{EDCT} Trying Something Normal (Open)

[Piper Galloway]

Piper had grown up in a conservative, almost prudish environment for as long as she could remember.  Ideas like this camping trip and the almost unbridled freedom the students were offered (within certain parameters, of course) was equal parts daunting and liberating.  Piper could scarcely contain her excitement at the thought of being able to escape the tedium of her every day life and branch out to try new experiences, even if they were, to other students, seemingly mundane.

With a small bag slung over one shoulder Piper made her way toward the lake that all the students had been shown on the first day.  Her hair was tied back in a tight tail that bobbed and swayed behind her as she moved along the path.  Once the dirt beneath her feet gave way to the soft, damp soil surrounding the lake she quickened her pace and added a slight spring to her gait.  Her blue eyes shone brightly as she looked out over the calm, crystal clear water of the lake.  She was so excited to just be here she'd didn't even give a second glance to the handful of other students that had gathered nearby.

Once she'd found a suitable spot to set her bag down Piper did hesitate, but only for a moment, to pull the large t-shirt she wore over her head before shimmying out of her shorts to reveal a modest, one piece bathing suit underneath.  After taking a moment to neatly arrange her bag, shoes and folded outerwear on a blanket, Piper turned her attention toward the water.  She lifted her gaze up to the brilliant blue sky dotted with a few soft, puffy looking clouds before a thin smile touched her lips and she started for the water.

Piper waded out to where the water came up to her waist before diving forward, feeling the cool, refreshing water wash over  and consume her.  She broke the surface and wiped the water from her face.  She paused for a bit, treading water in place, to take in the sight of the lake from her new vantage point.  There were few times where she'd ever felt so free and unburdened.

The feeling didn't last long, though, as Piper quickly found herself accidentally smacking one of the others who'd gathered at the lake.  She'd unknowingly ventured too close to where they were and ended up whacking them with her hand mid-paddle.  Her eyes widened and she spun around to face her unwitting victim.  "Oh my god, I'm so sorry!"  She exclaimed, her British accent thick with the surprise of her accidental attack.

[Tiana Jackson]

"Maybe this was a good idea after all."

Tiana had certainly doubted the benefits of the camping trip when she first signed up. She would miss the kitchen, that much she was sure about. However at the same time there was something oddly relaxing about the woods. Sure, she hardly knew any of the others on the trip. The only person Tiana knew for sure that was there happened to be Emily. Although she enjoyed being around the girl, Tiana also didn't want to bother her constantly. She also preferred to have some time to herself now and then. Which was exactly why she'd gone to the lake to relax. Others were there, but luckily most left her alone to slip into the water in her one piece. Tiana was not going out on the trip bringing an easily undone bikini. So instead she brought something simple and reliable that could let her move freely in the water. Right then she simply floated and enjoyed the relaxing feeling. Until someone accidentally smacked Tiana.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!"

Tiana blinked and glanced over once she heard another british accent. At first she thought it was Emily, yet the voice was so different that idea was immediately shot down. Instead Tiana was greeted by someone she'd never met before. Luckily she was in a pretty chill mood from her floating. She offered the girl a smile.

"It's alright. I wasn't really paying attention myself."

[Piper Galloway]

Piper exhaled a visible sigh of relief that her unwitting victim had responded in such a calm, collected manner. The stab of fear that had tightened her chest subsided, leaving the diminutive girl free to offer the younger student a shy, almost embarrassed smile. Maybe, Piper thought, everyone at the Academy wasn't all that bad. After all, she'd managed to find a friend through the chaos and madness and this girl Piper had just smacked didn't seem all that interested in getting too angry about it.

"It's lovely out here, isn't it?" Piper breathed in awe. She shifted while treading water, turning her bright, blue eyes out to look across the water and the trees that dotted the horizon. Every time she stopped to take in the scenery it nearly took her breath away. It was obvious from the very beginning she didn't get out much, least of all since she came to the United States. "I still can't believe this place is only a few hours away from the Academy." Her head shook as she spoke, the words coming out in a soft, almost whispered tone.