The raven, with plumes of the darkest shade of night, hopped across the books scattered on the long oak table within the first-years’ common building.
“Why is that?” Ingrid asked, sitting beside Velaya.
Velaya lifted the bird’s wing, running her fingers gently across its tiny bones, her face scrunched in concentration.“Why’s what?”
“Why is it that Druids are mostly elves? Or that Paladins are, more often than not, human?” Ingrid said, watching her prod at the bird.
“Or Sorcerers are assholes?” Otto offered from across the table, earning a chuckle from Athone who sat next to him, directly opposite Velaya.
They were seated at the long table that took up the majority of the space and ran the length of the room. Other seating areas with comfortable chairs and couches were stationed near the corners. Where there weren’t windows along the walls, there were bookshelves similar to all the others in the school, full of tomes and magical items. Against the wall, opposite the door behind where Athone and Otto sat, was a large cabinet with a long counter that sat relatively empty save for the stacks of dirty plates that always managed to return to the cabinets by morning, freshly cleaned. The drawers and cabinets were full of plates and cutlery and food ready to grab in a pinch.
They weren’t alone in the room. Other first-years occupied some of the chairs in the corners, and further down the table sat groups of students, clumped together pouring over their homework or engaged in chess matches, or conversation.
“We’re more intune with nature and the physical earth around us,” Rose said, walking back to the group after replacing a tome on the bookshelf behind them and sitting to Velaya’s left.
“Helps when our ancestors have been around for thousands of years,” Lime said, sitting across from Rose, as she looked within an empty pitcher on the table, frowning.
“That doesn’t explain why Light magic prefers humans,” Ingrid said.
“It’s not a matter of preference,” Athone spoke, without looking up from his assignment. “I believe it’s a matter of survival. Because elves live so long, and the Light can be used for healing and protection, I’d imagine it helps to balance the difference for us humans.”
Ingrid groaned, resting her head in her arms on the table. “I can’t keep up with any of this.”
Otto reached over and gently patted her head. “You’re fine Iggy, it’s only been a week.” She shot him a reproachful look.
“You sure you can’t use your Elemental magic, Vel? Our water’s empty,” Lime said, waving the empty jug about.
It was Sunday afternoon and Velaya had finished with her duties in the infirmary helping Magus Ossacus set a few bones and heal a few minor cuts that would have otherwise required stitches for anyone without magical gifts. Overall the hospital remained mostly quiet and she spent most of her time poring over books with Mograg, the Magus’ assistant, before she was excused at lunch. After joining up with her friends, they made their way to the common building where they currently sat finishing up their week’s homework.
True to her word, Velaya had spent most of yesterday and today focused on enhancing her Dark and Physical magic and had not reached out to the Elements in days.
“Sorry Lime, you know I cannot,” she chuckled.
“I think we’ve all earned a round of ale anyway,” Otto declared.
“That’s the first good idea you’ve had,” Rose teased.
Ever since Velaya’s attack, Rose had been quite pleasant to be around. Outside of Athone, she was the one who most often accompanied Velaya around the grounds and she was grateful for her company. While Rose often came across cold and severe, Velaya sensed the kindness and loyalty under her hardened exterior.
“Hey Cerwan, you mind flapping off to the Great Hall to get some for us?” Otto nudged the raven, who turned to snip at him.
“Thank you Cerwan, I think I understand the wings better,” Velaya said, making a note in the book before her. It featured an anatomically correct image of a bird that she'd been comparing to the one twittering on the table.
The raven leapt into the air and a flash of green light later, Cerwan Rol - the wiry Druid from Lime’s class, appeared behind Otto, lightly smacking the back of his head before taking a seat next to him. The group laughed, earning some scathing looks from a few Sorcerers huddled in the corner. Zyler Vance included.
“If only my family didn’t relocate from Elyzeme to Trelladain. I’d probably be able to shift too,” Lime pouted.
Cerwan’s deep chuckled rumbled down the table. “Everyone in my family learned from a young age.”
“What happened if you couldn’t?” Ingrid asked.
“Don’t know. We’ve all been able to,” he responded with a shrug.
“I thought magic wasn’t inherited?” Ingrid questioned.
“It’s not,” Velaya said, putting her quill down and stretching her arms over her head, yawning. Because of her early morning duties in the infirmary she hadn’t slept in like the others.
“Only expectations are,” Cerwan said, and Athone looked up at Velaya.
