All the Beautiful Things |open|

It was such an alien feeling being back after a year of absence. He didn't even know if the teachers would be the same, but he was thankful that he had something to return to. Tobias rummaged in his pockets for a crumpled soft pack and placed a half smoked woodbine between his thin lips and ran his fingers though his wild black hair. The smell of the sea was a comfort to him. Not far down from where he stood, the boat he came in on still rested, waiting for the crew to restock and clean up, but it would never be rid of the scent of wet wood.

And there was always knowing that he had time to acclimate back into the old routine before school started, not that Tobias had had much of one to begin with. Life for him seemed to be about new beginnings in old places. Yet the monster in him was still strong, tearing him apart and eating him whole as if he were only a shadow, walking in the heat of the sun.

Tobias inhaled deeply, his glass-chipped eyes roamed around the port lazily for a coffee Shoppe, but not really wanting to move, not just yet. Now he just wanted to be on pause for five minutes, his rucksack beside him and the cool salty water slapping the decking beneath him. It was good that he was back. He was as much a student as a teacher now.

|| forgive the rustiness, but I'm ready to get back in the game. Anyone's welcome!||

The immense silver wolf padded through the streets, every step exuding power. Nearly twice the size of a normal wolf, it was no surprise that the people shied away as she drew closer. Every muscle rippled, every tooth and claw razor sharp. A natural-born predator, the wolf was no stranger to this sort of reaction.

Had the wolf been in her true form, she would have been able to slip through the crowd unnoticed, just another human trying to get from one place to another. But as a wolf, she drew attention. Even in a world where normal was an illusion, she was still something to see. There weren't many who displayed their powers so openly, but she didn't care. She loved her wolf, and it was her preferred form.

The wind carried an oddly familiar scent, and the silver femme turned and made her way closer to the source of the smell. The closer she got, the easier it became to distinguish the smell. It was distinctly wolf, though diluted by human. She finally pinpointed the source, a tall, lean man. His wild black hair seemed to fit the scent emanating from him. She wondered if he was a Shifter, like her, or something else entirely.

Cautiously, she approached. Her head lay level with her shoulders, her tail hanging behind her in a neutral position. She was wary, tense and ready to strike, yet showing no aggression. The wolf was merely maintaining a defensive stance, ready to attack only if provoked. Her amber eyes never left the man before her, waiting for him to make the first move.

The scent of another had taken him by surprise. He had not expect someone so like him, yet so different to creep along the boarding dock behind him. The aggressive stance she took caused the muscles in his shoulders to knot, and he flicked his cigarette butt into the water and turned slowly, in a calm offensive gesture. Tobias raised a thick brow and offered a soft crooked grin that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Are you wee student beasty or something else all together?” Tobias heard himself ask. He didn’t think anything of her nature would be found in this town if she weren’t from the school, but he might as well pry. He locked eyes with her, unafraid of her and her size, dominant as he was and did not blink. Slowly, religiously, he put another bent cigarette into his mouth and flicked his bic.

It was surprising how quickly the docking had cleared and Tobias was sure someone would be calling animal control soon. A seagull swooped low overhead and cackled. What now? His blood was beginning to boil and a muscle in his jaw pulsed. If she didn’t break contact soon, Tobias would have to put her in her place. Surely she could smell the warning…

That smile. That crooked, half-hearted smile... She didn't trust him. That smile told her not to.

Her lips pulled back into a slight snarl as she lifted her head, her cold amber eyes never leaving the man's. The dock was completely empty, most preferring to be elsewhere while the two forces stood locked in a staring contest. The tension in the air rose, threatening to spill over into something worse. The wolf mentally smiled at the thought.

She could smell him, the air she breathed tainted with his scent. It carried a warning, a declaration of dominance. But the wolf, she didn't care. The human that she was had retreated to a dark corner, allowing the wolf more control. A warm breeze ruffled her fur, but she never broke eye contact.

Like a flag, her silver tail curled dominantly over her back. Her upper lip pulled back more, revealing razor-sharp canines. She remembered how her last fight had ended, with Lark knocking her out with a burst of lightning, but she knew that wouldn't happen now. If it came down to a fight today, she was on her own.

