Gutboy shrugs, "Well, it's not just me who has had to repeat the beginner's level. Balto, Blastum, and Barjin are not new either."

"Aye," agrees the gnome, you now know as Blastum. "I'm still trying to learn fireball."

"Don't worry though; you will like the professors once you get used to them. Some of them are just a bit grumpy. Rogahn the Fearless and Zelligar the Unknown are the professors for the first semester. Rogahn is a well-renowned fighter whilst Zelligar is a magic user of mystery and power."

The human man leans in, "Hey, none of you barbarians, though, right? They don't particularly like barbarians."

Paartu asks, “Why do they not like barbarians?”

Balto shrugs, "I think it's because of their idea of barbarians being simple minded brutes."

This remarks earns Balton a strike on his shoulder, from Barjin, "Not as simple minded as you, it would seem."

Balton flinches at the strike, then his eyes widen with realisation, "However, don't let that get to you. It's a noble endeavour."

Alcazar snorts, "I see. Well." His gaze shifts to the assembled masses in the dining hall, then to the leaders at their high table. "One man's great thinker is another man's barbarian, eh?"

After a moment he turns to Paartu, "Though I'm not sure I'd mention your monkey habit to them..."

Miawynn spits out her drink as she hears Gutboy imply that the four of them have repeated a year. "They let you stay after all you tomfoolery and not passing your classes?" She whispers to Ewock "I would've thought for sure an institution like this would give you the boot..."

Overhearing Alcazar's comment she thinks to herself He did try to say that Ewock is my dinner, might as well be a barbarian.... and then continues listening to Gutboy to see if there is more he might willingly share about the professors and classes ahead.

Nepharios simply scoffs as the the drunken dwarf explains he and his teammates have failed their first year studies. If that for some unexplicable reason would happen to him he would have the good sense to at least leave the academy immediately.

Paartu thinks about what has been said and responds simply, “People have a tendency to fear barbarians because they are scared of their own anger. They think it renders them irrational. But true barbarians accept their rage as a part of life and learn to channel its power in rational ways. One becomes the eye of the storm and can direct what normally could not be controlled.”

More curious now, the young noble listens to what the tortle surprisningly eloquently puts forth. Strong emotions like wrath could truly fuel ambition if only correctly harnessed. There was more to Paartu that met the eye.

"I don't think I could be a barbarian even if I tried," says Jinx, listening to the conversation raptly. "I'm too small. I'd make a pretty un-intimidating barbarian!"

Alcazar sits at the table for a time, but seems to have little interest in the food or the conversation. He nibbles at some of the vegetables but turns his nose up at the over-cooked meat, satisfying himself by dipping a piece of bread in the meat juices, though he only does that once. After a time he sighs and stands, pushing his plate towards Paartu. "All yours if you want it my friend, as promised. I need some air."

With that he walks out of the dining hall and ventures into the grounds.

The map they were each given shows no offices, no housing for the professors, nor any area where student records might be kept. He is wondering what else might not be on the map and uses his time outside to investigate a little more closely.

"I'm sure size doesn't factor into being a barbarian. It's about the air you give yourself." Sylvie chimes in, having been mostly content in listening to the conversation while she ate. She seems ready to say something, though forgets about it as Alcazar walks off. She gives him a small wave as he leaves.

"Wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of one in any case. They're probably some of the strongest folk I've heard of." She continues, her thoughts returning back to the conversation. "But it's not something I could pull off either. Bit too uh... old mate said I held grudges like a fish holds a tune."

Miawynn sees Alcazar walk out and gets up to follow, tired of the conversation and worried what might happen if she were to hang out with returning first years. As she catches up to Alcazar she begins to take in the sights in front of her. The bustle of students crossing the yard, the trees of many colors, and the large buildings that loom over them with hints of the future in sight. "Mind if I join you?... Alcazar right? I can't sit there anymore."

Alcazar turns at the souds of steps and waits for Miawynn to catch up, his head tilted to one side.

He smiles at her question, "No, no, of course not. Another pair..." he glances at her pack, "...or pairs...of eyes are always welcome. Though I had expected you to remain, and listen to the tales that the dwarf has to tell."

He starts to walk again, clearly curious about his surrounds. "I always find the most interest in the things that aren't said, or shown, or given. For example: This is a large establishment, correct? Yet the map does not show where the professors live. Most such places usually have a horde of gardeners, a hall of records...that sort of thing."

He shrugs, "I like to fill in the missing details..." his voice trails off as he keeps looking around, comparing the reality to the map.

Paartu thanks Alcazar for the food, as is polite, but he also is uninterested in the ruined meat. Instead, he wonders if it is time to start the party. "Can we sing songs now?"

"I think I will retire to our quarters now. If songs are to be sung matbe not here, it could incur the wrath of the headmaster and we wouldn't want that would we?" The young noble says with a wry smile at the drunken dwarf, getting up to leave for the quarters of the Pale Hand.

"Erm," Gutboy interrupts. "You'll have to choose a room for the group. I suggest you all go and look at what is left."

"Well, no time to waste here then." Nepharios says dryly and walks off towards the rooms, trying to find the largest still available.

"You could've mentioned it earlier! Now all the good rooms will be taken." Sylvie's shoulders slump, as she holds back a groan. She pushes her seat back and stands, turning quickly to follow after Nepharios.

As Miawynn walks with Alcazar she realizes she also doesn't know and shakes her head in agreement. She quietly speaks up "I know how easy it is to keep hidden if you want too" As she reminisces on her days in the forest with animals away from everyone. "Do you think it's too late to go to the zoo or the arboretum?" Thinking that those places might be the closest to home she can get. "Or should we head back and hope we have a place to lie our heads...?"

Alcazar looks to the north and west, "Certainly, if that is where you'd prefer to start -- though they might be better appreciated in the day time. Such places are mostly designed for those who like sunlight." He nods toward the building in the east and south, "For myself, I am curious about the Library and wonder who lives in the barracks...but there will be plenty of time to explore. And again, perhaps best during the day time, at least to start."

He shrugs, "Lead on. I find that I don't require much sleep these days, so we can afford to explore a little I think."