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(Interactions with: Manfred & Hamir Zemana (@Force and Fury), Karim (@Theyra), and Mayu (@annaplz))


Eun-Ji were among those who had awakened early in the dawn of the next day. The last night had ended with a decent supper and a decent night's sleep. Eun-Ji had tried to make some efforts to politely get more acquainted with the rest of the group, especially with Karim and Mayu who she have yet to truly talk with until then. She deemed that it was only proper to get to know each other among people who were to be studying and working together for quite a long while. Not much else were done aside from that. Her last interaction before promptly falling asleep was to politely wish a good night to Mayu who were assigned the same quarter as she was, accompanied by a passing but equally polite praise about how lovable Mayu's little kitten was.

Of the rose she received from Leon, she had placed it on a small night stand beside her bed, wrapped in a piece of linen cloth save for its crown of violet petals.

Upon awakening, Eun-Ji proceeded to prepare for the day by first making herself decent. A quick yet proper washing of herself, aided by some small yet refined usage of Liquid Manipulation that was her specialty to make the process faster and more efficient while also allowing for a little bit of training. It was also an added bonus that she used a bit of Arcane magic to make the water warm and comfortable to use. After then drying herself, she had put on a fresh set of dress which were of traditional Tan Keoulian design. The set of dress were simple and comfortable to move in, yet also decent and not at all shabby, like most of the clothes that she had brought with her to Ersand'Enise. Finally, it was all finished with a proper making of her hair, and thus the whole of her morning preparations were done in less than half an hour.

Satisfied that she had done a decent job, she then quietly made her way out of the house, to the large garden part of Zeno Zemana's abode. There, she started the next part of her morning routine. A long set of slow and deliberate movements accompanied with controlled breathing, looking almost like a sort of dance where one attempted to become one with a flow invisible to the eyes. These series of movements were the internal aspects of the martial arts that she had come to become quite adept in. Unlike the swift and powerful external aspects commonly used for combat, these movements were peaceful, performed as both light exercise and also to calm the mind and the soul. It can be said as a form of meditation that was commonly done in the continent of Rettand, originally developed by the people of mainland Rettan under the term of neijia.

The practice took about another half an hour, and thus the first hour of Eun-Ji's day was concluded, just in time for the last of Ipte to turn into the earliest of Shune. The sun had slowly continued to rise, casting a soft and comforting light throughout the city. Eun-Ji decided to stay for a while more in the garden, enjoying the peaceful moments.

---

Sometime later, Eun-Ji had entered the house and headed for the kitchen upon noticing the noises of activities from within. There she found the Zeno himself busy preparing breakfast, as well as her fellow Biro Manfred. She heard the Zeno explained to Manfred about the agenda of the day as she approached the two, though fortunately for Manfred she didn't hear of the Zeno's teasing of him before it. Then she performed the same polite bow she did upon her introduction the day before as she stood near them. "Good morning, esteemed master Zeno and Mr. Manfred of House Hohenfelter. I hope you were able to rest well last night, as I did." Her gaze then fell upon Manfred. She wondered briefly if she should say more to the other Biro but soon realized that she can find no topic of conversation to be spoken about aside from the mysterious happenings of yesterday which she felt best not talked about in front of the Zeno. In the end, she settled for a respectful nod instead, before turning her gaze to the Zeno who was still busy with his breakfast making. "Is there anything I can help you with, master Zeno?"

Onarr Yidlob

“ Are you sure your son has the Gift…….”

“ …Impressive output for someone of your age….”

“......Swear on your blood….”

“ DING!”

Onarr woke up to the metallic fumes of rain-dew perforating the sodden earth around him. He blinked, touching his helmetless face. Joru. How did he get here? He shakedly stood up on his two legs looking around him. It was his home village of Rutumbo, but different. The streets were empty. The houses were not lighted with oil lamps nor torches to keep them warm in the storm.

“ Onarr.”

He turned around to see the source. There, standing under the shade of a desiccated baobab, was Aldrr. Only one person in Joru could have that shade of red.

“ Aldrr?” Onarr replied cautiously. His brother’s back was still turned to him as he approached slowly, feet scrunching on the wet dirt. Onarr didn’t notice fog erupting from the earth around him, surrounding the both of them like a hedge maze.

“ Aldrr?,” he repeated once more, his hand near his brother’s shoulder. It all then happened in a blink. Onarr’s back on the ground, lungs winded. His brother on top of him, eyes rotten yellow and face twisted like a weathered statue. Before Onarr could talk, meaty palms the size of pumpkins wrapped around his throat.

“ GIVE ME BACK WHAT YOU TOOK.”

Onarr struggled to breathe as his brother’s hand laid an iron vice grip on his throat.

“ LET ME TAKE WHAT YOU TOOK IN RETURN.”

Butterflies began swimming into his vision as his lung flared, the last thing he would see before he passed out was his brother’s cruel smirk -

---

DING! DING!

Onarr blearily blinked his eyes open at the sound of the bell. He rubbed his forehead, the rays of Ersand’Enise dawn cutting through the closed blinds. It took another second for him to realise he had fallen on the floor in the middle of his sleep, his blanket sprawled around his tiny form. He signed as he stood up, closing his eyes and breathing out to compose himself. The bascinet glimmered invitingly to him on the night-stand. As he set it on himself, his mind gained clarity in its cool, metallic grip.

His head pounded achingly as he touched the spot where he fell down and then, cringed. Perhaps, it would be prudent to see if there were any apothecaries nearby and whether they had any sleeping medicaments.

Breakfast was a temporary, delicious solution. Onarr preferred Joru cuisine compared to the more quaint flavors of Ersand'Enise but food was food and he had heaped his plate with a mountain of scrambled eggs, sausages and toast. A mind like his required vast amounts of energy if it didn't want to starve after a busy session theorizing. Just as he was finishing off the last dabs of yolk on his plate, Penny came down the stairs in a mad hurry. He currently had his helmet off as he continued to eat, his unkempt hair in a messy state as it ran down the length of his chair like an unpruned plant. He grunted at Sienna’s question, eager to get on with the day.

His fists clenched when his Zeno mentioned the last task they would at to do before the end of today. Ah, course selections. The next step of his journey. Onarr distinctly knew what he wanted but it seemed that he would be best to make an informed decision rather than let his biases rule him. He raised a stubby hand up in the air and then, spoke.

“ Would there be any courses you would recommend for us to do?”

Life as a street urchin meant Carmillia had acquired the skill of being a light sleeper. It had been a necessity in order to avoid being robbed or taking advantage of while she slept. Despite this, she appeared fast asleep when Flavius Cuellar snuck into her room during the late hours of Ipte.

The creaking of the window as he unlatched it. The knocking of his footsteps. Even the faint rattle of his belt buckle—all sound was rendered mute by his magic. Flavius casually waltzed over to the bed Carmillia lay in. The young man stood ominously over Carmillia’s sleeping body, his eyes twinkling with desire.

“Flavius,” said Carmillia, her eyes still closed. “There’s no point in silencing your movement if you don’t conceal your presence. You’re brimming with lust.”

“I was merely testing if you’ve gone soft,” he responded. It was the truth, Carmillia would not have been able to detect him if he truly wished to remain hidden. “Things have been quiet as of late. It wouldn’t do if our dear rose has lost her thorns.”

Things had indeed been quiet, business was smooth if not slow and it had been awhile since she’d used the services of The Crimson Hand. Ignoring his wordplay, Carmillia gracefully arose to face the young man in red. For a supposedly stealthy scout, Flavius dressed flamboyantly. It was intentional on his part, a subtle brag that he need not dress inconspicuously in order to remain hidden.

“Pray tell, please enlighten me as to why you’re bothering me at such an hour?” she asked, crossing her legs as she sat in bed. She had already liaised with Bernhard the night before—she had updated him about the day’s events and he had given her more in-depth profiles of her fellow apprentices.

“Ol’ Berny sent me. He felt like this couldn’t wait.”

Carmillia raised an eyebrow at that.

