“If there is one thing I want all of you to know. Is that for us at the Academy, it matters not who you are, where you hail from, or to what creed you believe in. As long as you are willing to give it your all, we will help and teach you to become the best that you can be. To become the most capable of graduates for whatever may lie in your futures. Go forth, to Shine with the Stars. ”
- Arthur Harloch, Dean, Arterian Academy Department of History, ‘Welcoming Speech to Incoming Students”
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The two had spent the rest of yesterday just hanging out with the siblings and following them along for a tour of the workshops. After that, they’d all parted ways before the duo returned back to Rosewood. It had been a fun enough day in Sophie’s eyes, a nice catch up with the two quirky elves. Though, she did continue to wonder just what exactly Eva and Freddie talked about in her absence. Day then turned to night, before it the sun glowed resplendently once again.
Sophie had awakened soon after and found that Aryana was still asleep, splayed out across her bed in a disorganized mess. She chuckled at the sight and gave the redhead a few pokes, enjoying the taut but still squishy feeling of her companion’s cheek before she finally broke away, heading out to freshen up. By the time she had returned, she found two small packages outside of every dorm room including her own. Taking in the package, she quietly opened it up to find a robed uniform within. Her lips curled in amusement as she looked into the box proper to find a small name tag with her name on it. Peaking into the other one, she found a similar showing but instead of her name on a tag it was Aryana’s. Huh, guess this is what we’ll look like for a while.
The uniform was a plain dark blue robe not dissimilar to the blues that some of the other academy students and staffers wore. Though instead of their more intricate designs and patterns, hers only had two thin purple stripes running down her sides. She lifted it up to herself and stood in front of a mirror, watching as it unfurled just above her knees. Examining the outfit properly, she frowned at how its flappy sides seemed a little oversized on her torso but just a little too short to get away with not wearing pants. Giggling at the silly thought, she turned her attention to Aryana, turning to see how the uniform would contrast with her hair.
She snickered in amusement at the idea of Aryana flopping around in the blue robes, the image bringing forth a small sense of pride within her. We’re here now, like properly here. She shook her head, what a wild ride. A little more somber, she quickly shoved her thoughts to the side and got dressed, slipping on the uniform in a relatively smooth motion. At having actually worn the clothes, she found herself frowning in displeasure. Though she did have a pair of pants slipped on underneath, she felt ill at ease at how the hems of the robe could potentially block her from quickly drawing a blade from a scabbard. Not that I can even clip it on during my time here. But just not having that space easily accessible as usual feels so weird.
Her eyes dropped to her sides and she moved to sit down at her desk, a bit lost and still unsure how she should get ready for the first day of classes. The noise however, was just enough to elicit a tired shuffling from where the beds were.
Unsteadily propping herself upright was the still sleep redhead who now groaned before resigning herself to a beleaguered stretch. Amused by the display, Sophie tilted her head sideways, wondering how long it would take Aryana would notice. Aryana meanwhile, scratched at her hair, untangling the mess with one hand whilst her other rubbed at her irritated eyes. The redhead let out a hearty yawn and one final stretch before her eyes opened up and slowly danced around the room, doubling back when she met Sophie’s gaze. Taking advantage of the moment, Sophie beamed her brightest smile, the act seemingly befuddling the poor redhead as Aryana struggled to comprehend what was happening.
After an agonisingly long second, Sophie could see the gears turning in Aryana’s mind as her expression of confusion slowly shifted to one of surprise. Sophie was overjoyed at how excited Aryana seemed when she finally processed everything, the girl beaming a goofy little smile back at her.
“Sophie! Morning!” Aryana quipped.
“Heh, morning Ary.” Sophie smirked, before standing up and doing her best courtly bow.
“Eh?” Aryana let out a small confused little squeak, “Ah! New outfit?”
Sophie nodded before sliding the second box across the floor.
“Ah! Uniform!” Aryana chirped, “Uniform!”
Sophie was delighted by her enthusiasm and watched as Aryana excitedly scurried over to take a look. The girl wasted no time in opening her own package and admiring the uniform within. Her hand lurched forward as if to grasp it when she halted, frozen mid motion. Her head creaked slowly into position to meet Sophie’s gaze, a sheepish expression on her face.
“Ehhh… still stinky.” Aryana admitted nervously.
Sophie was taken aback for a moment before she guffawed, howling with laughter much to the redhead’s chagrin.
“I-I just need to freshen up first! Hmpf!” Aryana whined as she playful slapped Sophie’s head, gathering her hygiene supplies and leaving the room with a huff.