“Not something we’re familiar with, are we?” he winked. Velaya offered a small smile while the others at the table laughed again. She was certain she felt Rose still for a moment.
“Otto’s right,” Lime said, “we really should have a drink and celebrate surviving our first week!” She immediately winced at her choice of words. “Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
Everyone’s eyes fell to Velaya and she didn’t like the pity she saw within them. “You’re right, we should have one or two,” she said as brightly as possible.
“There’s the spirit!” Otto declared, slapping the table in front of him and standing up. “I’ll rally the other Mages. Lime, care to track down Aila? Cerwan, you get the wine. Iggy and Rosie, you’re on mug procurement duty.”
Ingrid cast her eyes to the Sorcerers in the corner and said quietly, “Perhaps it’s best if we take it back to our dormitory?”
“We won’t be able to join you then,” Athone said, standing and offering a hand to assist Lime. “Class specific dormitories are off-limits to those not a part of them.”
“Huh, I didn’t know that,” Otto frowned.
“We can meet down by the dock. It would be nice to put my feet in the water before it gets too cold out,” Rose suggested.
“Wonderful, we’ll meet you there in half an hour,” Otto said, throwing his arm around Cerwan’s shoulders and half dragging him out of the building. Cerwan’s deep laugh trailed out after them.
“We’ll take care of this stuff,” Athone said as he piled their tomes together and began tidying the table.
“See you then!” Lime said, as her, Rose and Ingrid left together.
“Not sure you’re old enough to be drinking Vel, I may have to let your mother know,” Athone said playfully. Velaya swatted at him with a rolled up scroll, which he dodged with ease, chuckling softly.
“As if being attacked wasn’t enough, that may just put her over the edge,” Velaya said, attempting to make herself sound more cheerful than she felt.
Athone’s smile faded as he replaced the books on the shelves and stuffed the last few scrolls in his bag before hanging it over his shoulder and rounding the table to stand before her. He put his hands on her shoulders and scanned her face intently. His lips were tucked down in the corners and lines formed between his brows.
“Have you written to them?” he asked quietly.
“Yes, of course. Doriel too, but I do not know when he’d get a chance to read them.” The post was collected weekly, and she had delivered her letters to the mailroom within the Tower before her time in the infirmary.
“I’m still surprised the Archmagus didn’t say anything to you about her visit with them.”
“What’s there to say? She likely met with them, Mother would have insisted to see me and have me sent home immediately, but Ena would have convinced her that I wasn’t ready to leave and you’re still stuck with me,” she joked, poking him in the chest and smiling up at him. His eyes dropped to her lips for half a second before snapping quickly back to hers. He returned her smile.
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“It’s no punishment, I can assure you,” he said smoothly and she rolled her eyes. “Come on, let’s go drop this stuff off.”
Twenty minutes later all ten Mages of the first-year, Jessica, Emilie, Rose, Zin, Ingrid, Otto, the twins Victor and Devon and Lilian were gathered by the water’s edge along with Lime and Cerwan from the Druid’s class and Athone. The third-year Shamans, Aila and her friend Dardan, joined them a while later, bringing more wine and ale along with a bunch of food from the Great Hall.
“I still remember my first week,” Aila said fondly, her chestnut skin flush from the wine. “Not quite as dramatic as yours.” She tipped her drink up in toast towards Velaya.
They were sitting in the grass near the shore along with Ingrid and Lilian watching their friends splash around in the water. Those with elven blood, Rose, Zin, Lime and Cerwan, were able to handle the cold better than their human counterparts and everyone else had since abandoned their swimming efforts.
Jessica, Emilie and Dardan were sprawled out on a blanket, not too far from where Velaya and her group sat, enjoying desserts. Similar to when Jessica and Emilie had visited her the day after the attack, they were debating over which treats were the best and Dardan was happily offering his opinions.
Just past them, further down the shore, Athone, Otto and the twins were practising their combat skills. The four of them hadn’t bothered with putting their shirts back on after swimming. Otto was slimmer than the rest of them, but his years spent on the fields left his body finely toned. Athone, Devon and Victor on the other hand were built like warriors with large shoulders and forearms and hardened abdominal muscles. They’d managed to find some wooden longswords and were using them to train. Victor was standing with Otto, directing Athone and his brother on how to block specific blows to the ribs.
Velaya felt an elbow nudge into her side and turned to look at Lilian whose long silver hair was still damp, her twinkling green eyes full of humour.
