Terra Incognita Academy

[Tobias Acerbi]

A cloaked figure entered the pub of the island, its presence seeming both dramatic yet subtle at the same time. This stranger, so to speak, was not here for much reason other than a time out from the demands of adult life. It was not that he disliked such responsibility, but more that it became tiresome when one felt that they were getting nowhere fast. A determined young man was who the pub residents were now looking at, whose identity caused students, past and present, to rethink their original greetings when they first ran into him. Unless of course they knew how to tame the wild beast at heart - something that was perhaps far easier than it first appeared.

Tobias was no wild beast through and through; as with many figures who seem shady, he had a side to him that was well hidden from the public eye. This was only natural for such a persona, for any signs of weakness could well give his game away within seconds. His game? One that was too dangerous for many to seriously consider playing, as it literally played with fire. Not the fire in the elemental sense mind, but the Ministry of Magic, his current employers and tutors. Some who know of Tobias would perhaps find it odd how such a man came to be in the employment of such a group, but it is only fair to say that there is more than meets the eye in regards to such a situation. Luckily for him though, his reasons remained well retained in his mind, with no one seeming able to probe for them in the depths of his secrets. No one, that is, except someone who knew full well what it was they were looking for. Which is why the young Tobias took advantage of entering the Ministry in a department which very few people from Terra Incognita set foot in.

Scowling at those who looked at him, he moved into the pub further, moving away from the entrance so as to shrink away in the shadows again. His hair, damp from the rain outside, hung loosely down his face, the odd droplet daring to fall to his shoulders. Slowly, he made his way to the bar, for after a hard day's travelling and decision making he figured it made sense to take advantage of his current location; besides, he had worked hard in recent weeks. It was time for a celebration, of sorts. Except nowadays, Tobias didn't really celebrate as he used to. The transition into an adult had definitely changed the male in some senses... but in the majority it had not.

Gone were the days where he'd purposefully seek out girls to play and toy with, and gone were the days of brooding where he sat around thinking yet did nothing to truly make his dreams come true. Now he put actions to his thoughts, and if he wanted any girl he'd take his time to get there. Life was no longer a fast-paced race; he had realised that he could achieve the same (if not better) results through taking time and putting thought and effort into such chases. And a good chase always left one feeling the most satisfied.

Ordering a firewhiskey from the bartender, he slinked away into a corner of the pub. If anyone were to seek him out, they'd either know his usual tactic or would be actively seeking him out - the latter seeming the least likely option. Very few people dared to actively seek him out, especially if it meant tracking him over long distances and over a long period of time. He was deceptive and well versed in escaping tailers, and if anything such a thing had now become a hobby of his. The thrill of being chased was almost as good as doing the chasing, but it didn't mean it was as rewarding. Somehow he seriously doubted anyone had a valid reason to want to tail him, but how was he to know for sure? It was a dog eat dog world out there, and he was well prepared.

[Annike Johannessen]

It's funny how things never turn out like one plans. It's funnier still how a young teenager turns into a "responsible" adult so quickly. Life outside of Terra Incognita's walls brought about a strong change in all of the graduates, it seemed... including the one that seemed least likely to change. Annike Johannessen's life had become, in her eyes, boring. She no longer lived and traveled with her father, but instead had come to set up shop (quite literally) on the small island of Parum Aequora. Maybe it was because, this way, she could be closer to Kalle, her brother. Maybe it was because being so close to the school provided a sense of comfort that was often denied her. Or maybe -just maybe- her reasons were far more sinister. Whatever the case was, and no one could really tell which, she had traded what had been her life for a decade to live firmly rooted to one spot of earth. Of course she was having a bit of trouble adjusting, even if her profession was something she loved... and was good at.

Today was particularly dull. In her little corner of the island she was rarely graced with visitors. Thinking back, she hadn't truly talked with any friendly face in weeks. Not even her brother had received any communication from her, not even a single letter, for more days than she kept track of. It was really no surprise, then, that Annike found herself wandering in the rain, barefoot nonetheless, to the small pub of Parum Aequora in search of drink and company. Her lightly colored skirts darkened with each raindrop that fell haphazardly from the sky and to save her blouse from the same fate she drew her thick wool shall tightly around her. Her dark brown hair she gave up as loss, and as such soon became thickly drenched and clung to her neck, face, and back in wild swirls. Finally, after much walking that made her feet wet with mud, she came upon the front door of the pub and quietly slipped in.

