“Arteria’s War College or, ‘School of Strategy’, as they call it, is a laudable attempt at copying the Imperial one. It falls short in one key area, though Arteria has indeed trained many great strategists, those are ones who faced the flames of battle and came out stronger and wiser. Most of its students however, share the same weakness that lower level commanders often have and that is their morality. Instead of viewing their goal as the accomplishment of objectives with as little resources expended as possible. Many Arterians come with the doctrine of preserving as many lives as possible and completing the objective. The difference comes in their priorities and many operations had been halted or abandoned to losses even when success was within their grasp.”
- Tribune Arian Carius, Tribune of the Twelfth Legion, “Legacy of the Imperial War College”
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The weekend arrived sooner than she had expected and on this Caeus, it turned out she was the one who had a project to accomplish, much to her own chagrin. Dominic Montgest, it turned out, wasn’t just a student a year above, he was apparently far more connected than Sophie had expected and somehow talked Miraevie to lend out her room as a place for the two groups to convene and discuss the presentation. She marvelled at the elven dormitory, trying her best to ignore all the stares directed her way until someone tugged at her shoulder. Ary? She turned excitedly, ready to embrace Aryana in a hug until she awkwardly tried to play off the gesture and offered out her hand.
“Uhh… hi…?” Alodie looked at her funnily, the girl’s dark brown eyes hidden half behind her bangs.
“Ahh, yeah! Hi!” Sophie feigned excitement before the facade quickly slipped, “Sorry, thought you were someone else for a moment.” She dropped her voice to a whisper.
Alodie quirked her head sideways but shrugged, now also turning her attention to the elven dormitory. “A little… frighteningly majestic isn’t it?” She changed the subject quickly enough.
“Yeah, definitely a little bit surreal.” Sophie agreed.
“You sound surprised, do you not also live here?”
“Huh? Oh, me? Nah. I dorm in Rosewood, with my friend.”
“Rosewood? That is quite far, no? From the other dormitories, I mean.”
“Eh, it suits me just fine.”
Alodie grunted and clicked her tongue, “I believe the other two will be waiting for us?”
“Yeah… just… psyching myself out.”
“Psyching? Yourself?”
“Eh? You know… like uh, pumping yourself up? Cheering yourself on?”
“Ah! Yes! Cheering up. I understand now.”
Now it was Sophie’s turn to stare at her companion in bafflement. She as a question but bit her tongue, there was a time and a place and it was neither here nor now to question her new acquaintance. Seeing as how the girl seemed aware enough to shuffle uncomfortably, Sophie dropped the issue and cocked her head towards the building. “Shall we?” She asked, extending her arms outwards like a maid welcoming her master. Alodie bobbed her head and Sophie led the way, taking great pain to avoid bumping into any elves along the path.
Kingswood hall reflected its namesake pretty well. There was a sense of grandeur that surrounded it and the meticulous craftsmanship that went into designing it. It looked almost like an organic being that snaked and twisted its way up towards the sky. The walls appearing both lush and wild yet also curated and cared for. The interior walls carried the same feelings forward with their vibrant yet almost overly lavish dark greens, browns, silver and even light hues of blue that exuded a warmth from every inch. Contrasting that, intricate stoneworks and tiled floors seemed to blend seamlessly into plank halls, whilst countless elven students traversed its halls. Despite its grandeur, arched pillars and carvings decorated the halls, giving a more homely feeling that Sophie instantly resonated with.
A middle aged looking Academy staffer eyed them curiously and wordlessly held out an expectant hand. Sophie quickly clocking on to what they wanted and giving her companion a quick nudge to drag her back to focus.
“We’re visiting Mrs. Miraevie, room 254.” Sophie curtsied as she handed her student identification over. Alodie following suit.
For a second Sophie swore she saw a sneer take over the staffer’s face before the woman hand their cards back and gestured towards the stairs.
“Up the stairs, turn left. Don’t wander.” She announced curtly before leaving the two of them behind.
The distinctive tick the elven staffer left them with elicited a mean spirited giggle from some of the elves passing by. Though Alodie seemed more confused than hurt, Sophie already had an inkling why they acted hostile so vile. Stupid half blood. She cursed at herself before hurriedly dragging Alodie along. Only once they were properly up the stairs did the two of them relax a little.
“That was quite bizarre.” Alodie whispered, “Whatever is the matter with them?”