Flavius then proceeded to update her on the events that occurred. Flavius had been on watch duty, keeping an eye over the townhome while Carmillia slept. He noticed Illanaq Sigmundottir sneaking out during the night. She had been behaving oddly hence his decision to follow her—it was most definitely not because watch duty was boring and he wanted to stretch his legs. He followed her up to the docks where he had been forced to keep a distance when she headed towards cliffs facing the Ensollian Sea. Even for him, there was a possibility of being detected if he was following her out in the open. Flavius, stealthy as he may be, was no illusionist. Illanaq who had entered the mists never reappeared. Flavius had then taken a risk went after her but she was nowhere to be found. After updating Bernhard, he was then told to notify Carmillia immediately.

“Honestly, I don’t know what’s the rush for,” he said. “Berny could’ve told you himself tomorrow.”

“Bernhard wouldn’t have made you notify me if it wasn’t important,” she responded. “You say she simply vanished?”

“She did. Gone without a trace,” he said. “It might have something to do with those other folks sneaking around.”

“Excuse me?”

Flavius explained that he had not been the only one sneaking around in the city. He was unsure of the exact number, but there had been several others moving about. Mages adept at stealth. “They were skilled,” he said.

Carmillia tossed her bed lamp at him in annoyance. “Open up with that next time, would you?”

Flavius caught it with ease and shrugged nonchalantly. “I wasn’t sure if it was of relevance,” he responded.

Carmillia digested the information. For an arrogant man like Flavius to acknowledge them, it meant that they were professionals. Why did Bernhard want me to know immediately? she pondered as she tried to connect the dots.

Illanaq was the least significant member among the apprentices under Fades-in-Moonlight. Unlike the others, there was nothing of note about her. She was from a lowly merchant family and while she was adept at magic, it was nothing compared to others like Jomurr. Carmillia cared little for her and Bernhard was aware of this fact. There was more to this. Why was she targeted? Illanaq was a nobody, her background made her an unlikely target for something political in nature. The only unique thing about her was that the growth of her RAS had been irregularly large for a redblood. Irregular growth…?

Aberrations could be harnessed to amplify one’s magic potential. It was something that Carmillia had researched herself in the past but she lost interest in the matter after discovering the side effects. It was possible that Illanaq had been harnessing aberrations—it would explain her magical proficiency.

Everything clicked. The mysterious events that conspired during the ceremony. An group of unknowns prowling about the city. Illanaq’s sudden disappearance. It was likely they were all related to the Traveller. Bernhard probably connected the dots and knew Carmillia would too.

“Miss Carbonneau?”

“That will be all, Flavius. You may go,” she said. “And put that back where you found it.”

Flavius grimaced as he placed back the dress he was holding. Carmillia had laid it out earlier, it was the outfit she had chosen for the next day's activities. Whatever Flavius had been intending to do with it, she had no intentions of finding out.

He gave her a small bow and with that, he was gone.

Mayu moved as slowly as humanely possible, taking utmost care in shifting her weight from feet to feet. She was carrying a bright red cherry that was the size of an entire pumpkin. It was to be the finishing touch for her life sized gingerbread house. She had spent days assembling the delicious work of art and all that was left was to place the cherry on the frosting topped chimney—she just needed to make sure the roof did not crumble as she made her way over.

Drip.

She felt a droplet of water hit the top of her head. Oh no, she thought. Please don’t rain! Despite her inner pleas, more droplets of rain started falling. Within seconds, it was a torrential shower. She felt the cookie roof start to sag under her weight. The house was going to fall apart-

“Nggnggh…!” groaned Mayu as she awoke. Her face was covered in slobber, courtesy of Cumin. Groggily, she tried to fend off the fluffy critter. “Stop it already, Cumi-”

Her eyes shot wide open. She glanced around in a panic. Eun-ji was nowhere to be seen, all that remained was her neatly tidied bed. The only ones left in the room were her and Cumin. Judging from the rays of sunlight coming in through the window, it was already the late hours of Shune, possibly even Oraff. Her plan to wake up early and prepare a meal for Zeno Zemana and her fellow apprentices was in shambles. She had planned to use her culinary skills to give Karim a second bribe as well as Eun-ji whom she had revealed Cumin to after she discovered they were sharing a room.

“Why didn’t you wake me up earlier?” Mayu asked Cumin.

The young kitten mewed back in annoyance. It had been trying to do just that.

“Oh,” she responded.

She petted the kitten apologetically. Cumin purred in response.

Hurriedly, Mayu started undressing and putting on a fresh set of clothes. A comfortable green top and a white skirt. The moment she was done, she rushed out her room after telling Cumin to stay behind. In her haste, she had forgotten to shut the door; an opportunity that the kitten did not miss.

As Mayu was halfway down the hall, she caught a whiff of the scent of freshly baked bread. Somebody was already preparing breakfast! Mayu quickened her pace, increasing the distance between her strides. She ran down the stairs two steps at a time, then three, then… BAM! Mayu found herself crumpled at the bottom of the stairs, both her feet in the air. The only silver lining was that she was relatively unhurt.

Mayu scrambled to her feet to greet those already in the kitchen. “G-good morning everyone. T-today looks like it’s going to be a wonderful day!” she said awkwardly. She could feel her soul cringing from within.

To add insult to injury, Cumin who had been following after her, decided to jump atop her shoulder. He was out in the open, for all to see. Oh shite, she thought.

Great beams of sunlight were already slanting down through the windows by the time Selio slowly sat up in bed. He looked around a moment and stretched leisurely, still feeling the hold of sleep firmly on his mind. After all this time, it seemed funny that waking up in a timely fashion remained one of his most bitter struggles.

He paused a second to reflect on all that had happened yesterday. As someone that had experienced precious little pomp and ceremony in his life, the proceedings in the ceremony had been staggering. The roar of the crowds, the cacophony of the bells - it had made him feel small in an entirely different and unfamiliar way than he was used to. Standing out amidst the dunes in their heights evoked wonder, yes, but only one other time in his life had he felt so... scrutinized. He had hardly spoken to anyone the entire day, too busy drinking in the sights and sounds of the unfamiliar green land with its tall silvery stone structures. Pentads, the buildings of the academy itself dwarfed the low, practical sandstone buildings of his family's villa four or five times over. Afterwards, he had been so exhausted that he had gone to bed right after they had all supped, and probably not moved a hair since just now.

The soft sound of voices downstairs caught his ear. Right. He was here to work, first and foremost. Damn the city and all its colors for the moment - it was time to learn a little more about the people he would be learning with. And maybe take some time to address some other needs as well, he though wryly as his stomach rumbled in response to the smells of food wafting up the stairs.

He rose and began to dress, taking care not to make too much noise - his roommate was still abed, a chaotic tangle of limbs and sheets that didn't look like it was going to be undone any time soon. A loose-fitting white shirt went on over his head, and then was buckled securely to his waist with a wide belt. He slipped his feet into a supple pair of long boots, taking a moment to work his feet firmly and comfortably into the soles.

As Selio creaked his way down the staircase, the conversation became a little easier to pick out. Something about when the classes would start? He hesitated for just a second on the final step. Two students were up, it seemed, speaking to the Zeno himself. He recalled meeting them both yesterday, now that he thought on it, but given his preoccupation he hadn't paid them as much attention as he should have. There was the smaller Rettanese girl - the one who had just been talking - and what seemed to be a young noblewoman from the far South. His eyes lingered just a bit; he'd never quite seen hair that color before. Striking.

The youth crossed quickly and slipped into the nearest available seat. "Good morning," he said, ducking his head towards his two peers and then inclining his head more deeply and respectfully towards the Zeno. "I hope I did not... cause an interruption." Agh, but Avincian could be a troubling language sometimes. He briefly turned his attention to his breakfast, and took an exploratory bite. Oh. Pentad, preserve me. He didn't realize quite how hungry he actually had been. He took a second, larger bite quickly after the first, then raised his eyes back to the others.

---

It was... quite an eclectic group that made its way about campus. Eight groups, truly, for the Biros were divided into eight informal 'collegia', each headed by an Arch-Zeno, the Zenith, or the Paradigm (who did not actually travel with his students on account of his greatly advanced age).