The dull orange glow and warmth of the interior began to thaw her immediately. Annike smiled at the bar keep, nodding in greeting as she dried her feet on the welcome rug and shook some rain out of her hair. It seemed the entire island had gathered in this pleasant oasis. Most of the shopkeepers could be seen already half-drunk in the light of the crackling fireplace. Ann quietly surveyed each occupant, trying to decide where she would best fit into conversation, when suddenly a dark figure caught her eye. Intrigued, she made her way over to the bar.

"I'll have what he's having," She told the bartender with a charming smile and a bell-like tone. He nodded and quickly dispensed her order, receiving in exchange her payment. Ann sat at the bar for a moment, holding the mug clasped in between her two hands. She was sure she knew that mysterious man tucked so neatly into the corner shadows. He had the presence of someone quite familiar to her. But how could she be sure? Surely it would be impertinent to simply walk over and sit next to him.

So that was precisely what Ann did. Firewhiskey in hand, she made her way over to the table of the familiar stranger and sat a seat away from him. For a long while she didn't speak. Her eyes scanned the room quietly and passively and occasionally she would bring the mug up to her lips to sip lightly at its contents. When what was left of the outside chill had left her body due to the overwhelming warmth of the whiskey in her stomach, she finally hazarded a glance at her comrade.

"Been here before, stranger?" Her blue-green eyes danced in the firelight and her smile remained calm and polite. Anyone who didn't know Annike would think she genuinely didn't know this man, but by this time she was sure she had his identity pegged. But he had changed, it was true, even since the last time she saw him. He was no longer the chaotically cocky boy she knew from school. No... he seemed more grounded. Quite like herself, the world had claimed some hold on him.

[Tobias Acerbi]

Time passed whilst Tobias sat idly in the corner - his corner - of the pub, with many newcomers arriving every minute to escape from the weather outside. Being wizarding folk, you would expect such people to make use of their abilities and prevent the rain from interfering with their lives; but perhaps it was because of who they were that the rain provided them with the perfect opportunity for a drink at the local with their friends. Tobias, however, would never choose to alter things to make things suit him, not even the stormiest weather. The uncertainty of how the day would go made him eager to wake every day, for it brought a new challenge be it work-related or pleasure. Whatever the case may be, Tobias would be ready for such a thing, and if anything he'd be the first to take it on.

Over the time spent in the pub, and the sips of his drink that he had taken (firewhiskey certainly lived up to expectations), his hair and attire had slowly dried off, though he was left with an almost effeminate curl in his locks as a result. Such trivial matters did not phase him, for he was comfortable - too comfortable as some would say - in who he was. No, this young man didn't change for anyone or anything unless it was for himself. Selfish it may be, but it worked well for him, and managed to make him secure in his friendships and other relationships. People accepted him for who he was, even if they didn't like him. Power was his.

So it was that when Annike arrived and sat so subtly by him he paid her little attention, instead choosing to direct his eyesight around the room for a while, all the while surveying her figure whenever he saw fit to do so. She had changed a fair amount, but not enough to hide her identity from him, and he knew full well what she was doing as of late. In fact, he had been researching her - partially the reason for his arrival in fact, but he knew that she ran a potions shop nearby, and such a thing would probably prove vital to him later on. He had come across his fair share of potions masters, and mistresses, in his time, but few had managed to serve him well. They were, naturally, dealt with in a manner that suited him, but always done so in a private manner. How? Well, that would be telling.

"I certainly have, madame," Tobias smirked in reply, tilting his head down slightly in a semi-nod as acknowledgement of her presence. In his eyes was a glint that had never escaped him through his progression into a mature life, and so was something that characterised him whenever someone first (or re) met him. The glint's meaning could be interchangeable, for it had no fixed one at all, other than to let the other person know something was alive in him. For some it was a sign of arrogance, self awareness and confidence. For others it was a sign of mystery and, potentially, evil. But here... he would see what Annike would make of it. "Howabouts yourself? I hear you have lodgings here..." His voice was soft, with the Italian accent still strong in it, despite having been in England for five months. It was a perfect tool for seduction, but whether that would be the case here he had yet to decide.

[Annike Johannessen]

'I certainly have, madame,' Came the man's voice, thick with Italian accents. Ann's smile widened. So he spoke. At least this one thing about him had not changed... nor had his goals, if her analysis of him served her right. She looked up (her stature was smaller than his) into those twinkling eyes that had charmed so many an unwary lass and she couldn't help but fall prey in even a small way to his way of being. Even that smirk of his, though arrogant, was oddly alluring. She knew he had used this tactic on so many girls... she had seen in first hand so many months ago when they had been fighting for the same cause. Did they still fight for the same cause? She didn't know anymore. Ann had almost forgotten what she had been fighting for, or why she had been moved to do so in the first place. Stuck in this quiet corner of the earth, she had no one and no thing to set herself a spark. Perhaps this old acquaintance, seductive as he was, would hold a new proposition for her? Or maybe news from Valencia? Merlin's beard, she hadn't heard from any of the Olympians for what seemed like years.

