Thread: The Dirty Part of Physics [ClockworkCadence ║ Ryees]

Sherlin stood stock still as the silence was slowly filled by the rapid heartbeats of the now-terrified students he had been assigned. His eyes had lit up as he regarded Olivia, who had made quite the show out of not making a show. Dusting herself off literally gave her the time to dust herself off figuratively, and when she lifted her eyes, those ivy circles were smoldering. That Im willing to die for what I believe in. The smile that twisted Sherlin's lips held a benign pride in it, mixed with some sinister satisfaction and something else, something too him to put a proper emotion to. He chimed, Correct! and pulled his coat out manually, replacing the handgun in the holster beneath his arm. You are willing to die for what you believe in. Just by being here, you must be. His face went blank, a solemnity coming to his eyes the pride, though, remained, and it seemed to be honestly and truly beaming at each of them. He was proud of them, for reason he seemed to be opening his mouth to explain before he suddenly closed it and turned to his desk. He pulled from it a box. A quill box, by its length and width, and proven exactly that when he opened it, turning the lid against his chest and displaying it for the class. Inside were quills, glistening black feathers with golden collars and demonically pointed nibs. The quill bore no ink channel to siphon ink into their wells. These are Black Quills, he explained, a very common torture device in the Middle Ages. They do not have ink chambers. They do not write on paper. When you write with them, it leaves the paper blank, but it will be as if you are scratching the words into your skin with the nib. Still calm, a note of something utterly foreign crept into his voice Sympathy. Each of you will take one of these home with you. You may write anything with them you wish, but there is one thing you are required to write Whether or not you wish to remain in this class. It may be as simple as 'yes' or 'no,' or you may include reasons. It, quite literally, is your blood to sign in. When you arrive at class tomorrow, I will meet with you each privately. Those who wish to leave, may leave, unaccosted and with no poor marks from me. He waited a moment, then added, In fact, any who choose to will be given a letter of recommendation from me, saying you completed the introductory portion of my course. Sherlin smiled. Truly, wondrously, appreciatively smiled. On his cold, mathematical face, it looked somehow impossibly warm, inviting, and gentle. At the very least, you have made it this far. And from here, you are now different wizards than when you walked in the door. I am not like you all I am not like most. I am no fool in my eccentricityI can see where reality lies. Reality is simply an opinion, and one I happen to disagree with. But my unconventional methods produce results. The fighters that come out of this classroom after six months of study are formidable. They can fight dragonsthat is class material, by the way they can fight Dementorsalso class material they can fight the most horrendous dark wizards in the world. He paused there, giving a self-referencing, cheeky grin, before dropping his eyes to the floor for a moment. Only a moment, though, then they were back up, and steely once more. You are required to appear tomorrow morning. This is your first assessment. I truly hope you all choose to stay. You will appreciate it in the long run, like socks at Christmas or green beans.