The seasons pass and the first snow has come.

Some play in the snow. But, most simply look out on it from the shelter.

Siri and I continue despite the potential for slipping.

Perhaps because of the added risk, our sparring is more enjoyable.

She smiles more as we continue dating with weapons.

The classes are enlightening and Robert is attending as many as he can.

Despite how well things are going, I can't help but feel as if there is something more that I should be doing.

"The slave rebellion of the Alabaster Quarry has shaken the Southern region.

"The Royal Army has petitioned the martial sects to intervene."

"Finally, the martial sects are doing something useful."

"I wouldn't speak disparagingly about them. They aren't above assassination."

The rumors fly as I find myself wondering what I will ask of the skull and bones man.

In my past life, the withered figures had guided me with his prophecies.

It's not that he was infallible as an oracle. But, he knew of a person's affinities.

I remember one of his first prophecies for me. That I would die alone.

He was right about that.

"What is it?"

"Huh?" I'm stirred from my thoughts.

Siri looks at me, her sword at her side.

"What secret are you hiding now?"

I smile a mischievous smile, "Worried I've found a new girl?" I taunt.

She performs a wide slash.

"Fine," she says. "Keep your secrets for now."

She's angry as we spar.

I find myself enjoying the session more than usual.

Days and weeks pass as the cold sets in.

With my spiritual energy, I am able to keep warm.

But, Siri can't handle it.

"I think," she says, "that we should postpone our sparring till it warms up."

She's shivering as she says it.

I nod as I send some chi into her.

Her shivering calms itself as we walk back to our dorms.

I do find it a little sad that we won't be spending time together. But, I accept it.

As we part, she turns to me.

"There's- There's a band playing music at a restaurant in town."

She looks embarrassed, "Would you like to go?"

I smile, "When?"

Sheepishly, she says, "Tomorrow night at dusk. I'll meet you at the gate after classes end."

With that said, she turns to her path.

Somewhat giddy for the invitation, I make my way back to my room.

"Adam, brother, could you help me with..."

I sigh as I settle down to teaching Robert the lessons that he should be learning on his own.

It isn't beyond my ability. So, I see to him before doing my own studying.

The night passes into day and I find myself in a lecture discussing the kingdoms that surround our own.

"Karas is a land-locked kingdom. We lack harbors and a Navy.

"This puts us at a unique disadvantage next to kingdoms like Manil and Dal. Or the Empire of the Sun to our Eastern border.

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"Long trains of pack animals carry goods between our cities and neighbors. This method of transportation creates a premium that our citizens have to pay for goods.

"In many ways, the disparity of wealth can be attributed to this structural fault."

I absorb the lesson and think about the nature of my country's problems.

Siri is waiting for me at the gate.

She looks bored as I stop before her.

I can read her. As much as she wants to be aloof, I can feel her excitement.

"Lady Li," I greet her.

A smile tugs at her lips. "Oh, shove it. Let's go."

She leads me out into the streets of Locley.

Her coat looks warm with a scarf around her neck.

We don't walk arm in arm. But, we are close.

The more upscale part of town opens for us.

A restaurant, named Silver Scale, carries the scent of roasted meat and vegetables.

My mouth waters at the promise.

Siri leads me into the high-end diner.

"Welcome, do you have a reservation?"

Siri nods and sets down the details.

Soon we're seated at a table.

The band doesn't start for another half hour, so we wait to order

That leaves the two of us without distractions.

An awkward silence hangs over the table.

"What-" she hesitates. "What do you think of... us?"

I shrug, "I feel like we're a good match. I'm glad I got to know you before our wedding."

Her face goes crimson.

"What is your family like?" she changes the subject.

I smile, "My mother and father are kind. My little sister, Mai, is energetic and sweet.

"This is the longest I've been without them since I was born."

She nods, "Me too."

"What's yours like?"

There is a melancholy to her as she says, "It's strict. I have four brothers and two sisters. I'm the second youngest.

"Father is only concerned about advancing the family.

"My engagement with you..." she looks at me, "almost didn't happen. Your family was small. But, my father heard of your reputation as a scholar and made the decision.

"I didn't get a choice."

I nod my understanding.