She maintained her dominant stance, the sunlight glistening off her silver coat, never taking her eyes off the man before her. Her muscles tensed, rippling slightly under her fur. If it came to a fight today, she would be ready.

Rosemary rode along the port atop Swift Swan's noble and proud back without the aid of any saddle, even if she was riding in the proper Lady-like fashion that she currently upheld herself with; one leg neatly and expertly pressed against the other, back straight and proud and her dress neatly hanging with her legs with the slight breeze billowing against the silk.

Before long, Swan's ears pricked at a sound before stopping. "What is it Swan?" Rose asked as she bent her head down towards Swan's to listen before her eyes spotted Aluna in her wolf form, along with someone else. "Uh oh.... I smell trouble." She stated before Swan seemingly moved in that direction without command, at least so it seems.

Tobias’ thick brows knitted together. She had the unique scent of the school clinging to her and he could tell she was too young to be a teacher. With one of his questions out of the way, he cocked his head and examined her as she tensed against him. He ought to put his hand over her nose and show her her place, but knew better. “You’re a foolish girl, you know that?” he asked as he placed another cigarette to his lips and lit it with a flourish. “Did you think about how people would respond? And I reckon there are students that don’t want to be known…just a foolish girl.”

He shook his head and inhaled deeply, still keeping an eye on her and still staying in a relaxed stance. Tobias ran his tongue over his teeth, not in the mood to play with her. The milky sunlight dipped through a break in the clouds and glinted off the murky waters where they stood. They were so alone now, all the boatmen and passengers scattering to their business or seeing the massive wolf, skiving off in the other direction. Tobias worked on his cigarette and thought that this was not the greeting he had wanted.

Calmly, the wolf sat back on her haunches. So, the man didn't want to fight. The wolf part of her mind sighed, falling back to let Aluna take control again. With a gentle push, she Shifted.

Cracking and popping filled the air as her bones rearranged themselves to fit a human form. The entire change took less than a minute, and despite the violent sounds, caused the girl no pain. When the change was over, the girl stood.

Her long silver hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, the strands falling sleek and straight. Dressed in a tight-fitting black t-shirt, dark jeans, and sneakers, she looked every bit an ordinary teenager. Her amber eyes continued to look at the man before her.

"Unlike most people, I care not what others think of me or the wolf that I am. In fact, the wolf feels more natural to me than my given human form." Her voice came out soft and calm. "I do, however, care when someone calls me by anything other than my given name. I am Aluna. It would be nice if you would address me as such." Her eyes flicked to where Rosemary sat upon Swift Swan and nodded to the girl. When she looked back upon the man, her arms lifted to fold themselves across her chest.

A faint smile crossed her face as she took on a relaxed, but somewhat defiant, stance. The only outward sign of her defiance was the way her chin lifted slightly, and the spark that lit her eyes. "So, who are you?"

Caroline walked along the docks, her mid-length brown hair tousled by the breeze. Her skin was a couple shades darker- despite her care to use sunblock, her skin had soaked up the summer sun like nobody's business. Golden and glowing due to her morning out on a friend's boat, she was ready to go back to her apartment and get ready for an afternoon of work.

The Vice Principal/librarian wasn't wearing clothes that suited her work. Instead, she sported mid-length shorts and a loose tunic top over a turquoise swimsuit. However, even though her clothes did not reflect her position at the school, her demeanor immediately turned professional when she noticed a student riding a horse through the port. Her brown eyes followed the girl's path and saw a wolf change into another student.

She frowned and managed to jog (ignoring the awkwardness of her gait due to the tote she had slung over her right arm and her flip flops) over to the where the students were. She arrived in time to hear the wolf-girl ask the third member of the group who he was. Caroline, of course, immediately recognized him and her mood went instantly out of her control. She couldn't decide if she was angry or pleased to see him.

She opted for a cool demeanor instead. "This is Mr. Tobias Williams. The school's errant caretaker." Her body language brooked no disrespect as she turned her full attention on the girls. "Ms. Rosemary, I hope you understand that the school depends on the goodwill of the people who live in this town. Please take the horse back to school grounds- we're not supposed to take them into town. Too many students have let their animals defecate in the street without cleaning up the mess so now nobody is allowed to bring them in unless they receive special dispensation for a public celebration."

