Welcoming

[Elsa Bellefonte]

3 years ago...

"What's more nutritious than a glass of milk?" Elsa asked. She paused for a few seconds, waiting for the recipient of the question to think for a bit, then she answered: "Two glasses of milk."

It was a joke, and not a very good one. But they'd suggested that Elsa greet the newcomer with a joke and a smile to make things easier for her. At fifteen, Elsa was gangly, awkward, and far too serious for her age. She'd volunteered to help greet the new girl because it felt like something a Bellefonte should be doing. Plus, her twin sister had quite a few friends, and Elsa figured this was a good way to get to know someone before they got to meet Erika. Maybe then the newcomer would like Elsa more than her sister. It was always possible; Elsa was the smarter one, and the "good" one too...

So she'd asked for advice on how to make the situation more comfortable for the newcomer. Elsa had heard... things about this one, something about New York and stuff, which made her wonder if she should've been more "street" or something. Unfortunately, Elsa didn't have the slightest clue how to even appear remotely "hip," so she'd just opted for a nice skirt and blouse. The joke had been a suggestion and, well, that was the only one Elsa knew.

She smiled at the other girl, attempting a little laugh before feeling that she should probably add: "That's a joke," because it probably wasn't that obvious. "They said I should lead with one, but I'm not that good at them," obviously. Elsa stuck out a hand. "I'm Elsa, Elsa Bellefonte, and they sent me to, um, help you get situated!"

[Vera M. Solway]

"What's more nutritious than a glass of milk?"

Vera simply gave the girl the most driest smile that she could possibly give. The joke wasn't even close to being funny... which was why Vera didn't bother to laugh but the girl gave effort to her welcome... so she gave her that smile and honestly Vera didn't even want to give her that. She wasn't amused, she wasn't even moved, she didn't even want to be there. After the whole ordeal with her parents, being in a coma for longer than a season and having a verbal conflict for a few hours about why she did NOT need to be here... she was here and it pissed her off. Though, hopefully it was difficult to tell how she was feeling... she never really wore her emotions on her sleeves.

She also didn't want her welcoming committee to feel as if she wasn't grateful. Which she wasn't because she didn't want to be here in the first place but it was still thoughtful. "Good one."

Vera genuinely smiled"Next time don't follow other people's advice. They might lead you to failure, like that joke." At least the girl was trying to make her feel welcomed, Vera had to give her props for that. She had nothing against the pretty Bellefonte, just the people who forced her to come here.

"It's nice to meet you, Elsa. I'm Vera... you can also call me Vee if you want, doesn't bother me either way." She reached a hand out for a handshake.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa felt her smile tighten a little as Vera gave her unwanted advice. That was the problem here: following other people's suggestions, and, before Elsa could stop herself: "So you're saying I should follow your advice then?" Of course, the Bellefonte knew that she'd practically put her foot in her mouth as soon as the last word tumbled out of her mouth, leaving her sighing and looking down at the welcome packet they'd given her to work with.

Vera, though she could be called Vee. "Nice to meet you too, Vera," said Elsa, taking the offered hand and giving it a few shakes. Elsa remembered reading somewhere that the proper way to give a handshake was to squeeze just a little and give a few good, solid pumps before releasing, though she'd also heard that you could sometimes judge the relative position of the people doing the handshake by the way they managed it. Elsa released anyway, nodding.

"Right, so, you're already here, so you've probably actually looked at something like this," she said, holding up the packet. "Though the rules still state that I should give it to you. It is a good idea to read it over, see what's in there and the like, especially if your power is one of those that likes to manifest itself in spectacular ways." Elsa nodded and extended the packet toward Vera, obviously wanting her to take the thing and then likely move on to the whole "questioning answering" section of things. She just had to hope that her retort and relatively pat answer didn't count against her.

For some reason, Elsa didn't think she'd get that lucky.

[Vera M. Solway]

"So you're saying I should follow your advice then?"

She smirked.

Touche.

Apparently baby girl had a back bone, look at that.Vera was born and raised in one of the most rudest cities ever, miniature remarks like that never phased her. She was just surprised, 'tis all. It was very wrong to judge a person or a group of people before getting to know them but honestly, Vera thought she would be walking into an Academy filled with those who thought they were better than others. Just saying the name with me... Bellefonte Academy. Did that not sound like a stuck up shit? If it wasn't bad enough, it was a 'school' for mutants, or meta humans, whatever the public decided to call them that day. How tough did the school sound, anyway? Not much to Vera.