As they walked, their college administrators spoke. They started in front of the Aquiline Fountain in the center of the Grand Plaza, and soon made their way to Balthazar Hall, where much of the school's administrative work took place and where most all of their courses in the languages and academic stream were to be held, as well as a handful from the arts stream. They were led to Medeville Place, where a great greenhouse - nearly two hundred feet high and temperature regulated through the use of the Gift, acted as home to flora from all across the known world. They were shown the Treacle and Habregon Buildings, which housed laboratories for the natural sciences, chemists and alchemists, a grand telescope for viewing the stars and planets, and a runecrafter for the sealing of magics into mundane items. Next was Indigo Theatre: a grand performance venue for orchestra, drama, and receptions, along with smaller and more intimate performance rooms. Some might've marveled at the Sanz-Petterel Clocktower with its massive, faintly glowing clock face depicting hours, days, months, and seasons, sculpted from gold, ivory, and lapis lazuli. There were the noble, merchant, and 'everyone else' dorms, and the Biros were shown their rooms and entrusted with their keys for the night after this one.

Flagging in energy and attention, perhaps, they reached the Grand Library of the Magical Arts and the Mundane. They scarce had time to marvel at the ten stories of tomes, maps, scrolls, and scientific tools, much less the fabulous central atrium and the star-shaped glass dome one hundred-fifty feet above their heads - the largest of its sort anywhere in the world - and they were ushered onwards. The stylish facade of Blackbriar Manor seemed almost to welcome them in with its stone chimneys, great bay windows, and cozy nooks and fireplaces, yet they skipped it for the time being. Finally, the exhausted students reached Arc-en-Ciel Hall, with its gorgeous rainbow stained glass windows and cavernous lecture halls. It was here that their tour ended and they found themselves inside of one of those very great spaces, course registry papers thrust into their hands.

"A moment of your attention," called a voice from the podium at the far end. It was none other than Zenith Upta's, and the way that it boomed inside of their skulls made clear that it was magically enhanced. "We will be taking a recess of one and a half hours so that you may enjoy a luncheon." Two sets of double doors opened at one end of the hall and dozens of finely-liveried servants strode in, pushing hand-carts piled high with a buffet. This, they began presently setting on a series of tables. "Dare I say this would be an excellent opportunity for you to get to know some of your instructors and your fellow students." She seemed almost to meet all of their eyes as she spoke, whether through magic or simply as a practiced speaker, one could not be certain. "After this, we shall reconvene at 4:00 Dorrad and you will be given the opportunity to learn more about some of your options at this, your home and school for the next five years. For the time being, however, you are dismissed!"

At these words, twenty five long tables appeared seemingly out of nowhere, set and ready to be eaten at. The setting out of the buffet had concluded as well, and all that was left was for students to find their places (for all tables were labelled by Zeno group even though the Zenos themselves sat separately, with the other faculty), help themselves to some food, and do whatever it was that they were going to do.

---

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VYRIK

“So, Yemu was it?” Vyrik asked the small Rettanese girl, skipping up to her as they exited Zeno Mozaru’s house.
He seemingly hadn’t fully awoken yet, eyes still heavy, movements sluggish and a yawn escaping his mouth.
It was clear he had missed all the details of the day ahead, yet he carried on completely unphased by his utter lack of knowledge. Fully happy to just trail along.
He was bare of foot, hair an absolute mess and his black eye, while faded, still accentuated the odd colour of his iris.
”Where we going?” he finally asked offering her a strip of bacon that he swiped on his way out as he bit a chunk off the sausage he held in his other hand.

”Oh, this is good.” he murmured while chewing.

He was not used to such good food.
As he steadily awoke a thought infiltrated the back of his mind, more of a memory. A memory of a deal he had made. Vyrik groaned suddenly, eyes rolling without explanation. Oh well, it was just something he would have to take care of later today, if he could escape.

@TheMushroomLord

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Penny furrowed her brow. Somebody had written a list of... reagents...groceries... on her course registry form. Truly, she was glad to be seated. She had stuffed the forms in her satchel without much thought, exhausted, hands full with her crutches, and eager to be off of her foot. Now, however, she had a mystery to solve. Lemon, vinegar, alum, quill... The girl blinked, recognizing something about those items. Arcel had mentioned some of them when talking about the correspondence she was to deliver for him. They would be... She paused, glancing around momentarily to see if anybody was paying her very much attention. Yes! That was it! All of these have to do with invisible ink!

She was seated at a table with her group and three others. She recognized most of them from yesterday's celebrations, including one of the other Perrench girls she'd sat with and... Leon Solaire had excused himself, along with Onarr. She couldn't help but wonder why a bit, but she supposed they had their own business to attend to and it would not do well to be nosy. This is some sort of coded message from one of my brother's people. She was certain. Anesin was beside her and Penny had thought about mentioning the list to her. Instead, all that had taken place was a handful of awkward, anxious glances over, a moment of fleeting eye contact, and a blush. Presently, the Perrench girl was busy stuffing her face in a most unladylike manner, waiting for a conversational or situational rescue. The hall was great and cavernous, filled with the hum of conversation and the clatter of cutlery. Her world seemed small, though, now: focused. Ingredients for invisible ink written on my page! Surely, that had a purpose! Was it Arcel who wanted something from her, one of his contacts, or another matter altogether?

The tour would have been fascinating for Onarr if he hadn’t made an effort to walk around the grounds a week before the ceremony. The Treacle and Habregon buildings naturally excited him, a feeling of wonderment bubbling up inside his chest as his mind imagined the glassware, the alchemical ingredients, the safety apparel that he would have access to concoct his studies. He breathed a sign of relief that the tour didn’t extend to the Arboretum. He already had enough bad memories of that horrible goose and didn’t want to relive them.

The other issue of notice was those horrible course requirements. Onarr had already made up his mind about the courses he wanted to select. There were only a few which had gathered his interest, although he was appalled by the electives requirement. Although he wasn’t close minded as to decry the possibility of broadening his academic knowledge, he was undoubtedly chuffed that he could not take all of the courses in the academic stream and that he was forced to take motley domestic courses.

When they finally reached Arc-en-Ciel hall, Onarr was lame and tired, his legs feeling like lead as he trudged forward to keep up the pace with his companions. Now, Onarr was no gourmand but the selection of dishes and appetizers made me salivate. Torragonese egg tarts. Belzagg beef stew. Perrench plum duck. Onarr jumped up and down to see more as waiters and cooks passed by, spits of roasted meat hanging on their food carts alongside various dishes of sumptuous delicacies. By Shune’s light, he could have died happy and full here.

Just as he was about to scramble to grab a dish, Onarr stopped a hair breadth from grabbing a kebab stick loaded with roasted peppers and signed. He forgot about his appointment! Onarr coughed out loud to his fellow group of apprentices to catch their attention.

“ My apologies but I’m afraid I must bid you well for now. I’m required elsewhere for the moment. ” Onarr paused as he pointed at a cart to the left of him and spoke to Anesin and Linah. “ Please try the Joru monkfish over there. It looks well cooked”

Onarr stifled his desire to just grab a Torragon cookie as he split quietly from his apprentice group and made his way to the Aquilline Fountain. He sincerely hoped that his private soiree would have cuisine that would be up to par with what he had seen. Preferably, good hearty Joru cuisine. The Revidian fare of Ersand’Enise was fine for sublimating one’s hunger but he missed the tastes of his homeland, the place where he grew up.

VYRIK

Vyrik barely heard Zander Mozaru’s speech as the Zeno lead the small group around on a tour of the campus. His voice droning out amongst the background noises.

Starting the tour in the Grand Plaza, Vyrik began by splashing his face in the large fountain to freshen up a little and then, after sighting a lone coin in the water, got a bit wetter trying to dig it up. The coin being just out of his reach, he had attempted to make a display of his abilities and drag it towards himself with some kinetic energy but only succeeded in splashing the entire group. Himself mostly.
While he was all smiles and laughs at the situation, not everyone else shared his humour or enthusiasm.

Balthazar Hall bored the daylights out of him, and it showed in his mannerisms and unrelated interrupting questions. He needed some aid drying his clothes before entering however. Heating was not a gift he was proficient with.

The greenhouse held a bit more of his attention as he explored the trees and plants with an almost curious interest. Climbing what he could until scolded and told to get down. The Treacle and Habregon Buildings seemed of import and he made a mental note on how to find the chemists, alchemists and runecrafter. He later queried as to who the best rune crafter was.

The Theatre amused him for a minute due to its sheer size and acoustics. Then he once again got to testing his gift, trying to get free advice from Mozaru. “I can manipulate and draw incoming sound.” he said. ”but not outgoing.” he complained. Vyrik had recently taken a sudden fascination with silent moving. ”I know it can be done, that person you sent to me did it...”
Just mentioning that caused memories to come back along with thoughts he had forgotten. It brought back that uneasy feeling.