Her dark eyes turned to Aluna. "As for your use of your wolf form in public, Ms. Aluna. Again, we have to respect the people who live here. Keep to human form unless you're on school territory or in the forest around it. Consider this a warning. Next time, you will get detention. The same goes to you, Ms. Rosemary."

Caroline's skin prickled. What on Earth was Tobias doing back at Foresta? After a few months, she had stopped hoping. A couple more after that, she had started hoping that he would never return so she could get over him. As far as the thing between them went, it had been more stressful than romantic. At least, that's what she had been telling herself.

Rosemary dismounted with ease and grace , despite her knee length white satin dress, when she approached Aluna but at Caroline's speech to her, Rosemary curtsied. "I had not realized about that... I shall correct myself straight away, though I always keep an eye on my companion's.... Excrement..... However for the goodwill of the people in this village, I will oblige to your ruling... I apologize." She commented coolly before an inclination of her head

Swan snorted in discomfort, "Hush now Swan... We have to do as we are told.... But I'll give you a full gallop once we reach the school grounds..." Rose compensated softly before she scratched Swan's ears which always appeased her, "Wanna lift Aluna?" She asked before turning to Mr Williams, "I am Rosemary Starlight Sir.... And I'll be sure Swan behaves herself around specific areas if that is your wish..." She added before she mounted again before awaiting Aluna's response.

“Och, so. Selfish too I see,” he muttered toward Aluna’s comment as smoke curled out of his nose and mouth. He had been very fascinated with her shift. First off, clothes. That was weird. Tobias had cocked his head, curious to know if they meshed and became part of her thickened skin. Secondly, the transformation hadn’t caused her any pain. How? In all his suffering through so many years…how did she do it? She couldn’t have been entirely different all together.

And then there she was. Had he died briefly as breath escaped him? Floored by her suddenness, her abruptness, and not to mention her bronzed thighs and the gentle swoop of her neck, Tobias had forgotten to breathe. He hadn’t been prepared for this, not now. What could he say to her after so many months abandoned to his wanton nature?

Of course she had to sting him with the icy and distant response. His jaw set and a muscle twinged. Just as he was about to retort with an equally bitter tone, he faltered. The girl on the horse he had ignored. Honestly he just hadn’t cared or thought about her, being more concerned with Aluna’s blatant disrespect. The way the other girl spoke, Rosemary...he’d half to remember that, had surprised him.

“By Jazus, girl! What are you Victorian? Do what you will with that beast as long as it’s within the rules. What is it to me?” Horses tended to shutter once they caught wind of Tobias’ underlying scent and they acted out viciously, so he did right by himself to avoid them. He flicked the ashes from his Woodbine to the worn planks they were standing on and sighed. It had gone from solitude to a sudden bombardment of three women. He couldn’t help but grin against his better judgment. It was sort of like home.

Aluna cold eyes drifted to the woman who had come up behind the caretaker. She showed no emotion at the scolding she was given, but showed no disrespect either. When the woman had finished speaking, she gave a curt nod, indicating she had understood the threat.

He eyes turned upon Rosemary as she offered a ride. "No thanks, I think I'll go for a run. Perhaps a small hunt." With a smile to her friend, she turned, facing the two adults. She nodded to them, dismissing herself. "Miss Caroline. Mister Williams."

With that, she turned and bounded off the boardwalk, landing in the warm sand below. She started walking, allowing herself to get a few feet away from the pier and the town before Shifting again, quickly darting off at a full run, headed for the woods.

She needed a hunt, because she was hungry, but mostly because she needed to clear her mind. Back with her pack, there had been no restrictions. She could Shift whenever and wherever she pleased. Here, that was not so, and it irritated her. Still, she would heed the warnings, and would not shift again in the town. As for the ares surrounding it, that was a different story.

Caroline knew that she sounded strict (read: "a bitch"), but she knew that the school would be in trouble if the people of the town decided that the student population was a menace to its peace of mind and safety. She watched Aluna leave them with a guarded expression on her face. The students at Foresta were often more well-behaved than those she had taught at public school, but they often didn't seem to understand their position in society very well. Even if they did, sometimes they took needless risks despite the consequences.