“Nothing, just a… just a me thing.” Sophie couldn’t bring herself to acknowledge it out loud. Why can’t they all be more like the siblings?
“A… me thing?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“If you say so. Though I wonder if it’s like this everywhere.”
“What do you mean?” Sophie welcomed the change in topic.
“I had the opportunity to visit an Zephyran chateau once. Father had a business trip and I said no because I didn’t like travelling back then.” Alodie giggled to herself, “How silly.”
“Zephyran… chateau?”
“Ahh… it’s like a mansion or a really big house. Like this dormitory.”
“Isn’t Zephyr like, quite far to the east?”
“Yes! It is quite far! Though they say that elven trade ships can travel the distance in just a week! Even the fastest military ships we have would take almost a month. Though Potomian trade ships are rumoured to almost match their top speeds too.” Alodie beamed.
“O-oh? Do they really?” Sophie feigned a smile, not quite understanding what was happening.
“So the rumors go! I sadly did not have the chance to board or observe one in action at full speed however. Since I had to prepare to come here instead. Still, it has been interesting seeing how varied the shipping lanes of Arteria are. Their trading vessels are so bulky and large, while their frigates seem so sleek and meek in comparison. Though quite fast, I’d wager.”
“Aw, that’s a bit of a shame though isn’t it? Especially considering you’re from…”
“Ah! How rude of me. I distracted myself. I’m originally from Gratia, the kingdom half. But then you know… the war and everything, so my family migrated to Ostia.” Alodie’s expression dropped a few notches, the excitement now tempered by reality.
“My condolences. And uhh, it’s a little awkward now I guess, but I’m from Carrador.” Sophie tried to salvage what she could.
“Ah, Carrador. I remember from the first class.”
“Oh? That’s uh… I’m a little embarrassed honestly, now I feel kinda bad for not remembering where you came from. Sorry.”
“Heheh, you don’t need to look so down, I doubt that many people expect others to remember such things from the first day of class. It is fine.”
“Uhh, if you say so.” Sophie managed to muster up a small grin before coming to a half. There it was, room 254.
Sophie raised her fist and gently knocked. “Hello? It’s Sophie, from class. I’m here with Alodie.” She turned to the other girl who just shrugged. Fair enough.
“Coming.” A guy’s voice, Dominic’s, echoed from within.
The door open soon after and older student waved them in. “Why hello you two! Glad to see you both made it. This place is pretty nice, isn’t it?” He casually spoke.
At least he wasn’t wrong. The inside of Miraevie’s room felt just as lavish as the rest of the dormitory. Her room almost the size of Sophie’s despite being a single and yet still gave off the airs of being far larger than hers. Neat rows of tomes sat upon shelves and at the center of the room was a low table with four cushions around it. Upon one of them sat an elf with an almost comically plain green shirt with her fluffy brown hair draped around her shoulders. Leaning back against the table she seemed almost nonchalant at the new arrivals, though Sophie did feel Miraevie look her up and down one extra time compared to everyone else.
A small pot with a magic heater sat in the center of the table surrounded by four teacups of assorted styles. Miraevie sighed loudly as Dominic closed the door behind them and just gestured at the seats, beckoning the newcomers to make themselves comfy. Though it was someone else’s property, Sophie felt a familiar twitch in her hand at the sight of a teapot and the receptacles around it. It was a tingle that she felt like indulging and she cleared her throat.
“Lady Miraevie, thank you for having us.” She bowed, “If I may, shall I serve the tea?”
There was a moment of strange silence and Sophie beat herself up internally for how absolutely awkward she had spoken when a choked noise emerged from ahead of her. After another tense second, Miraevie burst out laughing while Alodie half heartedly chuckled along, looking about as uncertain of the situation as Sophie. Dominic meanwhile just tried his best to keep a straight face.
“Umm… sorry…” Sophie tried to speak.
“Bwahah, what the fuck is that? Is that how you half elves introduce yourself to people? Goddess preserve us. Aren’t you supposed to go like, ‘hello, hope you’re doing well.’ But help yourself, I guess. Brewed it for all of us whatever the case.” Miraevie sniggered, “But please, everyone do take a seat.”
“Thank you.” Alodie shuffled over.