Vyrik was soon starring at the massive, faintly glowing clock face of Clocktower, trying to discern how to read it despite just being told. To him it was an intricate marvel of moving parts and magic that truely amazed him. It was probably the most interesting thing on this tour beside that one older girl he saw in a class. Their passing of the window was only brief but she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Light magic emanating from her every pore, and then in a blink darkness took the room entirely. It was so brief and sudden he couldn’t even be sure any of it was real.

Next Vyrik was reminded why someone like the beautiful and mysterious girl in the window could never be his. Classism. The dorm segregation was a brutal reminder that he grew up differently to some others. That he would be looked upon differently. It made Vyrik mad. He thought just maybe here of all places things might be different but he was wrong. While he had been too distracted to notice it, it was everywhere. The separation, the discrimination. He took his key but his thanks was flat and empty.

Vyrik was far from flagging in energy when they finally reached the Grand Library. He was riled up and ready to take on the world. He continued to quickly scan through the paperwork thrust into his hand and scribbled down his selection.

The Required course registry was easy. He just picked the only things he was any good at. The form did say three right?
Kinetic
Chemical
Magnetic

The Elective course registry was s bit trickier. ‘To hell with all the pompous arts’ he thought to himself. ‘Leave that for the snobby nosed fops.’
His first choice was an easy choice. Sports equaled games. And then came his second. Until he crossed it out for another. While he wasn’t fond of gardening two words stole his attention. Animal familiar.
So with two choices already both from the skills stream he had to pick something else.
Natural sciences was the only academic that he might find slightly interesting so he picked that. Then he looked at languages and back up at the arts. He hesitated feeling the weight of his choice. Finally he just went for it and his choices were made.
With a sigh he sat down.

SK104 - athletics, agility, physical fitness & sporting activities
SK02
SK103. Plants, gardens, farming and Animal familiars!
AC102 science stuff.
AR103 Instrumental and vocal Music

Linah arose not long after dawn, and got ready for the day shortly. She was early to breakfast, but not so much so that there would be no breakfast yet. She greeted Mr. Serrio, their Zeno’s servant, quietly, and thanked him for his services.

She’d been curious to see Onarr nonchalantly deposit his bascinet to the side, revealing his face. It was heavily scarred from magic, and Linah was nearly certain that was due to the boy’s own experiments. She didn’t get the sense that he was the kind to get into fights, or that this was something that had been done to him on purpose. While she’d assessed his injuries, she did not let her gaze linger beyond that; it would be impolite. Nor did she ask him about it.

Penny turned out to be a heavy sleeper. Zeno Afraval herself had to make quite a racket. The noise was bothersome enough for Linah to muffle it kinetically until their latecomer finally made her way downstairs. At this point, Linah was long finished with her food and drinks, and was leaning back into her chair comfortably as she let her digestion do its work.

She did lean forward attentively when Zeno Afraval recited their schedule. The most important part of her recommendations, however, was when she answered Onarr’s question. Linah pondered on that advice throughout the day. There were many things she was intrigued by, which might be a risk, and would certainly broaden her horizons. However, a passion? That, she was uncertain about. Was there anything she was dedicated to beyond her own survival, and the bettering of her station? No, but the latter would require many things, even things she might not enjoy doing. Then again, she might. But she didn’t think there existed any such subject which would earn her passion it for its own sake.

These thoughts preoccupied her till lunch. She enjoyed when the tour took them to areas she’d not had the chance to explore thoroughly beforehand yet, but mostly it was just a lot of shuffling around in a large group. As if they were some hapless tourists. In the end, the pointless activities were not so relevant as to let her thoughts linger on them. Instead, Linah eagerly perused the course selection papers they were handed. She was still considering the options presented when she sat down to eat, though the food in front of her did admittedly detract from that. She took opportunity of the wide selection of foreign foods on offer, trying bits of this and that.

Karim had been unusually quiet in the morning when meeting with his Zeno and his fellow students. Mainly because he felt a little out of it for some reason. It could be the surprisingly bad night he had, like a series of bad dreams. Maybe he caught something from a student during the opening ceremony, and it was just fever dreams. Still, if not that, Karim did not know why he would have bad dreams. Why he is finally here at the Academy and instead of good feelings and joy. Bad dreams and feeling out of it after spending one night here. It did not make sense to him. Either way, Karim did not feel like talking much. Even when Mayu's secret cat was revealed, nothing. However, he did feel glad that Hamir was okay with the kitten. Making that bribe yesterday was kinda pointless, but the cookies were still good.

Once breakfast was over, and the tour began. Karim was in a better mood and enjoyed the tour. Seeing the academy grounds and taking in the sights. The Medeville Place was one place that amazed them, a large greenhouse with all sorts of plants from across the world. Making his mother's greenhouse so small in comparison. Making a mental note to visit the greenhouse once he had more free time and free reign of the academy grounds.

The next stop was the Treacle, and Habregon Buildings which, while the laboratories here were bound to be of excellent quality. Karim was interested in the grand telescope that was housed here. He had always had a fascination with the stars and the night sky. And here he has a chance to learn more about it. Certainly going to choose the Astrology elective the first chance he gets.

The clocktower was very impressive, sure but, the Grand Library of the Magical Arts and the Mundane took the cake for him. All of that knowledge and books in one place. Karim wanted to explore it and just get samples of what is stored there. It will probably take a good while but, to him, it would be worth it.

Finally, reaching the next in the tour, and lunch was ready. Along with paperwork and while a part of him wanted to explore the grounds a little further. He was hungry, and Karim took the time to finish his course selection work before eating. Which, the selection of foods was something that great. Though they did not have any cloudmelons, which Karim was slightly disappointed by but, he can surely ask his parents to send some soon. Still, Karm chose to be brave with his food choices and go with those he had never tried and looked good. Which he was glad did as he ate and wondered how his group was doing. Hopefully, as good as him and Karim just enjoyed himself after having a bad night.

---

Between notable landmarks or even at places he didn’t care about, Leon seemed puzzled by the course selection sheets everyone was given. Even more baffling, it was the required courses registry he was studying so in-depth. What could have gotten the stylish prodigy so confused about the standard course registry?

“Say Carmilla.” Leon turned to his pale teammate with his best set of eyes. “You are proficient in Chemical magics, correct? I hope you will be able to make sense of this.”

Leon flipped his required course registry around to reveal that there is some ingredients handwritten on it. Lemon, vinegar, alum, quill. This was almost certainly the source of Leon’s confusion.

I am, but not by conventional standards, she thought. Carmillia edged in closer to Leon to take a better look.

“The lemon, vinegar and alum are most likely the ingredients for invisible ink. The quill to use said ink,” she answered.

You don’t really need to be a chemical mage to understand this, she thought. She pondered over it briefly. It was odd to give Leon that list given he clearly did not understand basic chemistry. A random prank? A course registry that someone had used as scrap paper and forgot about? Or perhaps it could simply be part of the school tour. A clue for an event of some sort. Nevertheless, it was unlikely to be anything important.

“Do you know what it’s for?” she asked, innocently.

"Invisible ink, huh?" Leon scratched his chin a bit in thought. "Sounds like a pretty advanced chemical technique. Do we need a Zeno or something to tell us how to reveal it?" Leon's face shone with sincerity as he asked this. He had never heard of invisible ink before and he had a poor concept of what constituted chemical magics.

"I wouldn't have a clue what its for though." Leon brought the page closer to his eyes to see if he could see the ink. He then looked back to Carmilla with a more devious smile. "Hey, you think someone wrote me a love letter on this same page? It wouldn't be the first time someone has put this much effort in. But I always appreciate it when they do."

“We won’t be needing a Zeno for this,” she responded, making sure to keep any mocking out of her tone. “There are multiple ways to reveal invisible ink but the most convenient method for us mages would be to use heat energy.”

As Leon continued his theatrics, Carmillia felt unsure whether or not to write him off. He appeared genuinely foolish but no mere fool would have success mirroring his.

Fool or not, it was a matter of fact that Leon Solaire was whimsical. They were having a conversation now but if their first encounter was any indicator, Leon could get bored at any moment and wander off. Opportunities to have his attention were scarce so she played along with him.