She thought it kind of Rosemary to offer Aluna a ride back to school, but found the girl's manner peculiar (as did Tobias, apparently.) "It's not a ruling, Miss Rosemary. I was merely stating a policy now in effect. As for you keeping an eye on your horse's excrement, I'm not the person to reassure." She also really didn't care what the girl and the horse did, as long as they didn't break any rules.

Caroline ran a hand through her hair, suddenly feeling inordinately tired. Why was it that she had to play the strict vice-principal when she wasn't prepared for it? She immediately answered her own question.

Because I'm never not on the job.

She wasn't looking forward to settling things with Tobias. If he had asked for leave, he had done so with Martina (which was fine, but she felt rather insulted that he couldn't be bothered to say goodbye to her). And the fact that he had not said anything about leaving to Caroline prior to doing so was all the more irritating because they had been on relatively (for them, at least) good terms at the time. Confusing though their acquaintanceship had been, she would have at least liked the courtesy of not having to worry.

Bending the sound so it reached only Tobias's ears, she asked, "Have you notified Martina of your return to work? If not, I can file the paperwork by this afternoon to get you back on payroll." Business, as usual, was a convenient mask. If he so desperately needed space (so much so that a sudden trip was necessary to attain it), then she would give it to him in spades.

Rosemary nodded, "Very well Ma'am...." Was all she stated, "I'll see you back at the Campus Aluna... Stay alert my friend..." She smiled softly before she excused herself from the adults, "Miss Caroline... Mister Williams.... And no I am not Victorian.... Just respectful of my elders and taught slightly 'old fashioned'." She stated before she clicked her horse back towards the school with a graceful trot.

'What is it with that Mister Williams that has Aluna on edge; the Librarian icy and Swan somewhat uncomfortable? Perhaps I'm just being paranoid again...... Maybe there's a storm coming which I don't know about....... God I hope not! The thought sent a long shiver down her spine as she exited the village and sent Swan into a full gallop to get the 'tickle' out of her hooves; it was also the best way for bad thoughts to get out of her mind as the wind whipped through her hair and she smiled at the wondrous feeling, of being almost in harmony with her horse and dearest friend.

After flying over a log, Rose slowed her horse down to catch their breath as they ampled through the school grounds together. "This place certainly is strange huh girl?" Swan merely nickered in response which made Rose chuckle.

“Never say I don’t know how to clear a room,” Tobias mumbled. He cleared his throat and studied his shoes aware of how alone the two of them were. He turned his attention to Aluna running down the beach, then back to Caroline.

“Yes, I sent her a letter earlier in the week.” Tobias scratched his nose. The awkward silence dripping into him like Chinese water torture. He took the altoid tin from his jacket pocket and stamped out his cigarette, thinking of lighting another but knowing it would do nothing but aggravate Caroline further. It was strange how close they seemed, despite all the clashing. For Tobias it could have been like they had been together, in another school maybe and years and years ago, another life entirely where there were no secrets.

Yet it was this present moment that he knew whatever he said or did would not make her happy. “Do we need to address something?” he asked cautiously.

Caroline watched Rosemary leave. They were alone now, which allowed her to drop the silent shield. "Fine. Then there's nothing to talk about," She was ready to leave, ready to return to something that made significantly more sense than Tobias ever did.

She had hesitated, looking into his face just long enough for him to ask a remarkably stupid question. Caroline opened her mouth, closed it, made a noise of frustration, then exclaimed, "I might not know everything about you, and that's fine, but I'd like to think that we've been through enough together that I deserve a little bit of consideration. Tobias, I watched you as you had a goddamn heart attack. Yet it was impossible for you to let me know you were leaving. Even a brief note written on a napkin would have been better than the big fat NOTHING you left me with."

She had put her bag down sometime during this tirade and that allowed her to gesticulate. However, she forced herself to calm down and speak in a tone more befitting colleagues. "But, whatever. WHATever. You can do what you like, no matter who you hurt or leave behind. I'm done with this. I hate rollercoasters, I hate worrying about somebody who should only be a coworker to me. I'm not even sure what we had, but it wasn't healthy. But hey, when does Tobias Williams do anything healthy?"

Caroline was careful to keep her distance, to avoid touching him. She picked up her bag and flipped Tobias the bird. "Welcome back to Foresta, Mr. Williams. I'll try harder to stay away from you and your screwed up personal life this time around."