍𝖊𝖘𝖔𝖒𝖊 ✿

A thunderstorm rages above the greenish-blue waters of the Great Lake. Stray lightning blots occasionally strike the crystalline surface, briefly illuminating the underwater creatures & aquatic flora outside the window. They’re curled up in an armchair they moved closer to the window, a sketchbook in her lap & a set of creamy pastels balanced on the chair’s armrest, her legs swung over the opposite side. It's so late she's surprised to see another person who's awake enough to be out in the common room. Millicent, she believes is her housemate's name. She's been working hard to try & keep up with everyone's names, so eager to get off on the right foot. "Millicent, right? I hope I didn't startle you. I couldn't sleep & the storm makes everything look so pretty. So I drew it. I think it's a little odd, housing everyone in the dungeons when the castle is so big. But it's beautiful here nonetheless. I can see why my mother loved it. Do you like living down here?"

"I swear I wasn't spyin' on your conversation," There's a soft, slight southern twang to the American accent she's worked so hard to diminish, but her nervousness is at an all-time high, therefore making it near impossible for her to think about concealing traits she recently found herself insecure over. "- I just heard you complaining about having a class with Slytherins? If you're a third year, I believe we're headed to the same place. If it's not a bother, I'd appreciate you showing me the way, it can be just for today if you really don't want to help. It's just, I'm new & I'm hopelessly lost." Gods, she feels like she's on the brink of tears from frustration, yet she tries her best to smile through it & hope for the best.

Their queen had been clear regarding her expectations for her court. After a brief presentation, they were to make themselves scarce so she could meet with Jonathan Morgenstern in private. Most had retreated to their chambers or gone off the palace grounds, but Luce decided she could easily remaining out of the way if she simply remained in the gardens. Besides, the stars shimmered in beautiful clusters above her head, a cool breeze blowing through the royal gardens. All in all, it was too delightful of a day NOT to sit by the stream that ran through there to have a picnic. She picks the edible flora to complement creamy cheeses & delectable jars of jam & honey, expertly avoiding the patches of plants known for their toxic properties. Though she has a variety of multi-colored berries & sweet grapes in her basket, she only picks one mango-shaped bloom off a rather luminous tree, its limbs drooping under the weight of its blossoms. The peculiar fruit is a bright blue in color, speckled with white throughout. She was well aware of its powerful psychotropic properties, as most fae enjoyed this particular delicacy raw or brewed in a tea. Therefore she only picked one, as it was more than enough to accomplish the desired effect. She willed the water from the nearby stream to run through her fingers, cleansing palms & digits in a rippling, rhythmic flow before rejoining the rushing stream. Luce set to arranging her refreshments on the mossy soft grass with clean hands before shimmering wings flutter in the breeze with apprehension, delicate ears attuned to the slightest change in sounds. She knows she's not alone, though how long she's been watched she cannot figure out. The thought makes her uneasy. Viridescent hues scan her perimeter until she spots his formidable silhouette. Even half shrouded in the shadows cast by the luminous tree he is unmistakable. Uneasiness forms in the pit of her stomach, as this is the first time she's stood alone in front of the infamous Jonathan Morgenstern. Though if she is perturbed she doesn't show it. What is that thing silly little mundanes often said? Friends close. Enemies closer. Though she hadn't made an enemy of this man yet. Truth be told, that was the last thing Luce wanted to do. She kneels before her ambrosial display, using a sharp dagger to score her prized bloom. Its sweet juices run down her hands, leaving trails of glowing extract that she pays no mind to. "-It's rather rude to stare at a lady," Her tone drips insincerity, it's clear she's not REALLY offended by his presence. Just frightened. "If you wanted to join me you could have simply come forth from the shadows & asked. This seems a tad bit melodramatic." A teasing smile as she nips at the blue flesh of her fruit slice.