“As for whether or not it’s a love letter, we could solve that mystery by checking right now?” she said cheekily.

Leon listened intently to Carmilla's short explination. It didn't sound particularly difficult to reveal invisible ink. He wondered if it was really an advanced chemical technique or if she was just being nice.

Despite these inner thoughts, Leon's smile didn't falter once. As if the processes in his mind had no effect on his expression. "Well luckily I am somewhat of an expert in Arcane magic. This shouldn't be too much of a challenge." With a flamboyant flick of the wrist, the tip of Leon's right hand index finger lit up. The heat and light emitting from it fluxuating in intensity as Leon scanned for hidden messages."

"I hope it is some sort of love letter. Frankly, it would be really sweet. I already have a few guesses as who it could be from. That girl with the brunett..." Leon started listing a wide range of people as guesses. None really stood out, either because everyone on that list was generic looking or because Leon just couldn't describe them very well.

Enough with the love letter already, she thought. Carmillia waited patiently as Leon went on and on about the potential senders. It eventually reached a point where they were basically nondescript.

"If there is a hidden message, it should appear by now," she said.

As Leon applied heat to the page, nothing seemed to appear immediately, hence the rather long 'discussion.' However, as he moved his hand very carefully all of the way to the top and all of the way to the bottom, a hidden message appeared close to the latter: "Foundations in Drawing, Converting, and Casting in the Blood School of Magic (MF107) - registration will not count towards a student's course limit."

Blood Magic, Leon saw the oppurtunity to study Blood Magic. The veil of the showman gave way to the briefest uncharacteristic look of disgust. Although he had only heard rumours of such a school, the very foundation of it was antithetical to everything Leon believed. A school of magic almost entirely designed to harm others. He would spit on the paper if he wasn't in the company of others. And just like that, as soon as it had arrived, that look gave away back to regular Leon.

"Don't see anything I'm afraid. Frankly I'm a little disappointed after someone put in this much effort." While Carmilla's attention was drawn to his own course registry, Leon put his hand out politely toward her. "While we are here, I could check your registry as well. Who knows, yours might be more interesting than mine."

"I doubt there'll be anything, given that mine looks like a normal form. But it couldn't hurt to try?" she said as she handed him her own form. It had been brief, but Carmillia had caught a glimpse of his look of disgust. So the showmanship was a front, she thought. Or at least, partly.

Carmillia's understanding of Leon was not anywhere close enough to accurately guess what could trigger such an reaction. Her interest was piqued. It was doubtful that Leon would reveal it's contents which meant she would have to resort to other means.

Leon gracefully accepted Carmilla's course registry and lit up his hand to scan it once again. A short time after looking, Leon's eyes widened a bit as he brought the page closer to his face and angled away from Carmilla's sight.

"My Dearest Carmilla,"

"I knew when I first gazed upon your oddly pale charms under the moonlight that you had me. We had a great time at that merchant's ball in Perrence, didn't we? It is not an easy thing to say, so I had sought to write my true feelings in invisible ink. But... I love you and I hope one day I can gather the courage to tell you in person."

"Yours truly, you already know."

Leon left a long pause after reading that, looking at Carmilla with a shocked expression. "Carmilla... My lips are sealed."

"Oh my."

While such a person could definitely exist—smitten horny males were beneficial for business—none were currently present at the academy. Leon was clearly fooling around and his mischief would be revealed the moment he returned the form to her. Before that happened, it would be useful to poke more into his psyche.

“It must feel terrible for this person to bottle all this up,” she said. “I feel awful for being unable to reciprocate his feelings.”

Carmillia was staring at the ground in dismay. As if struck by an epiphany, she looked back up at Leon with hopeful eyes.

“As my fellow apprentice and someone who is experienced at this, maybe you could spare some advice. How do you handle confessions from all your fans?”

She bought it hook line and sinker, I'm such a villain Leon thought. While his ruse was ultimately a lie, it was clear she thought it was correct. So she was aware of some secret admirer. Leon felt a bit bad for tugging on heart strings like that. It had clearly affected his team mate deeply. But it was his duty as her teammate to let love shine.

"I think things like this just have a way of coming together. I can't offer much in terms of advice." Leon cheerfully smiled as he handed back Carmilla's course registry. "But I wish you good luck."

If you can do something about it, why worry? And if you can't, why worry?—that kind of mindset, eh?she thought. As expected, the form itself had no hidden message. Continueing the act, Carmillia feigned indignation and pouted.

---

Leon had a quick look over the selections for courses. He had little trouble choosing subjects he wanted to pursue:

Foundations in Drawing, Converting, and Casting in the Arcane School of Magic (MF102)
Foundations in Drawing, Converting, and Casting in the Binding School of Magic (MF103)
Dramatic Performance in Tragedy, Satire, Epic & Comedy (AR102)
Instrumental and Vocal Musics, Songwriting & Ensemble (AR103)
Etiquette, Decorum & Forms of Address in Polite Society (SK101)
Fundaments of Astrology & Divination in Magical Practice (AC105)

---

After his discussion with Carmilla, Leon surveyed the group of students around him. The Castle was going to be his accomodations, hanging out with all the commonfolk. It would be nice to find someone who would be there. As much as he liked his team, they all seemed a bit bourgeois for the type of party Leon had planned.

The boy in front of Leon wore a rather nice looking white jacket. From a distance Leon could see it was made by a rather nice fabric. This wasn't to mention the jewellery that adorned him. From attire alone someone would assume this person was a merchant. But his posture and walking demeanor betrayed any illusion of that. This boy was a commoner, or maybe a performer like him.

Leon slowly picked up pace to be next to the guy. "I don't mean to be rude, but you seem common, are you not?" He asked in a rather oblivious manner.

Vyrik was just on his way out of the building when someone spoke to him. The puzzled look on Vyrik’s face stuck for a moment and then slowly faded, morphing into a frown as he made sense of it. Then he replied.

”Oh Yes, I am quite common. You will find me everywhere. In fact you will probably bump into about ten of me just in this very hall.” he said as seriously and flatly as he could, mimicking the tone and mannerism that had drilled its way into his head over the course of Zeno Mozaru’s tour this morning. He leant in to add a whisper. "Also, I don't mean to be rude, but you seem a pompous mooncalf, are you not?" He stood back and gave a wide friendly smile, one that betray the barbs in his last words.

”Now, if you don’t mind, I have to go try teach a child who is likely giftless how to use a gift that I barely know how to use myself less he tell a lie and label me a wanted criminal.” there was serious concern amongst those words despite how he tried to play it off for its seemingly ridiculousness.

With that Vyrik spun on the spot and flicked out his cloak, whipping it up in a flourish with the little bit of the kinetic magic he had drawn. No he wasn’t a performer but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have a little bit of that theatrical flair.

Leon was left a bit speechless by the exchange. He certainly wasn't expecting such a confrontational reply to the conversation. "Ah, well, good luck with that." Leon replied in a cheery tone. A smile hiding his dumbfounded and insulted mental state.

Jomurr Ikon the Third, busy walking by, heard a bit of the conversation, scowled, and pulled up alongside Leon, leaning in. "If I do say so myself, that fellow is profoundly unqualified to be a teacher of any sort." He pursed his lips, nodded just-so, and started to move on.

Leon slipped back to his group where he responded to Jomurr. "Well I don't know about that. He certainly has the... I can't describe it really. But I think he could be a good teacher. Not as if I've ever been to a school outside of this though."

Jomurr quirked an eyebrow. "Clearly..." he responded, letting a smirk slip through his imperious facade. "You are far too generous a soul, Solaire." He let out a sigh. "Now, shall we see what 'grand hall' or 'timeless' wonder awaits us next?"

"Yes, of course. I look forward to the Timeless Grand Library Hall" Leon joked. His expression turned back to his more chipper self as he enjoyed the tour.

---

Having slipped away from the luncheon, Leon proceeded back to Fades-in-Moonlight's home. He would get away with his current look around his peers but his company would expect a higher level of decorum. The walk back would be the last of the abundant sunlight as Leon later emerged with a stylish shirt and cape on.

