ArchivedLogs:Welcome Tour

Welcome Tour
Dramatis Personae Dakota, Marinov, Nekara
In Absentia	2017-01-29 '
Location <XS> Foyer
Xavier's foyer provides a suitable introduction to the opulent mansion. Teak-paneled, wood floors immaculately polished, vaulted ceiling ribbed with dark wood boning, there is no doubt this school was built with no expense spared. The hallways branch off to the separate wings, with the grand staircase spiraling upwards to the residential dorms above. Marinov is in the foyer of the mansion on this lazy Sunday afternoon, set to greet Nekara and give her a brief tour of the place. For the moment, though, Marinov is looking down at their cellphone and scrolling through posts on Facebook. They are currently wearing a woolen dark grey skirt with a brown belt threaded through the waist and a drop-neck sweater with a thick silver-coloured segmented necklace. Marinov also wears a pair of reading glasses for the time being, as there is nobody watching for now to see them looking so, in their opinion, dorky. Nekara walks her way in from the main doors, the way she is looking around and taking in the surroundings making it quite clear that she is new here, though not unexpected. She is wearing a full length black skirt and a fairly loosely fitting white buttoned up shirt, with a fairly thick looking long coat on top of it, even if it is not anyway particularly cold outside, it still feels pretty chilly for someone used to much warmer climate. She stops once she is standing at the middle of the foyer and looks around more focusedly, expecting someone to be there to meet her, though doesn't really have clear idea who. Dakota is located partially up the grand staircase, elbows on the railing as she leans over the edge. While she appears to be occupied by her phone, her eyes sometimes dart towards the main part of the foyer where another student stands. There had been rumors floating around that a new teacher was joining the faculty at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters and Dakota had caught wind of it. She wears a mid-length pleated skirt, black with subtle swirling blue designs, over a pair of dark grey textured tights. The girl sports a pair of calf-length black leather boots with thick soles and laces up the front. Atop she wears a dark blue graphical t-shirt over a black long-sleeved shirt. Soon enough, Nekara arrives and the teenager begins non-chalantly making her way down the steps. Marinov glances up from their phone upon seeing Nekara stepping through the door. "Hello. I'm Marinov. Taylor Marinov. I'm not, uh, well, I'm not normally doing tours and stuff so I might be less good than people who actually volunteer for that, and you can schedule a proper tour through them. But! You're just getting here now and I'm here, and it'll be a good idea just to know where anything you need might be." They glance back over their shoulder towards Dakota, offering her a curious wave. They turn back towards Nekara, turning up their nose and sniffing a couple of times before blinking slowly. Nekara is carrying a suitcase at one hand, as she is moving to actually live at the campus also, though most of her stuff is arriving later. Her attention turning towards Marinov when the teen steps up to speak to her, her eyes studying her over for a moment, well at least she assumes that Marinov is a her from their current dress, taking note of the teens unusual appearance, but definetily not with any kind of negative reaction to it, if anything she seems curious, and a bit surprised. Her eyes are also the most unusual part of her as the pupils are very vibrant green in color. Switching her suitcase to her left hand so she can offer the right one towards Marinov in greeting. "Hello, Taylor. My name is Nekara Kemsit, and that is quite alright. I am sure that I will have plenty of time to familiarize myself to the school grounds later on. I do appreciate you taking the time to show me around, it should save me from some embarrasing moments of walking into wrong place in the coming days." A soft chuckle accompanying the last part, the dusky skinned woman while being reasonably fluent in English, does speak with a noticeable accent, making it obvious it is not her first language. Noticing the glance over their shoulder from Marinov, her gaze follows it to take note of the other girl coming down the stairs, with a slight nod and a friendly smile offered towards her, which distracts her from Marinov enough to make her to miss the sniffing. Apparently stealthiness isn't one of Dakota's talents as she finds herself easily noticed by the two other individuals. She pauses in her step to squint her at Nekara - something seems odd about this newcomer, particularly her eyes - but only for a moment before striding over to the pair. Marinov she's seen in passing throughout the semester and though she doesn't actually know them, the fifteen year-old has noticed that the felinoid's gender presentation has varied from time to time. "Dakota Blake," she offers, looking up at Nekara and stretching her hand out. Once the adult shakes (or doesn't shake) her hand, she offers it to Marinov. Marinov takes Nekara's hand into their own for the handshake, their hand something between a paw structure and a human hand, with still long dextrous digits, but pads on them for where there is no fur, and thick enough to hide claws. The teen continues sniffing at Nekara curiously