Poisons vs. Friends

Blake stretched as he made his way down the steps of the large castle. He looked up at the sky that loomed over the island and he smiled at the okay weather. Taking a moment he decided that this would be a good time to look for something f use from the garden that he had passed when he was on the way to the castle. Seemed like from a distance it was nothing but tea leaves and healthy veggies and fruits, but maybe a closer look would reveal a few hidden goods.

Walking to the entrance of the garden he smiled at it and walked over to the batches of vegetation that flourished. It was amazing that this garden fed the entire castle's students and staff, but then again having food being transferred from the shores would be a hassle.

As Blake leaned over to observe the bunch, he heard a noise which caught his attention. It seemed to be food steps from the dirt road and to his surprise it was someone he had yet to meet. He smiled for only a moment before looking back at the garden, if she was interested she would approach him. Smiling once more he picked a few things in the garden, but seemed they were nothing but weeds that managed to hide in the healthy bodies of vegetation. He wondered if looking in the forest would have been a smarter ideal. None the less he would enjoy some tea leaves that he had picked.

Hryshen had finally reached the castle grounds. After hours of walking the trail, most of that time was used to enjoy the crisp air and the vibrant colors of the local vegetation. She felt somewhat dizzy sense it had been awhile since she had any hydration. She blinked when she came across a garden filled with more colorful plants.

Hryshen looked at the garden then at the castle in which she would soon be a teacher at, if she already was one. She still didn't quite understand the situation she got into but she felt that it WAS time to have a change in her usual life, even after the major change of almost being sold off to businessmen. She decided it was fine to take a little extra time in the garden where there was, hopefully a pond of some sort.

She walked slowly through looking at the different vegetables. She was so busy looking at the plants, she didn't notice the root of a tree that stuck out into the path some. She tripped over it giving out a small squeak of surprise but she regained her balance before falling.

As she was righting herself she noticed a man near one patch of vegetables. Her eye shined in anticipation of finally meeting someone other than that uppity Scott. She headed towards the man but felt a sudden pang vertigo.

Blake found the few tea leaves that he wanted and he stuffed them into a small bag that he had brought with him. He then heard the sound of the girl fall not to far away from him and he turned to see her come to her feet. He smiled as she spotted him and turned her way as she approached. He noticed her slight dizziness and he shook his head slightly. It was only natural after a sudden fall then quick rise that was seen. He walked over to her as it seemed his little search for poisoness plants was over for the time being. He smiled as he held a hand out if she needed any support. "Are you alright?" He asked with a grin.

Her appearance once again surprised her. First the girl with wings and now this girl with bluish skin and what looked to be a tail. Was he the only human here on the island? Either way she seemed like a nice person and he was happy to make an acquaintance. "My name is Blake Eston I am the teacher here for Offensive and Defensive classes." Blake fixed his glasses by pushing up on them as they had managed to slide down once again for like the 10,000 time today. And to think it was still the morning.

His white hair flipped over his face a bit as he leaned forward slightly. This though he ignored.

Hryshen blinked at the man now Blake. She smiled glad that the first person she met seemed kind. She tried to steady herslef but knew it was futile at the moment. She graciously took his hand. "I...I'm fine...abit dehydrated, thank you."

She looked around abit worridly, still hoping to find a nice pond or stream. "I'm H...Hryshen. I'm going to be the new gym teacher. It's very nice to meet you..." Her tail twitched slight, another sure sign that she was getting to dehydrated. "D..Do you know where there might be some water? I..It's kind of ergent that I get some...."

She blushed slightly, turning a darker shade of blue in her cheeks, when she noticed she might be implying to much. She looked down, "Then again that might be a bother to you...."

Blake smiled as he looked at Hryshen. He could see her exhaustion and in that instant he pulled a water bottle out of his bag and handed it to her. He hoped that the bottle would help. "Its nice to meet you Hryshen, as for a pond..." Blake stopped t think for a moment as to where there may be nearby water that she may emerge herself. He shrugged and laughed a little, "I'm sorry, I'm fairly new to the island myself, the only places I know where there may be water for you to go in are the water that surrounds the island and oh the bathrooms bathtubs!"