Then Tobias' voice came again to move her from her reverie; he asked of her life. It struck her as odd. Tobias Acerbi, projected ruler of the not-so-free world, asking her about her lodgings. Annike's attentions were temporarily turned back to her mug as she took a slightly larger drink than she had been taking before. She closed her eyes, giving a soft hum of content as the whiskey burned delightfully on the way down. For a moment she sat in such a way, enjoying the warming affects of her chosen beverage, before she took another smaller sip and directed her attention to her company once more.

"Yes, I have." She spoke plainly, an airy tone in her voice that often characterized her. While she said nothing more for a moment, the statement hung in the air as if she was not finished. After bringing her mug to her lips twice more, she finally continued, "You may have heard I've settled into potion brewing." Here her bright blue-green eyes glanced sideways toward her prospective solicitor, daring him to ask the question that she assumed would be coming. There really was no reason for him to be here, she had recently decided, in this absurdedly dull little village, unless he had a proper reason to be. Hell, she didn't even know why she had decided to settle here, truly. It wasn't like Annike was the sentimental type. In fact, since she joined the Olympians, she had slowly done away with most of her emotional ties altogether... or so she liked to think.

Moments longer she surveyed the occupants of the pub, paying her "friend" the same courtesy he had so given her. Already people were showing signs of having too much. Funny, that... it was still somewhat early in the evening. As one middle-aged man began to spontaneously break out into song, Ann couldn't help but give a small giggle. She shook her head, taking a few more sips of her own firewhiskey. She might never understand these strange, small-town neighbors of hers.

"The firewhiskey here isn't exactly famous..." She addressed him somewhat abruptly, in her own half-Slavic accent, with a gesture to the mug in front of him. Her eyebrow raised, she met his eyes with a silent, passive inquiry for explanation. Not that she expected a straight answer from him.

[Tobias Acerbi]

Tobias noted the slight look up to his eyes from the girl before him, and sensed some thoughts passing through her mind. At times he often wished he was a Legilimens, for the reason that memories could aid him here; he was well aware of the fact that present-day thoughts were often linked with past affairs. But, alas, Tobias had never really looked into this art, for he had never had the time to. He had chanced by it in his time at Terra Incognita, whilst reading a book from the restricted section of the library late at night, but whilst his interest had been piqued he had never encountered any way to begin to learn it. As a result, he tended to try and think of what could be, instead of directly asking - unless it suited him otherwise. Mind reading was another thing he wished to have the ability of, since whilst memories were potentially very useful, current affairs could still be useful.

"I had," he nodded once in reply, pleased that what he had heard was correct. There had, admittedly, been doubts surrounding her job, for he never really knew Annike that well whilst he was in her year. From what he did know of her though, he never really expected her to enter the Potions career, reason being he simply never saw her as someone to enter a potentially controversial career. Potions mastery often led to the powerful investing in their talents for dark uses, and admittedly whilst Tobias had entertained such thoughts, he wasn't sure if he was willing to throw Annike into the circle. So it would be that he would try to subtly quiz her about things to discover more, and essentially decide whether she would make a good business partner - so to speak. He wouldn't be entering any business but his own metaphorical one, but an accomplice may well be required.

Noting her eyes moving away, Tobias took another drink from his mug, allowing the Firewhiskey to dance in his mouth as it trickled down his throat. He wasn't a major fan of the beverage, but he hadn't had one in quite some time. Especially one from the pub he used to lurk in when a student. It brought back memories for him, though perhaps not the fuzzy ones that some may have had. As he went to take another sip, he caught the words from Annike's mouth - he hadn't realised she had now focused on him again.

"Hm, it's not too bad," he muttered briefly, shrugging his shoulders carelessly before finishing the rest of it. "Though I suspect you've had time to discover the best drinks here... so tell me: what would you recommend for me?" His voice was delicate - perhaps too delicate for him, but he wasn't intending on leaving the pub for some time yet. Not that he was planning on getting drunk either, for he was able to hold his drink well. He simply wished to stay inside in the comfort of the pub for a while, rest up and - now that the opportunity had been presented to him - catch up, and befriend (possibly?) Annike.