Accepting the packet from Elsa, she eyed over it before deciding to open it up. Looking within the contents of what was given, she humored it. "And what would you guys consider spectacular ways? Not to make me seem any less unique than I already am... I wouldn't really call blowing shit up against my will 'spectacular'."

"Do you guys have dance, gymnastics or cheer here? Like dance classes, teams, clubs, etc? Are any martial arts practiced at this Academy also?" Vera had to make sure she got this out the way. Her life revolved around being active, it was how she was brought and what she was used to. Her mother was a dancer and her father had been a man of action. It was what her family loved to do.

The only things that could really keep her busy and attentive.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa smiled a little as Vera countered her warning about powers with something of an explanation. She waited while Vera got through the rest of her questions though, not wanting to interrupt the girl. However, as Vera spoke, Elsa had the urge to start skimming through thoughts, seeing if she could pick up something helpful about the girl. Stick to regular conversation, especially for someone who'd just arrived. Elsa would've given that advice to anyone, so she needed to stick to it herself.

"Spectacular ways involve showy flashes and the like," she said, her voice nearly sliding into lecture mode. "So don't blow up something in front of a civilian, and I wouldn't worry about not being able to control your powers. The vast majority of us figure out how to control our abilities to some degree or another in just the first few weeks here; there are trainers and the like.

"As for the other questions," Elsa tapped the packet, "most of it's in the packet. You really should read," she paused for a moment, then sighed before continuing: "We have all the standard activities of a private school. Intramural sports: you can't very well compete with nonmutant institutions after all; various sports, and individual activities. There are teachers for martial arts and basic self defense too... you'll want that," they all would. Elsa was one of the several who fully believed that humanity was not going to take kindly to finding out that some of their members had special powers. Jealousy would be enough of a motivator without counting fear or the rest.

The Bellefonte looked about for a moment, obviously considering. "Did you want a tour of some kind? I'm comfortable with showing you around. Or answering more questions," Elsa shrugged, it really didn't make any difference to her; she was going to help one way or the other.

[Vera M. Solway]

"So don't blow up something in front of a civilian, and I wouldn't worry about not being able to control your powers. The vast majority of us figure out how to control our abilities to some degree or another in just the first few weeks here; there are trainers and the like."

Absolutely easy for her to say. Since the moment she found out about what she really was, she tried to keep her abilities under wraps. The only problem was, she couldn't. No, she didn't have any weird visible mutation but having to watch where you point, look, or gesture at everyday just so you don't end up blowing crap up was easier said than done.

EASIER SAID THAN DONE.

Seeing how she had no idea how good this "school" and the "trainers" really were, she'd give them the benefit of the doubt. When Elsa mentioned the packet and insisted that Vera read it.. she really wanted to say something smart but instead, shut her mouth. Not only was she here mostly against her will, they wanted her to do shit under their terms. When clearly if they wanted her here, they should answer to her, not the other way around and not with a stupid packet. Vera simply glanced at the packet before looking back up at Elsa.

So they had what Vera was looking forward to. Lovely.

"Did you want a tour of some kind? I'm comfortable with showing you around. Or answering more questions,"

"Sure, why not." Even though it could be heard in her voice, Vera was trying hard not to sound as if she had a serious attitude problem. She knew she'd get used to all of this just not right now. She wanted to make the best out of this it was just still a lot to take in. Seeing how her suitcases were already in her room, she was glad that all she had to tug around was this damn packet. Who knew how big this academy really was.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Easy for Elsa to say? Certainly. her ability was quite controllable, the only real problem even the young Elsa had was learning to stop and not get overwhelmed by someone else's thoughts. Plus, her ability was so internal that she didn't have to worry about anyone ever "seeing" it. Still, Elsa firmly believed everything that her packet said, and everything that she passed on to Vera. She believed in the school and its ability to help mutants be what they needed to be.

Hence why she was volunteering to help.

"Excellent!" said Elsa, smiling and nodding vigorously. "Is there a particular area you'd like to see first? We've a training field that doubles for sports and the like, and we have a few studios that you might be interested in..." Elsa trailed off, looking around them. They were technically in the courtyard, which acted as a hub for the entire school. From here they could literally head just about anywhere and be there within an hour. Too many choices, in Elsa's opinion, and if Vera didn't help, they'd likely just end up on a preordained path. Elsa was pretty sure they'd drilled something into her head before she'd headed out here.