Leon had been told precious little about how he and the Doge were to actually meet. He only had an address and, when he went to it, he found it to be a rather humble-looking storefront just off of the main strip of Parade Street. There was a nondescript carriage waiting for him and he might've recognized the coachman as one in the Doge's employ.

Shortly, it brought him to a well-appointed but by no means pretentious townhome on a smaller street in the Merchants' Quarter, not too far from the guild and market. Leon found himself led through the doors by a pretty servant girl of some exotic extraction. Inside, but not inside, taking his midday wine on a covered verandah, was Prospero Malatesta. He smiled warmly at the sight of Leon. Perhaps it was real warmth and perhaps he was, himself, a practiced showman. "Welcome, my boy." He held his hands out in the start of a traditional Revidian greeting. You were supposed to kiss each other on the cheeks. "It was good of you to make it. We have much to discuss but, first, you've had a busy day. Let us eat."

Leon had actually exchanged looks with the servant girl. She was indeed pretty and had atypical features to the standard affair around the city. Such a thing was interesting to Leon. However, the second the doors to the Doge opened Leon was looking straight ahead toward him.

Leon's smile grew wider as he greeted Malatesta. "I am honoured as always, Doge." Leon knew the traditional Revidian greeting and had no issues carrying it out for someone he respected so much. When it came to Malatesta, being the Doge was the least of things that gained Leon's respect. The man was a patron and a friend among other things.

"It's true, this morning has been a little busier than what I am used to." Leon let out a small chuckle. "But it is all in good fun, of course. You seem in good spirits as well. Some time in Ersand'Enise must be treating you well." Leon picked a single grape and ate it, wordlessly singalling he was beginning to eat.

"Mmm, yes. 'Something about the air here,' is what I tell people." There may have been a slight chuckle. Then again, there may not have. In any case, the Doge began eating, and he ate shamelessly. There was no need for unnecessary decorum here, and so he dispensed with it. The light fruits gave way to steak, cheeses, and other impeccably-prepared Revidian staples, silently brought in on platters by the same servant girl and the scraps brought back out the way they had entered. Leon might've noticed that his patron declined to speak while in the presence of third parties, but he did not make it so obvious. In any event, it was just smalltalk for much of their meal. Prospero inquired about how the journey had been for Leon and how he was enjoying Ersand'Enise so far, but he also ate quickly.

Leon had sought to match the Doge's eating. He was glad he did not have to keep etiquette around the man like he found with so many other nobles. Although there was a distinct reservation in the boy's eating, which could be easily chalked up to not being as hungry. The breakfast he had was large was all.

As for the matter of talking, Leon picked up on his occassional pauses when the servant came in. He understood the sort of control needed for negotiations and serious discussion. But this was little but small talk so far. Leon whimsically wondered if it was a habit for the Doge at this point.

Finally, the Doge reclined a touch in his chair, dabbing at the corners of his mouth with a cloth. "I do hope the food was to your liking. Now, I'm afraid, it is time for us to exchange business." He sat back up, placed the kerchief down, and gave a signal with one hand. Silently, the servant girl swept in, gathered the food, and departed the way she had come in, leaving only a single, empty platter behind. Prospero Malatesta reached into a satchel that was beside his chair and pulled out an envelope. "I have, in here," he announced, "the details of your birth and the first year of your life. You had mentioned, in passing, an interest in such, and so I thought it my perogative to acquire this for you." He placed the envelope on the table between them. "Such things are of importance to some men and of less to others, but it is useful to know regardless and I hope that it is of consequence to you."

Leon took a good pause at the Doge mentioning the details of his birth. His expression was notably somber. Despite all his talk about parental figures he took to, his true origin was something he longed for. It wasn't something he told a lot of people, but the Doge seemed to be an exception. Leon had assumed that such information wouldn't be used against him. Sure enough, telling Malatesta was beneficial to him. Information that he would otherwise never know was right in front of him, he only need to find out what the Doge wanted in return.

Perhaps Leon would've reached for the envelope and perhaps he would not have, but his patron steepled his fingers and leaned forward, posting his elbows on the tabletop. "I truly hope that this brings you answers, but on the subject of knowledge and consequence, I have my own request of you, and it is of great import." The Doge's eyes fixed upon Leon, studying his reaction.

After his pause dwelling in thought, Leon leaned back in his chair making no attempt to grasp the envelope. He knew how these things work and knew to have the respect to hear the request before trying to claim the reward. Leon's smile returned. "This is good news, to be sure. I am sure you know where my talents lie, let me hear this request."

The Doge smiled, and there may have been some genuine warmth in it or there may not have been. "I'm going to be frank with you, Leon. That information was not easy to get, but I got it because I think it'll be important for you and because I'm relying on your discretion. What I'm about to ask will not be easy. It will not be without risk, and it must not leave this room." Prospero reached out with the Gift and Leon could feel the sound deaden in the air around him, as if nothing would enter or leave the bubble surrounding the two of them.

"Something happened yesterday, in the plaza. It was brief, but perhaps you felt it: a flicker of wrongness, a feeling of forgetfulness, a great, split-second surge of energy. Then again," he continued, "maybe you did not." The Doge glanced around, his normally serene bearing unusually wary. "Something of great import took place. I cannot say for certain what it was and I believe that there are powerful forces within the academy who would like it to stay that way. They think that they have more right to that information because they have a better way with the Gift than we do. They somehow suppose that it means they'll make better decisions."

Leon had thought back to the event in the plaza. Something weird wriggled at the back of his mind about it, something seemed off. But it was a trace memory as if trying to recall it was grasping at something only his finger tips could touch. Leon could not say for sure if it indicated some significant event like the Doge claimed. However, Ersand'Enise sat on the land of Revidia. To have even the leader be out of the loop of those events indeed indicated something more sinister.

Prospero paused and took a sip of wine, placing the chalice down and pouring a second one for Leon. "What I need from you is to use your skills, your celebrity, and your position here as a student." His fingers closed upon the edge of the single, empty tray. He handed it to Leon and... it did feel a bit heavier than it should've. "This is a sealed item. It is similar in appearance to the heated trays that the Arch-Zenos use to keep their food warm while they study. Yet, inside is a device that will activate itself when its power words are spoken - you need not worry about those. It has energy enough to last for three days, and it will enscribe, on a wax ring inside, a record of all conversations. I need you to get this inside the Forked Tower in the Violet Enclave. You do not need to retrieve it. It will be discarded as all of those binding-sealed heated platters are discarded once used up. I have people to see to that, but I have none so ideally placed and skilled as to carry off this mission." He sniffed and drummed on the tabletop with his fingertips. "Oh, I have spies, but they have their spies too and the groups know each other. Who would ever be so daft as to use Leon Solaire as his agent, though?" His face grew mirthful for a moment, but was soon serious - heavy - again. He raised his wineglass partway to his lips, but paused. "I do not ask this of you lightly, but I have heard whisperings and I have seen signs, and a man in my position does not rise so high nor last so long without being able to recognize when something terrible lurks on the horizon." He raised his cup and took a long, thoughtful drink.

Leon picked up the chalice the Doge had poured and took a sip, enjoying the sweet taste. After, he had a small polite laugh to himself. But it was certainly audible for the Doge to hear. "If you had lead with this, you wouldn't have needed to show the record of my birth. It is not their place to keep secrets from the ruler of Revidia. Such a thing seems selfish and with disregard for the land and people Ersand'Enise is built on. I agree with you and will help you in this plan. That information you gathered just means I will do a good job of it. Now... I believe we can toast on a deal well struck, no?" Leon raised his chalice toward the Doge.

Afterward, taking a sip or two, Leon asked something that was nagging at him. "By 'their spies', you do mean the Academy's, correct? Or do you suspect other parties to be at play in all this?"

Prospero had known, of course, or at least imagined that Leon would be eager to help. The information on the boy's parentage was something he'd had sitting around for some time and, as this was the first instance in which he had really called upon the performer for anything of import, it was a guarantee against the troubles and counteroffers he might encounter turning him against his patron. Besides, it was good to be thought of as generous. True, it was better to be feared than loved, but being loved was plenty beneficial as well. He schooled his features into seriousness, swirling the wine in his chalice thoughtfully."My dear Leon, I believe that, if you're asking the question, you know the answer."

"Yes, I believe I do." Leon took a final sip of the chalice.