He smiled at the thought of him only knowing where his own tub was. Would she be comfortable doing that? Either way looked like she needed the water more that what she was portraying. "Well the only bathtub that I know is located in my quarters. If you really need it then you can go there and when you are finished we can look for your room together if you want." He deciding being a gentleman to the people here would be best for him, though with some people he had a few disagreements, either way it wasn't going to be a perfect world.

It seemed strange to him, but this girl seemed to have a kind nature and wanted nothing but to help her.

Hryshen blinked, "Y..You're bathtub?.....Th...That would help." She took a sip out of the bottle. She then poured some water into her hand and rubbed it on her face. She quickly felt better and more alert. She drank the rest of the water.

"I do need a escort around since I have absolutely no idea where I'm going." She giggled softly, seeing what she put herself into. "Never thought I'd be excepted...but I always did love children...though I've only actually taken care of fish and such...."

She looked around the garden again. "I'm gonna have to remember this place, it's very pretty." She breathed in then turned to Blake, "I guess we better go see where my room is...I'm fine for now, thanks to you."

Blake smiled at Hryshen and put out a hand for her to grab. "Its quite alright this castle is quite big and this island can be such a mystery at times even I keep getting lost. I must say though that I do believe your room is next to mine if I'm not mistaken." He looked over at the herb garden and nodded at her comment of it before he turned towards the castle. He smiled and began walking towards it. "Here at the castle you will be n the second floor. Lucky you I can at least help with that much." He smiled and opened the front door for her leading her in. Blake looked over at the giant funnel of water, which was known as the fish tank and he laughed a bit. "Maybe you will get along with the thing that lives in there.....I however stay away from it."

Walking his way up the stairs he hoped she would follow close as he himself had a few arrangements with his tea set collection and the newly picked tea leaves he had just acquired. "After a bath would you like to join me for a nice cup of tea? I don't know exactly what flavors these are but if I'm not completely mistaken it may be ....Earl Grey." He said as he flashed a smile at her.

Hryshen blinked, "I...I have a room next to you?...Oh good, at least I'll be near someone I know...even if only slightly." She smiled, releived and followed closely behind Blake. She frowned slightly when she saw the creature in the tank. "I..Is it alright in there? I..I didn't like being confined...myself..." she muttered, knowing she'll get an explanation in due time.

When he asked his last question, she tilted her head, "Earl gray?...Tea? What's that? If it's good for you, I guess I can come...as long as there is no meat." She frowned again, thinking about the meat.

Blake smiled as Hryshen was watching the are for the castle pet before noticing her curious look. He shrugged then started showing her up the stairs. "Yes your room is next to mine now that I do recall. It will be nice to have a person I know a little living in quarters next to me." They were nearly to the next floor and the turned his head over his shoulder to look at her, "Never heard of tea? Eh no problem, I'm sure there are many things you know that I may not. See Earl Grey Tea is a beverage that is served hot in little tea cups. The tea itself is quite a popular little thing. Its played an important role in some cultures and its taste is really smooth with a hint of bitter, but if thats not the taste for you a spoon full of sugar can fix that." He smiled then continued up the stairs. "Its health benefits include prevention of some cancers, increased metabolism, smoother skin, and increased ones immune system so long as it is drunk on a regular basis."

He cleared his throat and rubbed one of his eyes, "Since coming here the weather and its constant changing has effected me. So some tea is what I need I believe." Finally they had reached his door and he opened it. "This is my room, but if you want you can go to your to rehydrate yourself then come back for tea. It will take a moment to make anyways so no rush." He awaited her answer as he leaned on the frame of his door with his arms crossed. It was quite strange, Hryshen that was. She was interesting in many ways and he just wanted to know more about her and her culture. Never had he seen an area filled with so many different kinds of people with so many different looks.