[Annike Johannessen]

Annike paused, caught somewhat off-guard. Now that was a tricky answer. While she didn't expect him to divulge his plans at so simple a question, she hadn't completely foreseen him turning the tables around on her. While Annike enjoyed the drinks that her father and his comrades created, she didn't really savor much of what was on the island. So, if she would recommend anything, it would be the last bottle of her personal stores back at her new home. True, she did have a pint of firewhiskey here or there, but not enough to be a connoisseur of the talents of fermenting on Parum Aequora. She hadn't even really lived there all that long. Taking another couple of swigs from her mug, she let her eyes rest upon yet another of the strangers in the pub before she responded. The inhabitants, she noticed, had changed as they had talked. Already some had left the pub, and others had joined in the nightly festivities of drink and song.

"I can't say I've been here long enough to recommend anything," The airy tone infiltrated her voice again, sounding as if she had not thought about the answer at all until it had left her lips, "But if you're looking for something good, I do have a bottle of some rather pleasant rum sent to me by my father. It was made by one of the men who travel with his caravan." While seemingly unaware of the information she had given, she had chosen carefully what she exposed. It was harmless information - no one cared about a neutral traveling merchant or his daughter - but its wording would certainly intrigue the listener. Not that Annike thought too hard on her delivery... such conversation came naturally when one travels many places with those whose only goal is to sell their merchandise for the highest price. One could say persuasion, manipulation, and deceit were in the Johannessen blood... or at least in recent generations.

Ann drained the last of her whiskey, comprising of only a larger-sized sip. This was another talent the girl had inherited from her father's lifestyle. The people of her father's caravan were known particularly for their ability to put away food and drink, without seemingly like their gluttonously slopping everything down their gullets. They were clean eaters, but fast, with strong stomachs and livers to keep themselves in sober and normal appearance. While Annike only drank a little here and there, getting herself drunk as rarely as possible, it was naturally assumed that she was no exception to this rule.

"And you?" She diverted attention from herself once more, smiling pleasantly at her new companion. "Rumors say that you've traveled much since you left the Academy... surely you've stumbled across a few good drinks yourself?" It was an innocent enough question... particularly from a girl who used to have the reputation of being the school's airheaded hippie.

[Tobias Acerbi]

Tobias was somewhat surprised by the fact that she hadn't been around long enough to recommend anything, but that said she never truly struck him as someone who would make use of the local pub often. But who was he to know? That's just how his first perceptions of Annike had been developed, yet to be honest it made no difference to him whether she was a big drinker or not. He wasn't, not in the sense of some Academy students anyway. As an adult he had become more reserved with his drinks, especially since he had joined the Ministry. In his mind he smiled at the thought of how he had managed to get in so well; he had received good grades, and his manner of speaking had won the crowds over within the room. He wasn't posh <i>per se</i> but more well-versed in how to win people over.

In response to her, he simply moved his head upwards in a reply, showing he had heard her, but had nothing to really say to it; however her comment about her father had struck some curiousity in him, but he didn't feel like chasing her for details yet. There would be a time and a place to do so, and from what she had said it sounded as though the information wasn't something she wanted everyone to know - so maybe discussing it in a pub wouldn't be the best move. He hadn't realised that her father travelled, but he did know that she and her brother didn't always get to see him. He didn't really remember how he came to know such details, but it was most likely something that had spread through the halls, or even through the Olympians.

"Ah, I did wonder when rumours would start to appear,"[/b] Tobias smiled briefly, his mouth twitching at the sides. He glanced to the side of him towards the bar quickly, before holding his hand up. "Give me a moment - I'm in need of another drink... I assume you are too, so... I will give it my best shot at finding something you like." He winked quickly, before standing to his full height and moving towards the bartender. Most of the drinks he had encountered were muggle-made, such as a strawberry liqueur found in Italy; but here he had realised they carried a lot of the different drinks, both wizarding and muggle. After having made his order, he walked back over to Annike, holding two drinks in his hands.

"A strawberry liqueur for you, and another firewhiskey for me," he explained, without adding in that the drink for her had some butterbeer in too - something that he didn't think would work until he had tried it in an Italian restaurant. "The liqueur was something I came across in Italy, my home country. I think you'll find that drink satisfactory; tell me if you think there's something else in there too, you may be surprised." The young male sat down in his seat once more, leaning back against the wall in a very casual manner before addressing the conversation starter that had been mentioned a while back.

Before doing so mind, he checked the area around him in case there was anyone who he didn't want to listen in - but thankfully most people were at the other end. "Now... the rumours you've heard intrigue me, but in answer I have been travelling around a lot since graduating," he paused to take a sip from his drink, "and yes, I have come across several drinks." He smirked slightly, at the knowledge that his reply had probably sparked off new questions about his travel, and then probably confused her when he didn't continue on details. But that was just how Tobias worked.