for a few moments, ears tilting forward and eyes widening with interest. "Well, I can show you the important places and-" They raise their whiskery brows at Dakota and then take her hand, "I guess we hadn't been formally introduced. Marinov. Taylor Marinov." To both of them, they say, "I know I might look like I'm thirteen or so, but I'm actually sixteen now and a sophomore. You wanting to come on a walkabout too, Dakota?" Nekara shakes Marinov's hand, the feel of the padded texture feeling at the same time odd and familiar, as it is similar to her own in her other form, but it is the first time she actually meets anyone else with such a hand, and thus the first time she gets to find out what it feels like against bare skin. Her attention returning to the furred teen as well, and she does notice the sniffing, it taking her a few moments to realize that most likely Marinov also has enhanced senses, like she does herself when she looks like that, though she misunderstands their reaction. "Oh... I am sorry if I am making you feel uncomfortable. It is... well it is part of my mutation, I cannot really do anything about it." she offers apologetically. Then as Dakota joins them she does take the girls offered hand also for a shake. "It is a pleasure to meet you both." "Yeah," Dakota replies to a shrug. "A pleasure. And, sure, I'll come along." As she moves to follow Marinov, a buzzing noise comes from her hand and she frowns, looking at her phone. "On second thought, I guess not," she grumbles before turning around and walking off with the phone to her ear. "Huh? No, I was just gonna ask you what sorta perfume or whatever you're wearing. Smells nice," says Marinov, offering a bit of a shrug, "If that smell's just part of who you are then... well, I won't warn you not to wear too many scents in this place. Sensitive noses and allergies and all that. Prosti. For being weird or making you self-conscious or anything. Sometimes I just don't... realize how much of a chudak I'm being." They glance towards Dakota for a moment and their ears flick at the buzzing of the phone, "Oh, ah... seeya later Dakota!" Nekara hears that buzzing phone and offers a nod to Dakota when the girl excuses herself, with a friendly smile. "Be well, I am sure we will get a chance to meet again." is offered after the girl, before her attention turns back towards Marionv, with what could be described as puzzled expression at their words. "Oh... no I am not wearing any perfume. Smell?" she blinks a few times. "Thats... strange. You are the first person I meet with that kind of reaction... well, that is most definetily a good start, usually people get nervous from being near me." She explains, shaking her head some then to shrug off that thought. "But anyway... I don't want to claim your entire afternoon, should we get started with the tour?" As she speaks she takes off her coat, as it is quite warm inside here with such a heavy coat on, folding it and carrying it over an arm. Marinov nods and says, "Alright, well, we're coming off of the school grounds, where we have like... gardens, and a forest and some water. It's a huge grounds is what I am saying. But inside here, the Foyer connects to... well... the library and a cople classrooms, the auditorium..." They start towards the Great Hall, gesturing around the large room once arrived, "This is a big room. I think it's meant to contain everyone if it needs to." They glance back towards Nekara and continue speaking, "And not to worry, I don't feel nervous around you at all. I feel something, but it's sure not nervousness." Nekara listens intently for Marinov as the tour starts. "Forest? That sounds lovely... I will definetily need to go take a look there later... I love pro...wandering in the wilds... and I am sure the forests here are very different to what I am used to, will be interesting experience to explore." is offered, as she walks along the teen to the great hall, looking around with a nod to the explanation. "Indeed, it does look like you could fit a lot of people in here..." she trails off as Marinov mentions the feeling, giving them a curious look again. "That is very interesting... I mean... you are literally the first person I have met ever since my mutation manifested who has not been affected adversely. And I am wondering why... your mutation does seem to be fairly similar to mine... that might be the reason..." nevermind how she doesn't at the moment look anything like Marinov. "Huh? My power is to shapeshift exactly one time and then never shapeshift ever again. But if you mean looking like a cat monster, well, I don't think you look very much like one. Um, no offence," says Marinov, awkwardly. The teen scratches their arm, noting a few features of the room that may be of interest to the teacher, as well as some of the connecting rooms. After getting through that, they add with a bit of thought, "Not a lot of things make me nervous, though. I try not to be cocky or anything but... I dunno. I don't get rattled all that much." Nekara winces at the words that Marinov uses, quickly shaking her head. "Oh, no, no not at all. I don't think you look like a monster at all, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." she says, quite serious about the last part. "But you weren't far off there. I can... as you said it, shapeshift, into a form fairly similar to yours, that is my mutation. Though... I haven't really done it much. People