((XD So much dialog lol well here's your post! Sry I have been taking longer than usual with posts I have been pretty busy with college searching and family))

Hryshen shook her head, "I'm good now, thanks to that water bottle you gave me." She stood at his door somewhat awkwardly, always waiting to be asked in because she didn't like to 'barge' in on peoples room. "This, tea, does sound good. I wouldn't mind trying some. I don't mind the wait."

((Sorry that it's short.))

Blake smiled as she agreed to com in for tea and he closed the door behind them. He walked her over to his lounging area of the office so that she may be seated as he would prepare the tea. Seating her he walked over to his desk where he pulled out a hot thermo bottle and a small baggie of tea leaves. He brought them both to the table near the couch and he smiled. Having brought two cups as well he set them up infront of him and his guest and poured a few tea leaves into each up. Taking a spoon he then grinding them into a fine powder so that they may disolve once the hot water would touch them. Pulling the cap off the bottle he pour the water into the cups and nodded with satisfaction as the colors began to change and settle in the water. Turning his attention to Hryshen he handed her the cup and took his for his own. "I hope you enjoy it." Taking a sip he decided that sugar was not needed, but he had a bowl of it on the table incase his guest wanted a little sweetness.

Sighing with a bit of relief he fixed his glasses and then looked back at his guest. "So tell me about yourself, Hryshen. Where do you come from and what brings you here."

Hryshen took the cup and watched a small puff of stem waft off of it. She blew on it and took a sip. "....the flavour is subtle...but it's really refreshing." She drank a bit more than looked up, "Me?...well I came from the Caribbean. I lived in a nice little cove near Haiti. I got lost after an...incident and travelled the seas for a long time. I think it was for about a year. I was in the harbor of New York, not the cleanest place by the way, and a piece of paper hit me in my face as I swam..I was on the surface so it must have just been dropped. Luckily I was able to dry it in time and it was a flier for this place. I was tired from wandering the oceans so I thought it might just be easier to live on land, a possible feat for my kind and so kind of hitch hiked on the anchor of a Europe bound ship and found my way to the cove." She took another sip and blushed, "Oh sorry....I spoke to much didn't I..."

Blake listened to Hyrshen and her story of how she came to this island. He smiled as she seemed to enjoy the tea in between sentences. He was happy to make her feel better with his little cup of brew. After everything she said he nodded to what she had said about New York, "Ah I agree, its a pretty dirty place." Taking a sip from his own cup he sighed with relief as is trickled down his throat. Pushing his glasses up once more he turned back to Hryshen. "I was once in the caribbean but that only lasted a week. I really do wish that I had more time to enjoy the weather there. " Leaning forward he placed his cup down onto the table. "Its quite alright, I do enjoy listening to others. It just lets me get to know them better." Blake smiled as he stood up, "So have you heard about my new class? Its an offensive and defensive one. Maybe i'll see you in my class?" He asked as he narrowed his eyes at her slight with a grin.

Hryshen nodded as Blake agreed with her about New York. She also was relieved to not have bored him with her story. He was a very kind man and she was glad she made an acquaintance on her first day on the island. She was happily drinking the tea he had so offered her, savouring the new taste. At the mention of him visiting the Caribbean, she lowered her cup a bit. "You went there once? Wer you on a business trip of some sort?...I agree, the weather there was so lovely." She smiled quietly, reliving a particularly nice day at her old home. She blinked slightly at his later statement. "I...Is that allowed? A teacher taking another teacher's class? And if so, I might only take the defensive part... I'm not very into violence. I mean, why have violence when we all live in the same world? We have to get along or we might as well all die with all the wars at present. Even when I was younger and still in the Caribbean, I saw a few battleships. At least I think I did. They had a lot of guns on them.

Blake looked at Hryshen and he just smiled, "Well lets just say it was some dark buisness that needed to be taken care of." Getting then off that subject he was thinking of if it would be good to have a teacher in the room, but he didn't really personally think that that could have been a problem. " I personally don't see why not, but though taking only defense is good, you should also know how to fight incase of a situation that defense is not nearly enough. There was a time when I did try to just defend myself and they found a way to get through it. If I had not known how to fight I might not have been around to have the pleasure of talking with you. " He said that with a wink at the end before taking a sip from his cup and letting out a satisfying sigh of relief. The warm liquid just made his soul happy.