"Do you regret not getting a choice?"

She frowns and lets out a laugh.

"No."

I look into her eyes.

As the moment breaks over us, the band starts playing.

Harps and flutes carry over the audience while we make our orders.

The meat is succulent and the vegetables are perfectly salted.

At intermission, we enjoy a dessert.

She smiles as we enjoy the night.

It's cold as we walk back to the academy. My spirit warms her as we separate at the dorms.

"We should do this again," I say.

She nods her head, "Yeah."

With that, we return to our dorms.

Months pass like the blink of an eye.

The season changes and snow turns into rain.

Most afternoons, Siri and I battle on the training field.

She still has a straightforward spirit in her sword style.

But, like me, she is adapting to routines that carry trickery.

Her black hair is in a ponytail, her gaze is fierce.

I know that she's quite popular with the ladies of the school.

I've become conscious of the cliques that have been forming.

Most have central figures that hold the groups together.

Some are based out of the clubs.

But, regardless of how they form, these factions have a subtle hostility. As if at covert war with the other factions.

"Come on, Adam," Robert pesters. "Come out and meet the guys. We need someone like you."

I sigh as I look up from my notes.

"I'm not interested in joining any of the groups. They're usually cults of personality, fawning over their leader."

"But, that's not- Well- I mean..."

Roberts's argument falls flat.

"You should spend more time on your studies than on trying to be popular."

Sullenly, my roommate turns back to his desk filled haphazardly with papers.

I indeed have no interest in the youthful popularity contests.

I think about the inroads I've made with the future movers and shakers.

I haven't made any connections.

There is one group, though, that has piqued my interest.

The top-scoring student in the academy has taken to lecturing a supplementary study session.

Only a handful have taken up the opportunity.

I find a place near the group in the library.

"Spiritualists make up less than a fraction of a percent of the population. But, in wartime, these spiritual warriors can take on thousands of enemies.

"The heretic, Meridian, is reputed to have gathered to his side many of the unknown masters for his wars.

"From the twelve tribes, he gathered youths with an aptitude for spiritualism and trained their latent powers.

"These elect were fashioned into weapons that could face seemingly insurmountable odds.

"During the Judgment, Meridian stood alone. His forces were drawn away by his lieutenants who had been bought at the price of their master's life."

Old memories stir at the young man's exposition.

"But," one of the students interjects. "I've heard that the heretic had attained immortality.

"No body was recovered..."

The lecturer holds up a hand, "The purpose of this gathering is to study the facts.

"The facts are what you'll be tested on."

The young student shrinks away.

"Mr. Derrick," the man says. "You don't always have to sit so far away when you attend this group."

Caught in my eavesdropping, I scratch my head and stand up.

As I come up to the study group, he asks, "What do you think happened to Meridian?"

I look into the man's eyes and say without irony, "He died."

A smile takes the man's face, "Exactly."

From there, he continues to catch up the group on history and philosophy.

In the end, he stops me from leaving.

"Mr. Derrick, may I speak with you?"

I nod.

"I don't believe we've properly introduced ourselves. "I'm Ben Cooper."

"Adam Derrick."

He smiles, "I've been watching your performance for some time now. You have my respect as a scholar."

"Thank you. I hold you in high regard as well."

He laughs, "Thank you. I do my best."

I find myself wondering what he could want of me.

"I was wondering," he says. "I was wondering if you could teach me the spiritual arts."

I'm surprised by his request.

"What do you mean?" I'm not sure how comfortable I am with too many people knowing my secret.

"It's just," he looks excited. "When those two men were coming for me.

"You pulled them off their feet like magic."

I kick myself for not having been more stealthy.

There is a zeal in his eyes as he implores me to teach him.

I let out a sigh, "Okay. But, keep it a secret."

The night passes as I explain the breathing techniques, mantras, and visualization that are crucial for forming the spirit seed.

He absorbs it all like every lecture he's been to.

Finally, in the early hours, his zeal runs out.

"Thank you, Adam," he bows.

I wave his respect aside.

"That should get you started. There are no easy shortcuts. It takes time."

"I understand."

We part and I watch the moon for a while before returning to my dorm for meditation.