Dominic couldn’t help let an amused grin pop up on his face and Sophie felt just a little hurt at how even he thought she had been strange. Regardless, she was now committed to her path and reached over to carefully begin pouring the tea with all the proper form and technique the task demanded of her, her hand only shaking once or twice before she finished. She froze for a moment, the simple act bringing her back to a simpler time and she quietly waited to be scolded for trembling. Yet when no old crone berating her came to fruition, she recovered quickly enough and joined the others sitting down.
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“Thank you.” Dominic spoke at both her and Miraevie. Alodie following soon after.
The elf meanwhile, just nodded appreciatively, giving Sophie a small glance before bobbing her head slightly. Well she didn’t make fun of me, progress.
Miraevie stretched a little more and then aggressively clapped her hands together, startling everyone. “We’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other later. For now, let’s get to work. I’ve parsed through mine a little and the material seems quite… comprehensive. You all have your books, right?”
A round of nodding.
“Good.” She sighed, “Then let’s get started.”
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By lunch time all four brains had been collectively scrambled by the sheer multitude of information that they had to parse through. The Traxian Wars of Conquest had been well documented due to it affecting the heart of Cyndralia, Arteria. Yet, it was also because of this that even the most minute of details were meticulously recorded, meant that figuring out whether something was truly important or not became a monumental task. Still, they had the foundations of their presentations ready.
At the time, Traxia was entering another expansionist phase and its military successes against Lucuria had left an unreasonably optimistic outlook on fighting another front. To that end, the emperor at the time ordered for a grand deliberation between the ruling council and his inner circle. Though everyone had already suspected the answer well in advance. With that, war was declared and this front fell under the command of one Archon Felix Caius the Second, Traxia’s archon of war and a member of the emperor’s inner circle. A grand force of two full legions and a flotilla spanning over a hundred warships were assembled for the assault. The intention was to simply overwhelm the neighbouring countries and seize everything in one fell swoop. The navy was the first to fall, history remembering only the name of Lord Fraser who led Nautica’s navy to absolutely decimate the Traxian armada. The legions meanwhile, struggled to penetrate the rugged terrain of Abenstadt and its mercenary army. Their troops utilising the hilly terrain to brutalize the invaders before culminating in the battle of Fell Water in which a reinforcing Arterian-Nautican force joined with the Abenstadtians to rout the legions.
As for the tripartite alliance, Sophie was almost envious at how simple things were for Alodie’s group. There were definitely elements within both Abenstadt’s and Arteria’s governments that were more than happy to egg on the Traxians. Though for the majority of people, the war was a purely defensive war declared by an empire that really had no justification besides they could. Nautica proved a bit more interesting in that the nation stood to gain nothing substantial from throwing their lot in with their partners. Perhaps to avoid being seen as lacking or untrustworthy, but overall, out of the three, they were the ones with the greatest internal turmoil over the decision to stand with their allies or not. Their gamble paid off however, and even now, Nautica receives exclusive trade deals with both countries while also being contracted to maintain naval supremacy within the region’s shipping lanes.
“Well that should cover the basics.” Dominic frowned as he looked over his notes, “Though I suspect the professor would like us to expand on some of the points.”
“Perhaps, but it might be better to take a break now lest your tiredness leads to mistake.” Miraevie quipped.
“That sounds fine to me.” Dominic agreed.
Alodie and Sophie just nodded along,
“Good.” Miraevie lazily flopped onto her bed, “Could someone go an pickup some food from Pressel? I want the vegetable chicken stew.” The elf simply declared, not caring who was paying attention.
The remaining three looked between themselves and just wondered what to do. Sophie almost spoke up but Dominic beat her to the punch.
“Alright. I’ll go grab something for everyone? Anyone wanna come with?”
Before Sophie could recover from having her thoughts interrupted, Alodie stood up and gingerly shuffled along.
“Wa-” Sophie could barely utter before Dominic gave her a cheeky wink.
“We’ll be back in a bit then.” The man waved and escorted Alodie out with him, leaving behind a dumbfounded Sophie who just stared at the door. Hoping they would return to pick her up. She sat almost completely still until a small shuffling sound came from the bed and she found the elf’s narrowed eyes examining her once more.
“Great.” Miraevie sighed disappointedly, “So you’re the one that got left behind.”
“Sorry.”
“How did you find yourself here?” The elf clicked her tongue.
“Hmm? I mean… I’m here to work on the project?”
“I meant at the academy.”
