Elizabeth
Cullen only stood there gaping like an idiot as he was first verbally berated and then absolutely amazed by the pure act of magic as the bottle of wine reformed as if it had never been dropped. It took him even longer to realize the old gnome was *The* Merlin Mora. His name was legend in the Eternal City and Cullen had grown up there roughing it, tales of Merlin and the heroes of the land and through the ages were popular amongst young boys and girls wishing to be adventurers one day and escape the slums. 

"So, like- are you a Wizard too?" He asked Sasha, peering at her. "No hard feelings right? Your nice gowns all clean now." He said, trying to smile at her but grimacing instead. Gods she was intimidating. 

Still he fell into step behind Merlin, keeping a good few feet between him and Sasha for safety and gawking at the academy around him. He fidgeted with his clothes, feeling woefully underdressed around the students in their garb and regalia. Perhaps he should have stopped by a tailor and gotten new clothes- but he felt most comfortable in travelers garb. Common man's clothing. It felt... Disingenuous to wear noble clothing even if he was technically a noble now. 

"Did you say elven moongrass leaves sir? I have plenty- would you like a tin? Being an Archduke of the elven homeland does come with at least one benefit." He joked, patting his self carved pipe in his pocket. Cullen loved a good smoke and a touch of whiskey to relax with- and there was nothing like Elven Moongrass. He had at least four tins but they wouldn't be easy to get way out here. Perhaps if Merlin was cool he'd give him two.
Leroy
"They call me an ice queen because I am one terrible day away from turning them into an ice statue."

Despite the fact her words had the set-up to be a joke, her tone couldn't be anymore serious. Sasha was stating a fact, and perhaps it sounded like a threat to Cullen— which is an interpretation she wanted him to understand. 

She merely watched as the drink returned back to its proper place, her outfit sorting itself as soon as Merlin's cleansing ability did its deed. Her eyes were neither glad nor surprised, indicating this has happened before. Not one to one, but a very similar event occurred enough for her to not react heavily. 

"Too? So you're here to study? You best act your best, boy, this Academia is not for the weak."

Sasha said with a hiss, not necessarily at him but to her own personal experiences. Indeed, the academia chewed up everyone and spat out those it deems unworthy. She does not yet know his true capabilities, but his own actions reminded her of her young self once... Gods know how she was treated because of that.

A brow was raised at the passing mention of his origin.

"Archduke? Of Velaris? You are a long way from home, nobleman."

She cared as much for his title as she cared for everything she does not care for. That is, she didn't. At all. Archduke or not, he was the one to embarrass himself. He was not scheming to be a political asset to the Empress, he stood at the millennia old foundation of magic to learn and study. As far as she was concerned, he was in a foreign kingdom. Hers. 

And Merlin's, she supposed.
Hung
"*Temper* ***Yourself Sasha. The poor lad has just only arrived and that is proof enough of his determination. Do not make his life that much harder by being a vessel for him to harbor resentment, you are a senior at this academy, you should nurture the new and the young. Just as I did for you.***"

The old sage spoke not with authority but with wisdom, kindness and understanding. He laid a gentle hand on his icy apprentices arm as they walked together, patting her to reassure her that he is here and he is by her side.

"***This academy is a place for any and all who wish to learn of the majesty and wonder that is the arcane. It is your duty and mine that we should welcome those who wish to embark on that journey we so long ago chose to follow also. Lead from the front, not command from the rear.***" With another gentle pat on Sasha' arm the old man slowed his pace to stand side by side Cullen, chuckling at his eager and kind attitude- a pleasant young man to be sure.

"***An archduke you say? It's been some years since one with such a station has walked through my gates. It's good to know you passed them, they're a hidden test. Those who seek magic for only power and dark ambition are barred from entering here. Seeing as we are on the path to my study you have already been accepted by the academy as a soon to be student. Take pride in that fact young man.***"

Wisdom and kindness seem to flow from Merlin like a raging river, every flowing and ever present. But, at the same time he speaks with a joyful and humorous tone to his words, like a grandfather to those who have come after him.

** **
"***I appreciate the offer dear boy, I do indeed. We can save the tins for later, for now let us head to my personal study and enjoy the drink you have brought and we can discuss your purposes here. I'm eager to learn more about you.***" With a gentle pat placed on Cullens forearm and old wizard strode ahead of the two and made his way to the main hall of the academy, the large metal doors of ornate and arcane design opening on their own- *And what a sight it is.*

Students of all years are within the grand hall, spells are cast in practice- some in jest, but all of them seem to be a closely connected bunch for Merlin would have it no other way.

Turning to Cullen he gesture with an open hand towards the halls, a smile of mischief on his face. 

"***Welcome to the Magos Academia and to the beginning of your journey as a student of the arcane.***"
Elizabeth
"Well, no need to be so frigid." He said, and he couldn't help but put a hand up over his face to hide a smirk. She really was an ice queen, it was as if she were carved from some glacier and given life to waltz around. What kind of chip was on her shoulder? Sensing that she'd be a problem, he decided that the only way to conquer that problem was to try and understand. 

**"Understand what? She'a a bitch and you're a simpering coward for not lashing back."** Atlas sneered contemptuously. Aranea was silent, perhaps conflicted on how she felt about Sasha. 

"Only in title. It's a complicated situation Headmaster if I'm being honest. You have a reputation in legend for being good at sorting these kinds of things out- the court nobles don't believe in your stories but I do, so when they sent me away so they could control realm in my absence I felt it was a worthy gamble. I want to lead and protect the land and people I've inherited- but I know I'll need to be strong to do so." He admitted. The other souls had reasons for wanting to be here. Atlas wouldn't have been able to walk past those gates surely, but because he hadn't been in resonance with Cullen nothing had stopped them from going through. Aranea wanted to come because she wanted Cullen to be the hero he knew he wasn't. It was all a big mess. 

So far he liked Merlin, he was approachable and felt like he was Cullens long lost grandfather. He'd even saved Cullen (for now) from too severe a tongue thrashing from Sasha. 

"Whoaaa." He said in amazement, rushing ahead to peer at students practicing spells and incantations. His grin was boyish, too young for his face and didn't match his eyes, which were too old. It was not that he was naive- Merlin would note- it was that Cullen was actively *Choosing* To enjoy the world around him. Life hadn't been fair to Cullen, but he'd always made the most of it. He'd gotten very little from his mother, but this was the most precious gift she'd bestowed on him. 

"So will I ge

T like a magic wand or a staff or something? Maybe an orb? Will I learn how to do that thing wizards do, you know like ponder over my orb to spy on dragons or something?" He asked, turning back to the pair with an eager expression.