tend to not react too well to that kind of things... but I am hoping that here the atmosphere will be more tolerating." she explains, while being careful to not interrupt Marinov when they are pointing something out from the room as she walks along side them as the tour progresses. Marinov laughs awkwardly at Nekara's objection and says, "Oh. Well. It's fine, just... I tend to not know how to describe myself very well. I sorta use that... a bit ironically I guess?" The teen shrugs and says, "Neat that you can shift into that sort of form, I suppose. It took some getting used to for me, I'd probably be a bit jealous of being able to look like you do now when I want! Anyways, yeah, it's a pretty tolerant place for sure." The teen is pretty to the point during the touring portions, and unable to answer much of the interesting facts about the area that a real volunteer tour guide would give, only giving functional commentary, and only editorial based on how they might want to use the rooms. Nekara does not seem to mind the lack of interesting trivia about the various areas, as she is sure that she will have plenty of time to learn it all since she will hopefully be staying and working here for long time. She is still definetily paying close attention to what Marinov is saying. "I can imagine that... I am still not really used to it... I suppose if I would be in that form all the time it would be easier. All the extra sensory input feels quite overwhelming when I shift. I do hope I will be able to learn more about that side of me myself too, even if I am here to teach. I would show you but... well there is some practical difficulties with that." she offers with a chuckle as she motions vaguely over her clothes. "I am much taller in that form, and the proportions are all different..." "Taller, huh?" says Marinov, considering Nekara's words, "And yeah, I know what you mean. I make most of my own clothes, 'cause it's practical, with my body proportions and shape. I used to make lots of my clothes before, too, but the proportion is now skewed was more towards me making." The teen continues showing all the practical rooms (occasionally noting, 'I always forget how big this place is.'). "Anyways, not really any sense in staying in a form like mine. I have plenty of practice controlling my temper when people call things out to me on the street, or throw things or... you know, whatever. Though sometimes, heh, I think it's be real easy to just bite 'em." Nekara nods to the question, lifting her hand up roughly a foot above her head to give an estimate. "Yeah... something like that I think, if I am standing straight... though with how the legs are in that form, its not overly comfortable to stand straight so usually not." lowering her hand down again and blinking as Marinov explains their talents in making clothes. "Really? Oh my, maybe I could get you to make something for me sometime? Would certainly make it much easier to try to get used to that side of me if I would actually have something properly fitting to wear." she notes with a laugh, shaking her head some in amusement, before adding. "I would pay for the materials, and for your work, of course." Her attention wandering regularly to take in the details of the various rooms that they go through, making mental notes to the general directions of where everything is. "I don't know, you might be right there, though there is some definite advantages to it too... for example, after shifting back to human, I feel so clumsy every time, worried that I might trip on my own feet at any time. It is so amazing how much better control I have over my body in that form... and I feel like it would be even better if I could get over the dizziness of suddenly hearing and smelling everything so much more clearly." The last part of what Marinov says making her to laugh lightly and shake her head. "I can certainly understand how that feels, with how people have acted strangely around me forever. But I am glad that you are not biting them nevertheless." "Well, we'll see about me making something for you," says Marinov, "I'm sort of working on a project right now which has eaten into my own clothes-making time. I won't keep ahead of the next season! But... once that's done with, for some extra money, I could. If like you said, you were willing to pay the material and labour cost. I don't mind making a little extra money." The sniff the air lightly a few times, seeming to use that information to determine which direction to turn in. "I'll take your word on the 'not biting' situation being good. But... I can't complain, can I? I've got a nice school to go back to at least." They nod once and then say, "Anyways, moving on..." Nekara gives a curious look to Marinov at the mention of a project, but doesn't inquire further about it since its not really her business. Instead she nods to the part regarding making clothes to her. "Of course. And there is no hurry with them, I suspect that the next few weeks at the very least I will be quite busy anyway in getting settled in and learning the ways of this place. Not to mention getting class scheludes and topics worked out." she explains as she follows along walking with Marinov as the tour continues. "This does indeed look like a very nice school so far at least, and I am very happy that I got accepted to teach here. I had had lot of trouble finding work because of being a mutant... so when