“Perhaps you should join them,” Lilian said quietly, raising her dark brows high above her eyes that peaked out over the rim of her glass as she took a deep, knowing, sip. Ingrid and Aila were still chatting about their first week and hadn’t heard her.
“That won’t be necessary,” Velaya responded a bit too quickly, staring down into the bottom of her own glass.
“I don’t know about that. Mastering the art of magical combat is an essential skill that is taught here. Can’t hurt to get a head start, especially given what happened earlier,” Lilian was watching Athone and Devon closely. “By the looks of it, I don’t think Prince Athone needs Vic’s lessons.”
The two watched as Athone pinned Devon’s wooden sword under his arm before twisting his body around and offsetting Devon’s balance. Athone moved faster than should be possible and within a second he had Devon pinned face down in the sand, earning a barking laugh from Victor and Otto’s applause.
“You are someone who takes their lessons seriously,” Lilian continued. “I think you’d benefit from what Athone could teach you.”
Velaya felt her cheeks flushing and she knew it wasn’t entirely from the wine. “I’ve already got extra lessons with Ena, Tessa and Ossacus. I don’t think there’d be time to add more.”
Lilian frowned, her eyes suddenly more serious. “All of those are just as important as being able to physically protect yourself. Joking aside, Athone is more than just a pretty face. You saw him in our Light class. His ability to draw on it during combat is impressive. I’m certain he’d be willing to help train you if you asked him.”
Velaya couldn’t help but agree. During their lessons with the Paladins, Athone had put on a masterclass of how to draw on the Light to cast a shield of protection around himself and had even used it to blast the training dummy apart, sending hay and burlap pieces flying through the sunbathed room.
“You’re probably right,” Velaya said quietly. “Maybe I’ll speak with him about it.”
“Good! Take me with you when you do,” Lilian responded, playfully nudging into Velaya’s shoulder and earning a laugh from her.
“Where are you two going?” Rose said, catching the end of their conversation. She’d left the others by the water and had come to join Velaya, Lilian, Aila and Ingrid.
Lilian handed Rose a glass and said, “Velaya’s going to convince Athone to give her more advanced self-defence lessons.”
“I’d imagine you’d have no trouble convincing him,” Rose said, a hint of a smile at the corner of her lips - her grey eyes bright. Lilian laughed.
“Please don’t encourage her,” Velaya groaned, rolling her eyes at Lilian.
Lilian’s dazzling green eyes sparkled with amusement. “Rose, would you mind telling her that the two of them would make a formidable pair? Two future monarchs, coming together to unit their Kingdoms.”
“Ayradora and Bellaurose already get along just fine,” Velaya said quickly, looking out towards the water.
Lilian laughed again and looked in her empty cup. “I’ll get us some more wine,” she said, pulling herself to her feet and heading off towards Emilie. Rose was watching Velaya.
“She’s not wrong you know,” Rose said quietly, causing Velaya to face her.
“It wouldn’t be practical,” Velaya said, shaking her head and casting her gaze towards Athone. “Perhaps if things had been different…” She trailed off.
Rose cocked her head. “What do you mean?”
“We both have duties to our own Kingdoms. Unfortunately, we cannot stay here forever. We will have to return to them once our studies here are complete.”
When Rose remained quiet, Velaya looked back at her. Had she noticed the resignation and sadness within her tone? She was fairly certain she’d been speaking casually but with the way Rose was frowning at her, she’d suspected she picked up on more. But Rose said nothing and Lilian returned a moment later with another pitcher and steered the conversation back to lighter topics.
It was late in the evening before Jessica reminded everyone that they had classes early in the morning and they begrudgingly collected their things and made their way back up the hill. Aila and Dardan wished them well on their second week, and Athone, Lime and Cerwan parted ways with the Mages once they reached the dormitories.
Otto had convinced Zin, the twins, Emilie and Lilian to stay up for another round of drinks and they sat around the table downstairs snacking, talking and laughing loudly with each other. Velaya had already had a few drinks herself and felt that was more than enough so she, Ingrid, Rose and Jessica had gone up to their rooms.
The girls spent some time in Jessica’s room, which was identical to Velaya’s. Both of them had started to amass a small collection of books and items that began to fill their shelves. Jessica sat at her desk, going over the schedule while the others sat together on her bed. No two weeks were the same, their lessons shifting and adjusting to the needs of the students. Because the Mages were to take classes with the Shamans, Druids, Paladins and Sorcerers, they often had to double-up their afternoon lessons with them in order to keep pace with their learning. If they thought their first week was busy it was about to get a lot worse.