[Vera M. Solway]

"Excellent!"

The excitement and pep was just drowning Vera alive. She didn't have to be one of those... what do you call those people who can sense emotions, empaths? Yeah, those. She didn't have to be able to sens emotions to know that, all of that was a bit too much. Then again, Vera was really being a downer-a bit more than usual. In another light, Vera would've been asking to see every single room and all the information about each room. At the moment she just wanted to see a small few, go back to her new dorm, and drown herself in episodes of Charmed.

Gawd, I love Charmed.

"Is there a particular area you'd like to see first? We've a training field that doubles for sports and the like, and we have a few studios that you might be interested in..."

Looking through the packet again, she thought about the main three rooms she wanted to see. "Err, the training fields sound interesting and yeah, I'd like to see the studios also, as well as the student lounge. Por favor." She brushed her hair over the other shoulder as she looked back at Elsa. "So what do you like to do during your free time around here? Or do I have to look at the packet for the answer too?" Somewhat of a witty remark and a soft smirk.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

{ironic that I ended up overlooking this thread after teasing you about missing it. Nice to know that we can both mess up though, eh? Sorry about that}

GAWD, I LOVE CHARMED. what the heck was that? Elsa hadn't really been scanning Vera all that closely, mostly just doing a sort of absent skim, but whenever something like that stood out, well, she couldn't very well not hear it. Elsa would've had to be completely detached from someone, and she rarely did that without being asked or being comfortable with the person, neither of which were the case here.

Training fields, studios, lounge, and an added bit of Spanish. That last caught Elsa momentarily by surprise; was Vera Spanish? She looked, well, she looked African American to Elsa. She was tempted to ask, but she found herself faced with a rather direct question, one that caught her flat-footed. Elsa blinked and stared, her mouth working. She didn't like being caught unawares, especially when she'd been paying attention. One of these days, she'd have herself better put together and this wouldn't happen.

"I, well, I spend a lot of time on school," she said, realizing even as the words left her how incredibly lame that sounded. "I want to make sure that my grades are good, and training can take a lot of time" Elsa certainly needed more of it, if she got caught off guard by someone like Vera. "But I'm also involved with various student organizations: student council and the like. I like to keep busy, and I'm sure you'll find plenty of activities like that here. Those are in the packet,' she said, teasing and pointing at the packet. she tossed her head, counting that as a victory.

"Now, we can head for the training fields first, since they're the closest, right over there," Elsa pointed, "and we can swing by and head toward the studios from there. They're in the classroom areas, so you'll see some of that as well," Elsa nodded, glad to be back on a path of sorts. It gave her a lot more confidence, and she certainly needed that after getting caught off guard. "Shall we?" she asked, barely waiting for a response before moving forward.

[Vera M. Solway]

Vera raised a brow, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say someone is a bit of a school perfectionist. You are just too cute." She wasn't really making fun of Elsa, she was serious. Vera found it adorable when people were so into school, good grades and being apart of just every damn club. Now she remembered why she used to skip school. It was a bit much for Vera but maybe she'd consider joining a club. Who knew?

Elsa pointed at the packet and Vera chuckled. She also mentioned where each area they would be heading next, and Vera simply nodded, having no idea what she meant but she was sure that she would find out.

"Might as well, chicka." She said walking to the other side of Elsa.

Looking at the damn packet once more, "Is there some type of high requirements for some of these clubs and teams? Because, I'm sure I'd meet every one." Ah yes, her confidence was certainly showing. A bit too much. 

[Elsa Bellefonte]

A school... perfectionist? Elsa knew what Vera meant, and she wanted to snap at the other girl, flinging up some defensive comment about how not everyone was so interested in being a social butterfly or anything like that. However, just as she was about to, Vera called her... cute. The words stopped before they even left Elsa's brain, and she openly goggled at Vera for several seconds.

Cute?

Nobody called Elsa cute, at least, not after she opened her mouth. They might think her adorable if they didn't know any better, or if they figured that she was Erika. But Elsa, by herself, after speaking? Cute? She had to fight the urge to blush, and instead pushed forward, walking, wanting to fall back into the routine. Do what she knew and pretend like she hadn't been thrown off by a comment.