I heard of this school specifically for mutants, it was like answer to my prayers." "Oh, yeah, I mean... if you're a teacher, I guess this place would probably seem like a godsend, huh? Not many non-mutants are really interested in having their children influenced by people like us," says Marinov, gesturing at themselves, "So. I really don't want to be a teacher when I graduate. No offence to your career path chosen." They shrug a shoulder lightly and tilt their head just slightly to the side as they continue the tour. "But yeah, the teachers here seem to often have a lot going on. Same for the students, really. So many extra-curriculars and community service things..." "Well, that, and even more so how it is somewhat obvious... with how most people get nervous and jittery around me. Funny part is... back when I was studying, I didn't really mind it that much, since it made people to generally leave me alone so I could focus on studies... but then when started looking for work... oh dear." Nekara describes, shaking her head some as she remembers that. Then smiling as she listens to what the teen is saying. "Well, to each their own. You should pursue whichever career you feel is best for you. And yes, I certainly would not mind to get more involved too than just teaching history. But, I guess will have to wait and see what happens once I get settled here first." "History is not my strongest course," notes Marinov idly, "I do my best, though, can't do much better than that." Their tail sways slowly from side to side as they walk, glancing over their shoulder to make sure that Nekara is keeping up with the tour. "People sometimes get nervous around me, but it's 'cause I've got some wild looking chompers more than anything. So you usually make people nervous, huh? That's hard. People are always already on edge, so I can't imagine." Nekara takes an especially long look at something interesting that they move past during the tour, before turning her attention back to Marinov. "It came quite naturally to me... although I blame my parents for that. They both work at the Cairo historial museum, and the home looked like a miniature museum too, so I was surrounded by history always." laughing softly as she recollects that. Nodding then to Marinov. "Hmmm, I think it is something similar to that... well not literal of course but like people somehow sensing in some level that I have this dangerous predatory side in me also. Well at least thats only explanation I can think of... but it could be something else too." "Dangerous predatory side?" repeats Marinov, blinking a few times slowly, "I mean, geez, I probably have that going on, but I don't think it really unsettles people unless I look at them like I want to chew off their faces." They bring Nekara up to the threshold of the library, pointing out the checkout desk from outside. "So, Ms. Kemsit, any other subjects interest you other than history?" Nekara gives a somewhat worried look towards Marinov as she hears the first part of what he says. "Oh... sorry, I just mean... I imagine that is what most people would think I am if they would see a large feline. I meant myself, not you. Because I definetily -could- be dangerous, but I do of course keep my personality... mostly." she explains. Shaking her head some as she tries to shake off those thoughts and focus her attention back to the tour, fortunately they just arrive to the library, which makes that easy as she likes books and reading a lot. "Ohh, this looks quite well stocked. I can already see myself spending a lot of my free time here." she notes with a smile, before considering the question from Marinov. "Hmm, well, that is the area I have the most actual knowledge in, of course, but I do enjoy quite a variety of things. Music... reading, generally most things that involve social interactions... even if I might not be the best suited at those due to my mutation... I will try to not push people away, as I do very much like helping others. I have had this crazy thought... that if I do manage to gather the courage to do it, I could perhaps in the future do some sports related classes also, in my other form... as it definetily has the much better physical capabilities. I would definetily need to get used to it more... though." "Oh. Well I just meant, most people out there, in the real world sorta see me as a giant feline? Was just commenting that maybe that's not why you might unsettle people," says Marinov, gesturing towards themselves. "Though like I said, I dunno, you seem okay to me. Maybe I'm just used to being around all kinds of folks." They shake their head and raise their hands in a non-chalant looking shrug. "I don't spend a lot of time in the library, but it's a good quiet place to study sometimes!" Or catch a nap somewhere hidden. Nekara nods at Marinov's explanation and thinks it over some more. "Mmm, yes, you might be right. But well, I guess it doesn't matter too much why its happening, if I can't do anything about it... well I suppose unless your a scientist who would be interested in studying things like that... but I am not." she offers, and nods to the second part. "Yes, that is another thing, you are the very first person I have met in the last ten years who I did not have that kind of effect on. Which is a very refreshing change. So I hope I am not being overly chatty and bothering you, it is just so nice to be able to have a conversation without the other person looking all the time like they are trying to think of an excuse to go elsewhere. I certainly hope that there will be more people like that here too. Fortunately it doesn't cause too much issues when actually teaching a class... since the range at where that starts to affect people is fairly short." the last part accompanied with a slight laugh as she shakes her head. Marinov nods along as Nekara speaks, seemingly quite relaxed in fact. They move on from the library back over towards the kitchen. "Don't worry, you're not bothering me any, Ms. Kemsit. I imagine it's pretty isolating to have people react to you that way, yeah?" The teen shakes their head and says, "And I might not be, like, a scientist or anything. 