Blake found himself pushing his glasses back onto his face and wanting to curse at them with frustration, but he restrained himself as he was in front of a guest. He looked back at her and smiled a quick smile. "So just out of question, do you by chance smoke or drink anything? I personally smoke when I am completely stressed and I drink for fun when I know I have nothing to do the next day for classes or anything else important. " Blake seemed to have not seen any people around who were actually into it as much as he was.

Hryshen sighed. She hated to admit it but he did make sense. She had seen many a fight between fish where one fish couldn't help BUT fight to defend. "True...I guess learning a little about fighting techniques would come in handy." She finished her tea and fiddled with her cup.

Hryshen looked up. "Drinking?...Smoking? Well, I do drink...but I think I might be misinterpretting your question." She looked down at her cup again. The only thing she could think of that went with drinking was hydrating one's self as a necessity.

Blake nodded as he was glad that she understood the importance of being able to fight back. He was used to it all his life that he had not realized that some people had different opinions on it. But with that it was cleared up and all was good. Looking at her as she mentioned that her way of drinking was perhaps not the same as his own, he just laughed.

Standing up he walked over to a closet in the far corner of his office and he pulled out a key from the inside of his shirt. He looked over at Hryshen as he slowly opened the door barely to just grab a bottle of vodka. He closed the door quickly and locked it tight. He had a few secrets that he had not wanted the students to know, yet he couldn't keep them at his old place as too many people knew about him off the island and his past operations. Smiling he brought the bottle of clear liquid over to Hryshen. "So I am assuming that you have not ever had alcohol then....its really some great stuff so long as you don't take in to much." He put the bottle down and walked over to the sealf grabbing two clear glasses.

Returning, Blake poured half a glass for him and only a forth of a glass for Hryshen. He handed it to her and smiled gently as he gazed at her through his glasses. " Here you are, start with a small sip and see if you like. Sometimes the taste takes time getting used to." He sat down next to her and leaned back as he drank half of what he had poured for himself.

Alcohol? Hryshen watched the bottle skeptically. She never heard of the beverage and it looked abit like water. She didn't like how he described it. What would happen if to much was injested? It also struck her as strange, how you'd have to get used to the taste. Was alcohol really that different from other drinks?

She politely accepted the glass. "Thank you..." She looked at the clear liquid and brought the glass to her lips. She took a small sip and set the glass down. She grimaced slightly but only for a second. "At first it was kind of bitter....but it gave a sweet after taste...Odd."

Blake smiled as he took another sip from his cup and though he saw the look on her face he was happy that she had a different look on her face after a short while. Nodding he took another drink himself but placed the cup down, as to not consume the whole glass. If he was alone then he would have taken the bottle, forgot the glasses, and chugged the thing, but there was a guest in his midst and he decided to not over do himself, though he couldn't promise himself this same behavior later.

Leaning back on the sofa he seemed to have gotten quite relaxed, "Yes its a tricky drink, and though it can have its down falls in the morning after a night of pounding one, its still so easy to return to for a refresh." He looked over at Hryshen and he smiled while letting his glasses slide slowly down the ridge of his nose. He hadn't cared this time if the glasses were to fall, but what made it funny was that they never truly did when he was just sitting.

Hryshen took another sip, trying to get used the drink. She smiled abit as Blake seemed to be quite relaxed. She didn't really like causing people discomfort. She took a longer sip, letting out a quiet sigh. The vodka did seem to make her feel better, though what was she feeling bad about anyway.

"Downfalls?...What are the downfalls?" She lowered the glass, looking at it with a skeptical glance. She looked at him and shruged. She took another drink. If he was fine with it, she should be alright too. She turned the glass in her hands. "I've been wondering...What kind of teacher are you?...I mean, what's your teaching style?"