Siobhan “Shiv” O’Rourke

When you need to be alone, where do you go?

I mostly don’t like to be alone, but when I need a second, I tend to just close myself into a supply closet.

When do you cry, and where?

I will cry in front of any adult. It’s the best way to get stuff.

What’s your favorite food in the cafeteria?

Any fresh fruit.

Which teacher do you like/hate and why?

I enjoy messing with Mr. Chip, but I don’t exactly like him. I’m a big fan of Professor Berwyn’s air of mystery; I gotta cultivate myself one of those some day. Mrs. K is the worst, engineering is awful and she won’t let me skip assignments.

Who are you parents and why did they send you here?

My parents didn’t feel particularly equipped to raise me, so I was mostly raised by my older cousin, Cara. I got to know a lady who was running a local charity, and she decided to put in an application to have me sent here. I guess I overplayed the “poor abandoned child” card with her. Not that I’m complaining about the outcome.

Who used to be your best friend and why aren’t they anymore?

I had a series of rapid friendships when I first got to the school. Kids with no patience for my lies quickly stopped talking to me.

What are you picked on for that really gets to you?

Being young/immature. I am practically an adult, anyone can see that. I am so darn capable.

What are you picked on for that you shrug off?

Lying! Yeah, way to go, you figured out that I made up that story about stealing the deed to the school. But I had you going for a solid minute there.

What are you praised for that makes you proud?

I am a sucker for any praise from an adult who I’m failing to fool. Most compliments I get, I get because I tricked someone into thinking I’d accomplished something. So praise that feels truly earned is rare.

What are you praised for that makes you upset / embarrassed?

I don’t like being praised for my looks.

Quirk

1. Finder of lost things

On orientation day, when you were dropped off at Russel Hall for the first time, one of the other newcomers (Sara Murphy) ran off in fright. You eventually found her hiding and crying just slightly into the woods toward the south end of the campus. She had found a low opening in the briars that, to your surprise, is quite navigable. The brush here is all trampled and stomped down; pushed aside by the rough skin of a low-set animal. You can only progress at a crawl, but beyond that movement is mostly unhindered. You have knowledge of The Boar Path, though not yet where it may lead. You can choose to share this knowledge with others how and when you wish.

2. Walker of lost paths

Reaching Aneir, you discover that you have gained some sense of its order; of the winding paths among its branches and the strange ways it abrupts the world at large. When on Aneir you will not get lost and have a good chance of finding good directions.