Sophie waved a good bye as Aryana bounded out of the room and tried to contain her laughter, struggling a minute or two before she finally settled down. It had just been the unexpected delivery that got her, the look in Ary’s eyes as her face contorted at the realization of what she had said. Man, I just hope she didn’t take that one personally. Sophie giggled to herself. Her eyes glazed over for a moment and she found a more sobering thought started to coalesce within her mind. She’s a good soul, a kind soul. She belongs here, somewhere like this, where she can have fun and just enjoy life. Her expression dropped and all sense of joy that was present just moments ago vanished. Yeah, she belongs with good people, people that can help her lead a better life than whatever Death God tainted future I have in store. Much less whatever the Entity has planned for me.
Sophie felt her mood plummet and quickly closed her eyes, trying to shake off the sense of unease. Problem for another time. Still have classes to get to and a few years to figure out everything while I’m here. While I’m here… If I even get to stay that long… What happens then? What happens if I have to go? How do I just… leave this behind. Eva, Ary, Freddie, the siblings… fuck. Shit, stop thinking about this, idiot. First day of classes, gotta stay cheerful and focused. Sophie gently slapped her cheeks and tried to distract herself by staring out the window and looking at the campus beyond the glass. Yeah… problem for another time. For now, just enjoy the moment, heh.
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Their schedule started with a two hour class on civil and scholastic affairs; a general education unit for all incoming Academy students in the first year. It was followed by a class on mathematics and logic. Before breaking for lunch and separating the two for their departmental classes. Where Sophie managed to snag herself a spot in a martial course and then the introductory courses in the history and strategies department. Aryana would split off first to chemistry and botanical studies before being forced to sprint across campus for her introduction to magical studies. Of the two, Aryana was definitely the most nervous, proclaiming her reluctance at being separated. So much so that Sophie almost made fun of her for how worried she was acting. But on the other hand, Sophie wondered just how things would be different for her when she was away from Sophie, away from the elf. It would certainly give a better first impression for most people, Sophie reasoned, though she was worried Aryana would fall back into her more meek and quiet demeanour that she had when they first met. I believe in her.
“Oh… great.” Came a disapproving tut that dragged Sophie out of her thoughts.
Settling down at the table besides theirs were two of the Traxians from her first day. Lucia the outright racist one and Livy the troublemaker. She could feel their gazes directed at her much in the same way she had labeled them, one of malice and one of bemusement. Aryana then frowned at Sophie, obviously displeased by the sudden additions beside them but Sophie just shrugged. Nothing we can do anyway.
It also wasn’t anything entirely unexpected. The duo had walked into the classroom in William’s Center under the scrutiny of their peers. Most were looks filled with curiosity, either wondering how the duo came to be or just amused by the closeness between a human and an elf. A few expressed more outward displeasure but as with everyone she met so far, none were ready to verbally display their displeasure aside from their expressions. Mercifully, the duo had arrived when the class was only half full, allowing them to snag a seat by the second floor windows and thus have an excuse to stare at something besides the walls or other students. Their timing also meant that not a lot of people paid attention to their arrival and thus they remained relatively unbothered, until now.
“Figures.” Lucia grumbled at the lack of response.
Sophie and Aryana purposely avoided glancing their way until the sound of the classroom’s door was pushed open once again. A heavily bearded man waded his way forward whilst carrying two armfuls of papers and bags. Almost at once, the thirty odd students in the room fell silent, The anticipation that filled the room growing heavier with each passing moment as the professor heaved his belongings onto a lectern and desk at the front of the room. His eyes narrowed as he glanced around the room, taking note of all his students and pausing if only for a moment as he sighted Sophie.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Sophie internally winced at the intense focus but felt a rush of relief when he quickly continued onwards, nodding to himself as he took everyone in.
“Ahem. Hello everyone, I am Professor Giles Keegan. You may call me Professor Keegan. I will be your instructor of civil and scholastic affairs.” He stroked his beard, “Now, before we begin properly, can I get a brave volunteer to try and explain what we mean by civil and scholastic affairs?”
There was an air of sternness that radiated from the man, but also one that was filled with understanding and a knowing look in his eyes. Sophie felt that if anything, this instructor is one focused solely to educating his charges, but not to the point of absurdity that someone such as Hilda might. Sophie shuddered at the image of the head maid in her mind, knight or not, if Eva hadn’t been so accepting of me back then… I doubt I’d have made it under Hilda’s tutelage, yeesh
A small handful of students raised their hands and the professor casually nodded at one of them. Oh great, it’s her.