With that, Prospero nodded solemnly and stood. He downed the last of his wine and smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. He tapped on the platter still in Leon's hands. "Keep your head down and chin up, son." He took a step past the youth, pausing momentarily and leaning in. "There are going to be moves made at the Conclave in two days - big moves. Powerful people will be angry, so my advice would be to stay in your lane for now. Outside of this thing that I need you to do, keep being an artist. Keep being loved." He clapped Leon on the shoulder. "Carriage will be waiting around the side. It'll drop you back off on Parade street." With that, he brushed past and the sound dampening disappeared. The chirps of birds, the bustle of the street, and the clunk of a door closing returned to Leon Solaire.

---

Things had been rather subdued after the arrival of Carmillia, Jomurr, and Leon to Zeno Zemana's house. Greetings were exchanged and breakfast were had, consisting of both the Zeno's own skillfully cooked meals and the leftovers the others from Zeno Fades-in-Moonlight's group had brought with them. And then, they were all off to start the day. It looked well to be the start of a typical mundane day, one of peaceful bliss. After all, what can possibly happen here during the day in Ersand'Enise with so many powerful masters looking after the biros? Yes, there was that weird mysterious thing with her and Manfred losing recollection of... something. But that happened under vastly different circumstances that were unlikely to be repeated again.

Barring some small talks with Manfred, Eun-Ji mostly kept to herself during the tour. She and the rest of her group were all rather the quiet type, and there wasn't really much to talk about with people from the other groups either as Eun-Ji doesn't really know any of them. Of course, it wasn't at all a bad thing in her mind as the lack of conversation meant that she were able to focus on the tour itself, taking in all the information while enjoying what sights there were. The Grand Plaza, the Balthazar Hall, the Medeville Place, and all the others; she made sure to memorize them all. Hours passed by, and soon they will be visiting the Grand Library next.

Then time decided to stop.

".... What?" Except it didn't actually stop. In reality, the world continued on as normal. It was only in Eun-Ji's mind and in her perception that the world seemed to have stopped so suddenly. She immediately went into high alert, focusing her mind to the task of identifying possible threats and dangers, senses sharpened to her limit. At least she managed to retain her calm, even as confusion and fear attempted to drill their way into her mind. It put her in a state that will allow her to react quickly should any adversaries appeared before her. Then again, not that any of it actually mattered. She have yet to realize that once again, she had came under the effect of a very precise and skillful application of Chemical magic, putting her into perceiving a very vivid form of hallucination. Against this, she was in reality defenseless regardless of her alertness.

She blinked, and then flinched as she found that her own right hand had raised in front of her, with a piece of folded paper placed on its palm. She didn't remember raising her right hand, and she indeed never did so as this too was merely a part of the hallucination upon which she had became trapped in. What is happening?... What is all this?... And this paper... Confusion started taking over as she carefully unfolded the paper, and before she can even process her confusion it was then quickly replaced by dread upon seeing what was written and drawn on the paper.

The words, written in Tan Keoulian, were simple enough to understand. I am to be your handler. Additional mission had been assigned to you. Events of interest are happening here in this city. Be vigilant, be mindful, be involved. Unravel the things hidden within the shadows. Do not fail. It wasn't the letters or words that caused her breathing to stop with her eyes opened wide and her heartbeat racing wildly. It was the drawing of the mask, blended under the words. A featureless white mask she knew all too well. The same mask worn by the man she had met during her 2nd year as a Lotus Sentry. The same unreadable mask that sent an indescribable instinctual fear into her very soul every time she gazed upon it. The same mask that remained white and unblemished even as she witnessed the man who wore it slaughter a dozen trained killers in mere seconds in a way that remained incomprehensible to her despite her own knowledge, experiences, and training in the arts of killing. The mask of Volto Bianco, the Shadow-Killing Phantom, killer of assassins.

Eun-Ji blinked again. And then, the world returned. The paper was gone without a trace, and she found herself stopped in the middle of a step. Of what just transpired, she will need more time to digest it all. For now, her mind was caught in but a single thought. Why him? Why assign him to me? I'm... nothing. Just one among many. I don't understand...

Everything felt like a blur after that. The occasion had caused Eun-Ji to be completely quiet and unable to really focus on the rest of the tour. They were already in the Arc-en-Ciel Hall by the time she noticed, just in time to listen to Zenith Upta's words. And then, it was time for lunch, and she can only hope that she'll be able to at least found some enjoyment in it. Things after all, were quickly becoming far from mundane with the additional mission she had been given and the identity of her handler looming over her mind.

Yimu thought about her mentor's words. Some petulant part of her still managed to be irked by the Zeon’s wishy washy interpretation of a straightforward question, but for the most part she found herself cought off guard by how similar his philosophy was to her own. Replace learning with opportunities, which learning was in fact one of the many paths to, and their views would have been almost an exact match. Still, she couldn't see what use there was in offering opportunities to those that already had them or putting effort into trying to shape the opinions of others that had no doubt already formed their opinions of her before they’d even met, as the Zeno seemed to imply she should.

She was still thinking about this as Vyrik, seemingly having only awoken just in the nick of time, rushed to catch up with her, offering her a piece of bacon in exchange for information on where they were going. Yimu opted to ignore the part where Vyrik got her name wrong even as she accepted the bacon, she wasn’t one to turn down good food and he was close enough on the name that correcting him wouldn't be worth the effort. Instead, she offered Vyrik an answer to his questions, “Wasn’t told, but I’d guess we’re getting shown around or else we’ll be selecting our classes now. I’m assuming both of those will be happening today.”

As it turned out Yimu was correct about their activities for the day, and she found herself staring down her course registry forms, which specified up to three choices to be split between six options, or rather five considering she was automatically locked out of the Atomic course on account of her RAS. Unfortunately her limited choices would mean she’d have to specialize, something she’d avoided doing thus far. At a glance, binding was far too useful not to take, Yimu couldn't imagine any reasonable scenario where she wouldn’t be able to draw for it and the versatility of its casting was obvious, so this made her first choice. Chemical magic was tentatively locked in as her second choice, it was again very versatile, synergised well with binding magic and could be used as a medium for converting energy between several of the other schools in a pinch.

That left one school of magic to choose. Yimu pretty quickly dismissed magnetic, as many uses for it as she could see, it didn’t compare to her other two options, especially if she also considered the ease of drawing. That left the kinetic and arcane schools of magic, both with their own pros and cons. Perhaps it would be best to consult her mentor on the matter, her opinion of him had improved considerably after finding out his philosophy about learning, even if it still wasn’t great, and she’d have to consult him to pick three classes in any case, besides, if she failed to leverage the opportunity that the Zeno represented, it’d be her at fault, not him.

With that out of the way for the time being, Yimu turned her attention to the elective courses, which fortunately was a far easier ordeal. The arts stream failed to catch Yimu’s interest, at least not nearly to the degree of the other streams, with a couple of the streams even seeming like down right silly choices. Who in their right mind would chose to learn tayloring when binding magic existed and could achive similar results? Fundamentals of natural sciences, on the other hand, was an easy pick and after some deliberation she decided that while several of the other courses in the academic and skills streams certainly interested her, none of the stood out as being things she couldn’t teach herself on her own if the opportunity or need ever arose, to that end Yimu turned her attention to the language courses, checking off both Revidian and Perrench.

Marking down her final remaining choice Yimu let out a slight sigh. She could of course see the necessity of focusing one’s attention on a select few subjects from an academic level, after all, advanced applications of subjects tended to require a significant investment into building the groundwork before they could reasonably be attained, but at the same time it still felt bad to be limiting herself in such a way, the form almost acting like a visual representation of her removing her opertunities.

---

Luncheons such as this were an exercise in chaos, Jomurr had decided: all manner of...human beings (he could not spot a yasoi) gathered into a single room. The stench of overbearing perfumes and body odor was almost overwhelming. He was forced to line up like a common beggar and prepare his own plate. This morning had been a most diverting exercise in novelty, but he found himself rather finished with such diversions now. To add insult to injury, his food was...limp and lukewarm at best by the time he'd gotten it. In particular, the Torragonese tarts were at... less than their best. At least the beef stew was acceptable, even if it wasn't exactly fine cuisine. The less said on the Joruban Monkfish, the better. Such a delicious base, but those damned Jorubans always burnt the bloody thing to cinders. Monkfish Sushi was a far superior dish.