"not really," replied Elsa, jumping on the question like a cat on a mouse, "there's standard grade requirements; I believe you have to maintain a 'C' average, which shouldn't be that hard. There's also various attendance requirements and such. But since you can't exactly engage in a whole lot outside of the campus, we're fairly open with what we let you get into now. Like I said though, there's plenty to do," Elsa shifted and pointed at a section of the school attached to the main building, "the library's there, for example,' which probably wasn't helping the whole "school perfectionist" thing, which, unfortunately, Elsa only realized after she said it.

[Vera M. Solway]

By Elsa's facial expression, either Vera had offended the girl or confused her. Either way it made her want to smile. No, she didn't get off of offending anyone, that wasn't the type of person she was. The type of person she was, was the type to open her mouth and spit out whatever was on her mind without really thinking twice. It was a New York thing, maybe something that she would have to work on when here.

"Or not... ya know."

She said trying to break the silence just a bit in response to her "not really" reply. Yikes. Vera listened to Elsa as she explained the requirements of joining certain groups and clubs. Vera wasn't a straight A student but she never had to worry about being a C student either. She always tried her best but just not so much that it would stress her out. So for the most part, she should be good. She turned her head to look at the library, "Well isn't this just fancy." She said noticing how big and lovely the library looked. Maybe she'd take advantage of it when she had to study.

"You got any siblings?" It was random, she knew but Vera just wanted to know. From the moment she opened her mouth, Elsa seemed like an only child. That wasn't rude to think, was it? Maybe Vera had asked the right way, some people could take offense to being called an only child. It was like some sad thing to admit or something which Vera didn't understand.


She could give all her siblings away and be happy. 

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa had no idea what that "not really" was supposed to entail, and she didn't want to dig too deeply into it. They had other things to talk about, so Elsa just elected to plow forward into that territory, the explanations and gestures and everything. The library did look rather fancy, and Elsa nodded. She began saying that pretty well everything was fancy around here, since they were fairly well funded, but Vera's question stopped her from essentially quoting from the guide.

Siblings? Elsa couldn't help but sigh at that. "I have three, actually, all mutants,' she said, trying not to sound like this wasn't the last thing in the world she wanted to discuss. "An older brother, a younger sister and, well, a twin, an identical one, actually. Her name's Erika and if you join a team or something, you'll meet her," and be the bestest of best friends ever and forget that Erika even had a twin sister named Elsa who did all the work and got none of the credit and no, no, Elsa was definitely not thinking all that. She was thinking about how wonderful Erika was and how glad she was to have the other girl as a sister. Yes, that was totally it.

"They're all here," she added, though saying they were all mutants probably made that clear. She nodded at the school anyway. They were actually passing by most of the building, entering the wide area that had been set aside for training. "There's an arena in addition to the fields,' offered Elsa, figuring that going back to the brochure might not be a bad idea at this point.

[Vera M. Solway]

Oh... so she did have siblings. Okay so maybe her guess was completely off, it was just that Elsa acted like an only child... if there was such a thing. Though, her eyebrows raised when Elsa mentioned having a twin and she didn't really sound too excited about it either.

"They're all here,"

Nodding as she looked at the area, it had been a while since Vera did some training, physical training not her powers. She had no idea how she'd go about getting training with her abilities... especially as whacked out as they were. Looking back at the packet, she continued her curiosity.

"Wow, all mutants and ya'll don't try to kill each other? I'm sure I'd try once or twice... or until I succeed." She smirked.

[Elsa Bellefonte]

Elsa clicked her tongue against her teeth, chuckling a little. "Well, there have been times. We all have mental abilities though. I read minds, my twin is a telekinetic, my brother amplifies powers, and my younger sister is an empath. So really," she offered a wry smile to Vera, "we're just well established to increase the normal amount of drama."

Elsa gestured then, as they'd approached the training field. "This is the field set aside for training, though it also works for sports. We've also an arena,' she pointed to the building in the near distance, "for more drastic situations. We sometimes set up matches between students as well, to test things and shake it up."

Elsa nodded, then waited, looking expectantly at Vera, wondering if the other girl had anything in particular she wanted explained or elaborated. This had been one of the areas she'd mentioned wanting to see, after all.