“Civil and scholastic affairs refers to the general skills that we might need should we find ourselves in administrative roles dealing with paperwork, people, or business. Whereas scholastic affairs refers to the skillset we’d need to tackle problems of research, record keeping, and light legal affairs.” Lucia answered with a firm and postured tone.
“Excellent, I see someone’s done their reading of the Academy’s brochures and offerings.” Professor Keegan chuckled heartily, “And I’m glad you emphasize ‘light’ legal affairs. Because ultimately this is an introductory course to get all of you,” He wiggled his hand at the class,”up to the minimum standard required for satisfactory work in administrative and research intensive fields. At least, the Arterian mandated standard. So any of the more specific legal codes, ethics and other such materials will be covered more indepthly in your second semester. Any questions?”
He searched the room for curious eyes and when he found none, clapped his hands together to direct everyone’s attention.
“Good. If anything is unclear, just ask. For now however, considering we’ll all be together for at least half a year. I believe it is time for us to get to know each other. I understand that there are many conflicts in Cyndralia right now, but I respectfully ask that you leave any such conflict outside of Academy grounds. In here, you are all just Academy students, understand?”
A series of tepid nods responded.
“Wonderful. In that case, I want everyone to introduce themselves to the people beside them, and out of your group, have one person introduce everyone to the class. Let’s say… name, homeland, and a fun fact? Yeah, let’s say that. Alright then, let’s get to it.”
A low hum quickly overtook the room as countless students burst into activity. Sophie just raised an amused eyebrow at Aryana who in turn, giggled slightly.
“Hello.” Aryana grinned.
“Why, hello there. Terrifically nice to meet you.”
“Heheh, so what do we do, Sophie?”
“Hmmm,” Sophie pursed her lips, “I guess we just wait?”
“Or you actually do the task you’re assigned.” A sharp voice growled behind them.
Both of them jumped and tensed up just to find the sharp glare emanating from the Traxian. The mischievous one meanwhile, just raised her eyebrow, clearly a little too amused with what was happening.
“Well? Come on then, introduce yourselves properly.” Lucia pestered.
Sophie traded a glance with Aryana and suppressed a small chuckle before looking back at the Traxian.
“Haven’t we already met?” Sophie couldn’t help but quip.
Fury erupted on the Traxian’s face and she looked ready to retort when her friend held her back. “Lucia, mayhaps we should demonstrate proper etiquette and show them an example?” Lady Livy smirked.
“Ugh! The nerve! Fine!” Lucia snapped, “If you remember from the carriage, I’m Lady Lucia. Full name, Lady Lucinia Gaius Trax.” She declared proudly.
The duo nodded in acknowledgement, but all that seemed to do was infuriate the lady some more.
“Lucinia. Trax.” She growled.
“Uhh… okay?” Sophie answered, growing keenly aware of Livy’s increasingly contorted expression as the other Traxian threatened to burst into laughter. Oh dear.
“Ugh! Impertinent peasants. I am Lady Lucinia Trax, sixth princess of the empire. Do you understand what that even means?” Lucia scowled.
“Ah?!” Oh shit. She’s an imperial princess? Oh Goddess, it’s an imperial princess. Sophie paled.
“I can’t do this. Livia, you do the honors.” Lucia huffed.
The other Traxian sniggered but nodded, giving Lucia a gentle pat on her back.
“Lady Olivia Amata, of the Amata ducal demesne, lady in waiting for Lady Lucinia. It might not mean much to outsiders like you two, but that is my proper role and rank. Though for simplicity's sake, you may address me as simply Lady Livy or Livy, as we have been introduced before.” Livy winked.
“Ugh, I don’t understand how you can be so informal with people like… her.”
“Now, now.” Livy spoke before nodding at the two of them, “I believe fair’s fair.”
Sophie warily flicked her ponytail before she nodded back, “Right. Well then, as you remember. I’m simply Sophie, no family name. Uhh, I serve as a maid to House Rosengart of Carrador and also as the Lily Knight of House Rutley of Melton.” Sophie dipped her head.
“Hmpf, what a bizarre history. If only-
“Lady Lucia, please.”
“Tsk.”
“And you?” Livy tilted at Aryana.
“Uhm…’ Aryana fidgeted nervously, “Uhh… I… I’m Aryana. I uhh… I farm, I-I read and I know herbs.”