'cause I'm a student and stuff. But there are some really sciency folks around. Both faculty and students. Who could probably help you out with the figuring things out." Nekara gives one last look at the library as they move onward, definetily making note of where that is so she can find it easily later. Nodding to Marinov's words some. "Yeah... like I said earlier, back when I was studying I barely noticed... but since then it has been extremely inconvenient." and thats even putting it mildly. Listening to them curiously then as the talk moves on to scientists. "Hmmm? Well, I suppose it couldn't hurt... maybe there would be some way to turn off this whatever it is that is causing people to react like that... that would definetily be blessing." she agrees. Marinov chuckles and says, "Well, I dunno about turn it off, but maybe... find a way to make it less inconvenient, yeah? A lot of the time that's how it ends up being. Sorta workarounds." The teen glances back and then says, "Er, though you probably know that, being a teacher and all." They arrive at the threshold of the kitchen, peering inside to see if they are about to interrupt anyone. Nekara hmms slowly and nods as she listens to what Marinov is saying about the way to control the powers. "Yes, well, that would definetily be helpful as well." she notes before they arrive to the kitchen and she takes a curious look inside it to see how well stocked it is, even if she certainly isn't an expert in cooking or anything else kitchen related. "Well, this is the kitchen. Lots of food arond here! Which is important for many of us." Marinov watches as Nekara takes a look around, "Because many of us have a need to eat." They cross their arms and lean up against one of the walls. They sniff the air again, trying to determine what might be being stored for the next meal. "Where did you study? I dunno where I want to study when I'm done school here. I'm not sure I'm smart enough to go to a fancy place." Nekara gives a somewhat confused look at that statement from Marinov, which sounds somewhat silly. "I would imagine so... I have yet to meet anyone who would not need to eat. So what is in the menu for today?" she inquires as she watches that sniffing, having a feeling that Marinov already has a good idea on that. "In the university in Cairo. I only moved here fairly recently, much thanks to the school helping me with getting all the paperwork done and being a massive help otherwise too. It has been quite challenging to get used to how cold it is here... though I hope it will get warmer at summer." "Yeah, it'll get a lot warmer in the summer. And for me? Dinner's meat. But it smells like... probably meatballs and sauce on spaghetti? There'll be a vegan option too, probably just a different sauce. Then... beet salad for the vegetable," says Marinov, concentrating as they sniff some more. They glance towards Nekara and start back towards the exit, "But I think that people who don't eat are out there. There's plenty of mutants out there who can do things more outlandish than 'not eat'." Nekara does seem quite impressed at how well Marinov could list out everything just by scent. "Damn... I see you have had lot of practice in using your senses, I wish I will be that natural with it at some point." She offers with a smile, then nodding to his words regarding the more unusual mutations. "Oh, I have no doubts on that, just that so far I have not met such people yet, though I imagine that will change soon when I start teaching classes here." "Yeah, well, I sorta cheat by knowing what sortsa things they serve around here," says Marinov, chuckling softly, their tail flicking lightly behind them as they walk out, "Most of the components of that smell pretty strongly though. I've getting better with my sense of smell. At first it was overwhelming. The smells of the city were dizzying. But... I dunno, eventually you get used to it, yeah?" They pause upon the staircase, glancing upwards. Nekara laughs lightly as Marinov reveals their 'secret' about how they could list the menu so well. "Ah... sneaky. You should not reveal such trade secrets though, make people more impressed." is offered when they leave the kitchen and move towards the stairs. "Hmm, at which part of the building are the residences for teachers? I will be moving to live here also, and would be nice to get a glimpse so I can start thinking of where to put all my things when they arrive." "Oh. Sure, yeah, I can show you where the teacher rooms are," says Marinov, nodding a few times and starting that way with hurried steps, "I imagine that you're probably anxious to get back to your room, I don't want to keep you or anything. This way..."