“I’m doomed,” Ingrid laughed, the wine having taken an edge off her worry.
“You’ll be fine,” Velaya consoled her. “They wont let us fall far behind. If we do, I’m sure they’ll make concessions for us.”
“Or just give us more homework,” Rose moaned.
“Yes, I think our days off at the beach are limited,” Jessica said, digging her knuckles into her eyes under her glasses.
“I better get some sleep,” Ingrid said and the others nodded in agreement and bid each other goodnight.
Ingrid slipped into her room and Velaya and Rose walked quietly down the hall together. When Rose sighed heavily and sat on the purple cushioned bench at the end instead of going into her room, Velaya turned to her. Her cheeks were as pink as her hair and her eyes had a glossiness to them.
“Everything alright?” Velaya asked, smiling.
“I don’t get it Vel,” Rose said looking up at her, her eyes struggling to focus, leading Velaya to believe she’d had one too many glasses of wine. It was probably for the best that she wasn’t downstairs with the others.
“What don’t you get?” Velaya asked softly, her own blue eyes bright with refrained laughter.
“You,” Rose stated, and this time Velaya laughed.
Velaya sat beside her on the bench. “What is it you want to know?”
“I want to know why you must bear the burden of your Kingdom when it could not be more clear that you do not wish to be Queen.”
Velaya felt her insides turning cold and stared at Rose. She wasn’t looking at her - her gaze was unfocused and staring down the hall. There was no malice or hardness to her voice when she had posed the question. If anything it had been asked with a touch of concern. Velaya wrestled with every instinct that demanded her to shy away from this line of conversation but she was tired of fighting. This week had proven to be both physically and mentally exhausting, and yet she found herself surrounded by people that seemed to have a genuine concern for her. People that wanted to be her friend. Until now, she’d only ever confided in Doriel or Athone on personal matters - but even this topic was off limits to them.
When she said nothing, Rose turned to look at her again, and her grey eyes seemed more focused. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable. Sometimes I can be too blunt for my own good. I just sense that there’s more to you than you let on and after what happened earlier this week… I worry for you.”
The coldness inside Velaya vanished, replaced by a comforting warmth that crawled its way up and seemed to settle in the back of her throat. “There’s no need to worry about me,” she said quietly.
Rose scoffed before offering a kind smile. “I disagree. I’ve no doubt you would make a great leader but it doesn’t sit well with me that you aren’t offered a choice in the matter. Your brother was granted one because of his love of the sea. Why can you not be afforded the same with your love for magic? You said so yourself on the first day that you felt more at home here.” Rose’s face scrunched, her eyes closing as though trying to work something out. “It doesn’t add up.” Her eyes opened again to pierce into Velaya’s. “What am I missing?”
Velaya’s mind instantly turned to the prophecy. She took a deep breath, unsure of how much to confide in this new friendship. “I appreciate your concern. Truly I do. But I was born with an abundance of magical power whereas Doriel has none. My family believes that if I learn all that I can about my own abilities while I’m here, that I will be better suited to help our people in the future.”
“But you do not believe that,” Rose said. It wasn’t a question.
“No,” Velaya admitted quietly. It was the first time she’d done so aloud. “At least not yet. I have a lot to learn. Besides, it doesn’t require magic to be a good leader. I still think Doriel would make a great King. He’s already a beloved captain within the fleet.”
Rose didn’t appear fully convinced and continued to stare at her in confusion. Eventually she shook her head and smiled again. “Maybe I’ve just had too much to drink and can’t understand it.”
“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Velaya chuckled, and helped Rose get to her feet.
“Goodnight Princess,” Rose said, and much to Velaya’s surprise she pulled her into a tight hug. The smell of flowers mixed with wine tickled Velaya’s nose and she couldn’t help but smile as she returned the hug, gently rubbing Rose’s back.
“There’s something you don’t expect to see,” Otto’s voice carried down the hall and Velaya and Rose broke apart laughing along with him and the others who had finally made their way upstairs.
Later, as Velaya sank under the covers, she couldn’t believe how much she’d revealed to Rose. Part of her blamed the alcohol for having ushered her confession but the other part knew that she’d been longing to speak to someone else who may actually listen to her. She’d been carrying the weight of her own thoughts for so long that to finally confide in someone else felt quite liberating. Even if it was only half the truth.