Sophie maintained a cool demeanor but wanted to cringe so badly. Goodness, we’ll definitely have to work on helping her introduce herself properly. The other two seemed to be utterly baffled at the simplicity of her anwser. Sophie was ready to chime in on Aryana’s behalf when a spark lit up in Lady Livy’s eyes.
“That’s right!” Livy slapped the table, “We didn’t get a chance to get introduced during the carriage ride. That’s why you seemed so familiar but not.”
“Ehhh…” Aryana murmured, her eyes downcast.
“Didn’t you also say you were from somewhere else too?”
“Ah… yeah. I’m from the mountains… the land of the haugrians, the highlands. The Frostwinds.” Aryana reluctantly clarified.
“Ahh! I remember now! You’re the one who spoke that funny sounding word. I get it now. You’re a tribal, a genuine tribal.” Livy’s eyes sparkled.
At this, the other three all collectively agreed that this was a little disquieting but to also let it slide. Lucia even caught Sophie’s eye, and she could see the Traxian too was on the cusp of chiding her friend when she decided against it.
A loud clap from the front of the classroom stopped the chattering and everyone turned to find Professor Keegan looking over everyone.
“Alright class. Good effort. So let’s get some introductions underway shall we? I want each group to have one person introduce the others, consider it a trust exercise if you will.” He smiled at the class, though Sophie sensed a small ounce of tiredness in his voice, “Now,” He pointed directly at her, “If you don’t mind. Let’s start with one of the groups in the back.
Sophie gulped and found the class suddenly paying a tremendous amount of attention to her. Not only that, but Lucia was now glaring at her something fierce. Tch, not like I'm trying to stand out by choice, Sophie almost scowled.
“That’s… uhh, you four. Choose a rep and tell us about yourselves.” He ordered.
Sophie was about to sigh when she found Livy’s face edging closer to hers, the Traxian flashing her a cheeky wink. “You two owe me.” She smiled dangerously. She then turned to Lucia as if asking for permission to which the royal simply rolled her eyes.
Lady Livy cheerfully stood up and bowed at the class, though Sophie could still feel some eyes lingering on herself as more than a few students were now aware that an elf was in the room.
“Hi everyone! So my name is Lady Olivia Amata or just Lady Livy if you prefer. I’m from the Traxian province of Amata and I serve as a lady in waiting for the royal family.” She beamed.
A few hushed ‘ooh’s’ and ‘ahh’s’ alongside some chittering cropped up.
“Beside me here is in fact, the Lady who I serve under. She is Imperial Princess Lucinia Trax.” Livy declared.
The hushed whispers were now full blown murmurs and more than a few widened eyes at the sudden declaration.
“Sixth in line for the throne and obviously from Traxia as well. Oh! Also an all around sweetheart.” Livy grinned, earning her a few surprised chuckles from the crowd.
“Olivia!” The princess hissed, her expression filling with rage and embarrassment. Why is she letting Livy get away with this?
“Sorry.” Livy whispered back, her teasing tone lingering for a moment before clearing her throat, “Now this one here, she’s both a maid and a knight, and as you can tell, also an elf.” By the Goddess, this feels like I’m being paraded for a theater show or something. “Her name is Sophie and she has no last name but hails from Carrador.”
Sophie sunk slightly into her seat, her face hot from the attention now cast upon her.
“Lastly, over here is Aryana. She’s a… a traveler, skilled with the wild, and comes from the Frostwind mountains!”
Aryana was already trying to hide before and now desperately wished to disappear. Sophie could feel the girl reach for the hem of her robe and grip onto it, Sophie carefully sliding her hand over Aryana’s and giving her a reassuring squeeze.
“And that’s all of us!” Livy smiled.
“Well now… certainly a very strange crowd and one I find myself quite… surprised to learn about. But let me offer my warm welcome to the Academy once more. I am glad to see such…” The professor paused before nodding, “such strange but fruitful partnerships. But anyway, now, the group beside them, yes you. Pick a representative and introduce yourselves.”
With the attention finally off them, Sophie could feel her pulse settle down as the pounding sensation of adrenaline started to wear off. There was just something so worrying about how everyone had turned to stare at them, and Lady Livy has simply powered through the groups bizarre backgrounds as if they were nothing. Though I suppose, the professor did say to leave everything outside the Academy and to just consider ourselves students. But still… she definitely seemed a little… too excited. Something feels a little off about her. Lucia evidently shared similar sentiments and now turned to glare daggers at her compatriot.
Sophie looked towards Aryana and the girl just sighed despondent, evidently still horrifically just let out a sad grunt. Sophie stealthy gave her a pat and sighed, this class just got a whole lot more interesting.