“Oh! Well that’s different then. I guess you could say that I’m here…” For Eva? Did I… really come here just to meet Eva? And now with everything that’s going on… I still can’t even bring myself to talk to her. What do I do? Ah, focus.
“Ahh, whatever. Your reasons are your own.”
“No, no! I was just thinking. I guess I’m here because I want to learn more about the world and also because my friend came here, so I’m following in their footsteps.”
There was a small pause as Miraevie’s expression shifted from doubt, to curiosity, before ending up with one of amusement.
“To learn… and stay with your friend? What kind of convoluted reasoning is that? You’re telling me, that you, a halfie. Decided to come to this institution, a renowned elite, prestigious, academy. To just… learn and be with your friend?” Miraevie chuckled dryly.
“Y-yeah?” Sophie replied, she had stated the truth. That much she knew. It wasn’t the whole truth, but it got to the gist of things.
“Goddess help me. How did you even get in?! You’re even more daft than I’d imagined! I mean… congrats on making it in I suppose. But still, no wonder people think you halfies are weird. All this for a friend…” The elf rolled her eyes, “If you didn’t look so serious, I would’ve thought you were joking.”
Sophie looked a bit more downcast and just sullenly stared at her feet. Miraevie was harsh but she wasn’t exactly wrong. When she had finally put her motivations to physical words, she could feel the sheer silliness at her goal of simply coming here to reach Eva. At least, now it felt silly. Eva clearly didn’t need her as much as she thought. It also felt strange now that she remembered how she had fought with Eva, how she had bested her mistress in a duel. Bested a saint.
Despondent, she shrunk into herself and curled up against her cushion, pulling her arms up against her legs. The sobering thought of being left behind fully coalscening within her mind.
“Yeah. I guess it’s pretty stupid.” She mumbled to herself.
She looked up to find Miraevie frowning at her. Meeting her piercing gaze, Sophie found herself trying to turn away but failing to. There was a dull orange glow in the elf’s eyes that made Sophie feel a strange sense of fear, making her writhe uncomfortably on the spot.
“You.” Miraevie called out.
“Uhn?” Sophie grimaced.
“What’s bothering you?”
“Huh?”
“You look like shit right now. What’s bothering you? Or am I just that scary to you?” Miraevie sat back up, now looming over her.
“Uhh…” Sophie gulped. Yes, but not like I want to tell you anything. “Yeah… I have a lot on my mind. You’re a little scary too.”
There was a dangerous pause as Sophie suddenly regretted her words, a small scowl forming on Miraevie’s face. The elf seemed to take a deep breath and shuffled off her bed, slinking down onto the cushion directly in front of Sophie. Maybe… maybe I should’ve just kept quiet.
“Cheeky. To insult your host like this.” She growled, “But honest. That I can appreciate.”
“O-oh? But you asked?!”
"That's beside the point. You're not supposed to just admit such thoughts."
"Sorry."
“Forget it. I shall be blunt too, since it looks like you have been thinking. I dislike you. Half elf. But I respect your candour.” Miraevie let out a slight chuckle.
“Thank you? Me too?” At least she doesn’t tiptoe around the subject. Sheesh, could’ve been a little nicer.
“Mmm.” The elf grunted before taking a small sip of tea, “So please, don’t mind me. Whatever our opinions of each other are, here, at the end of the day I am still your host, so relax.”
Though worried, Sophie found the elf was true to her word and seemed to have discounted her presence completely. A little relieved, confused and peeved at the strange behaviour. Sophie chose to keep silent and joining Miraevie in just relaxing with a cup of tea. She felt slightly groggy and befuddled but somewhat satisfied by the result.
The two sat in contemplative silence for a few minutes, simply listening to the noises in the hallways and beyond the windows. The voices and footsteps, the laughter and the yelling, the wind and the birds. It all felt peaceful, like they were all part of one great big ecosystem. Her eyes snaked over to Miraevie once more, finding the elf just gently nursing her cup of team with her eyes closed. Meditating? Strange way to do it though.
An errant thought crossed Sophie’s mind when she watched the elf mediate. The niggling voice of doubt turning into one that egged her on. Miraevie seemed to appreciate directness, and there was one question that Sophie now found surfacing during this moment of calm. It was one she had long wondered within the recesses of her own mind and not one she had ever intended to voice.
“Lady Miraevie.” Sophie spoke, her voice hovering between a whisper and soft greeting.
The elf did not stir from her position but did raise an eyebrow. Sophie taking that as her sign to continue.
“I was wondering… hmm… I guess… Let me try again. I wanted to know if you could tell me why you disliked me. N-not that I have an issue with it. It’s just that almost every elf I’ve met seemed to despise me on the spot.” Sophie managed to ask, her heart racing in her mind as she closed her eyes in anticipation of the anwser.
MIraevie seemed to snort in amusement before the distinctive clink of the teacup meeting its plate echoed across the now eerily quiet room. Miraevie took a laboured breath before letting it back out, a move that made Sophie wince fearing that she had angered her host.
“Do you know your history? War with Traxia and elvenkind?” Miraevie asked with a sigh.
“Yeah? About how its been going on for generations and that…” Sophie paused the realisation hitting her, “Is it really just because of that? That I… I’m like a reminder of that? Just because of my hair color?”
“Hmm, yes and no.” Miraevie started drawing a line on some spare paper, “Yes because obviously you remind us of ‘them’. Beyond that, even most Traxian’s don’t have hair as dark as yours, making you instantly noticeable.” She spat the name of the empire out with disgust, “But no, that’s not all, there is more context there specifically regarding your... appereance.”
Sophie could feel her stomach tensing up. The uncomfortable feeling of her being a burden rising once more.
“See, back then. Way, back then. When our ancestors fought theirs, we lost a great deal of land during the initial war. We clawed most of it back over time but by then, there was one single act that we reviled as a people. A sizeable contingent of the early defeats were due to the presence of svitors, traitors. Those who willingly betrayed their own kind for some pathetic promises of material gain.”
“Oh…”
“Long story short, they became an off shoot of those we would typically considered half elven. A subset with blackened hair like the Traxians, shorter than normal, and more subservient to their ‘overlords’. I suppose that’s just unfortunate for you, that you are a living embodiment of our people’s suffering. Or so I assume.” The elf finished glumly, watching for Sophie’s reaction.
“But I’m not imperial.” Sophie mused.
“Does it matter? You look the part. Even I was fooled at first until I saw your eyes. Even then, it was hard to shake the notion. All that’s without counting the fact that strange shine in your eyes, more typical of a high magister than anything. The thought of a svitor descending from a magisters blood line is… revolting to say the least. Though that begs the question of where you’re really from.” Miraevie looked at her expectantly, the elf casually tapping her fingers against the table.
“I…” Sophie frowned. She was from Carrador, that is, she lived there for the majority of her life. Yet, when the memories flashed in little bits and pieces within her mind, she knew with a certainty that she very much wasn’t from Carrador. The palace in the void was another stark reminder that she belonged somewhere else, the style of construction and decor far too alien to be Carradorian or even Volksgradian make within the past few decades. Though admittedly there was the possibility that the Entity had taken liberties. Still, for her the new question remained. Where and from who, am I actually from?
“I-I… I guess I don’t know.” She was barely able to utter, “I’ve lived in Carrador most my life but I don’t actually know… my parents.”
“Oh? So the chance that you are a magisters child isn’t zero?” Miraevie hummed and hawed to herself, “How curious.”
Before the other could elaborate further, heavy footsteps echoed from out in the hallway that were far heavier than that of any they heard so far. The two traded glances before Miraevie groaned and stood up. The elf hovered close to the door, ready to open it when she turned towards Sophie, shooting the half elf one last pensive look. Like a child wondering how their new toy worked.
“Soak up these last moments of free time. It’s back to work after lunch.” The elf stated nonchalantly.
Sophie tried to speak some more but found herself unable to articulate her thoughts. She opted to just nod and leaned back against the wall, closing her eyes as she tried to sort through the complicated feelings running amok inside her. That’s it? That’s why they treat me like shit? Cause my hair’s blackened like the Traxians? Not even because I look like one or act like one. Really?! Fuck! That’s so stupid! What have I ever done… to any of them? Her rage subsided soon enough when the other two entered the room, brining two bags of packed meals ready to be consumed. She barely stifled her frustrations, forcing a smile upon her face as she met their curious eyes. Focus, Sophie, focus. Nothing much you can do about it now. But fuck, that’s just so… she fought back her urge to sigh out loud, choosing instead to bite her lip, gah!