Eventually, however, Jomurr was forced to sit amongst the rabble. There was a boy who looked little better than a street urchin who'd disappeared almost immediately, a rather plain Torragonese girl, her Perrench companion who slouched in her seat, hair a birds' nest, as well as a Rettanese whose bedraggled appearance indicated an utter disinterest in personal hygiene. However, not all of them were so awful, he supposed. There were a couple of pretty Eskandish noblewomen (one with striking white hair), Carmillia, and Zemana's four: the taciturn Kerreman, the two Rettanese girls, one of whom was so small and sweet that he simply could not bring himself to dislike her, and the quiet Paggonian. Conspicuously absent, of course, was Solaire, who'd gone gallivanting off for whatever reason Jomurr assumed tickled his fancy, as well as the urchin and the Joruban midget in the towering bascinet helm.

The Belzaggicman delivered a polite greeting and took his seat close to some of the better-heeled types, including a dusty Torragonese lordling and one of the Eskandishwomen, but he left an empty seat to one side - all the better to stretch out a little bit. "Lovely luncheon," he commented, the sarcasm in his tone so subtle that only the most practiced ear could've possibly picked it out. "but what I'm on about is this courses registry. Will anybody else be taking Atomic?"

Linah glanced at the snotty noble seated within hearing range, but didn't grant him beyond a second's worth of attention. His dismissive tone when speaking about the food, his blatant pickiness, and the attempt to immediately make the conversation about his oh-so-powerful self indicated the type of person she'd prefer not to get involved with.

Unlike her roommate, Penny could not quite exercise the restraint needed to ignore Jomurr's words. The Belzaggic high lord was a prat: typical of the sorts of upper nobles who her father often dealt with. 'Lovely luncheon' she thought, suppressing a snort and easily able to recognize the hint of condescension in his tone. "Hmm, I suppose I could," she replied on the topic of Atomic Magic, the teasing and assertion of strength in her tone so subtle that only the most practiced ear could've possibly picked it out. "To be perfectly honest, I've not yet decided on a secondary magic." She'd wanted to say more - to embarrass his little attempt at braggery - but she counseled herself behave. She was not at home and she was not Penelope of Perrence. She was Penny Pellegrin.

Linah turned towards Penny, the action also conveniently hiding the grin she directed towards the other girl from Jomurr. "Gutsy," she whispered, "but then, I already knew as much." There was an appreciative spark as one of her suspicions was confirmed; Penny was undoubtedly magically powerful. It could have been a bluff on her part, to be sure, but it was likelier to be true. When surrounded by the magically capable, one's confidence had to have genuine skill to back it up if one wished to emerge victorious upon being inevitably challenged. The thought of Penny being able to overpower that braggart was a sweet one. Not as sweet as thinking of ways to overcome the boy herself, of course, but Linah knew that in raw magical capacity, she'd never be his match. However, if she had her mark right, he'd be most indignant being overcome by guile and trickery.

Penny hid her smirk and leaned back in to whisper, as Jomurr had proceeded to make the stern-looking Kerreman whose name she could not quite remember his next target. "Sometimes I can't resist my better nature," she replied, but then she noticed Anesin rubbing at something on her registry paper. The Perrenchwoman's thoughts returned to the awkward glances the two had shared a couple of minutes earlier, as Penny had noticed something similar on her own form. Anesin said as much: "It appears someone has written on mine. I do hope they do not assume I wrote on this.” The Eskandishwoman looked to Linah, then to Penny. A frown crossing her face. "It seems careless.”

Penny lowered her voice somewhat and held out her own paper. "Mine has the same markings," she replied, glancing at Anesin and then at Linah. "I thought it rather queer." She addressed the latter. "Does yours?" At that, her eyes flicked about the table, wondering who else's might've contained what was increasingly looking like some sort of secret message or code.

Linah had to take a moment to redirect the vindictive streak her thoughts had given way to. Cocking her head to the side, she said, "No...not at all. But the same message for two - or more people?" she questioned quietly. That particular list of ingredients sparked familiarity, but she had to sort through some of her memories before she recognized the significance. "Ahhh," she lowered her voice further, "Shall I apply some heat to these?" she pointedly looked from the parchments to the girls, curious if they'd catch their meaning and if they'd allow the message to be revealed in such a public location. It might not be a secret intended for one particular person, but it was a hidden note nonetheless.

Penny did not quite control her face. Her earlier suspicions had been correct! Invisible ink! She glanced warily at Linah and then back at Anesin. They were speaking too much in whispers, leaning in too greatly. To even a somewhat practiced eye, it would be obvious that they were conspiring over something. Penny was something of an expert in that, after all. She'd grown up in a pit of just such vipers. "Yes, some heat would be nice," she said in a bit less of a whisper, "I've noticed a bit of a chill in such a grand hall. Yet... perhaps we should keep the papers away from it. Wouldn't want to be burnt."

"That it would be," Linah answered casually, matching Penny's tone and amplitude. Yes, whispering so obviously in such a crowd would be noticeable, and it was good of Penny to remind her. She lay a palm upon the table, staring unseeingly into the distance as she concentrated on the vibrations all around her. Carried through the wood of their seating arrangements, the stone beneath their feet, and of course, upon the air itself. That in addition to the sparse rays of light protruding through the glass-stained windows was enough energy to convert into the heat she needed. Returning her awareness to the present company, Linah begun to wave a hand around Penny. "How is that?" she queried. A gentle, warm breeze would envelop Penny, and possibly her neighbours as well. Either Penny or Anesin would have to cooperate with her in the following sleight-of-hand; Linah needed to get her other hand, the free one still perched lightly on the table, upon the parchment itself to ensure she could reveal its hidden contents. Her show of helping a friend keep warm would have to be enough to conceal her true purpose, as there wasn't much else but to follow Penny's guidance in redirecting attention from their scheme.

"Ah yes, much better," chirped Penny. "You are a gem, Linah, truly." She posted her hands upon the tabletop, incidentally pushing the registry form aside and over to Linah. After a few moments of tense anticipation and glances that were meant to be subtle but likely were not, a hidden text revealed itself, at the very foot of the page:

"Foundations in Drawing, Converting, and Casting in the Blood School of Magic (MF107) - registration will not count towards a student's course limit."

Indeed, the exchange between Penny and Linah had not been unobserved. Sitting at the same table, Eun-Ji had been eating her own meal slowly. To an outside observer, it looked exactly what it seemed to be; just a girl minding her own lunch. In reality however, Eun-Ji had once more entered a state of focus soon after she started to eat. She had done it mostly to numb herself from the worries that still plagued her mind about her new task, but it had ended up making her take notice of two things. One, that Leon Solaire was nowhere to be seen even though he should be with them. The second thing was the pair of whispering girls.

It could just be girls fooling around of course, but the more she watched them, the more fishy it felt to her. Considering the new mission she'd been given without any additional lead... Might as well, I suppose. If it turns out to be nothing, then at least it would have been good practice.

Her mind made up, she casually rose from her seat and then proceeded to walk. She began drawing, from the ambient heat and sounds of her surroundings, making sure to draw in moderation so no one would notice. She didn't need a lot for her plan. She kept walking and soon, she passed near where Penny and Linah were sitting. Then she cast a little illusion simply to make it seem like her eyes continued looking in the direction she was walking, while in reality they were looking toward the registry that Penny had pushed over to Linah. It was brief, but it was enough for her to quickly read the hidden text. That done, she continued walking, as if to step outside to get some fresh air.

She felt it. It was extremely subtle and she thought that she'd imagined it, but Penny herself had trained enough in illusion to recognize the sort of arcane application that usually went with it. The Perrench girl blinked and, without consciously meaning to, pulled the course registry close to her chest. She glanced at Anesin and Linah. Maybe they'd felt it too but, to her knowledge, neither was an illusionist. Perhaps a bit carelessly, Penny twisted and, sure enough, they were not alone. The Tan Keoulean girl - was in Yoon-Chi? - brushed past unassumingly. She noticed the Kerreman - Manfred's - eyes upon her before they quickly flicked away. Why not just ask? Penny wondered. Pushing her chair out, she scrambled to grab her crutches and rose. "You know what?" she chirped, "I'm stuffed. I swear, that turkey has nothing on me." She faked a giggle and headed straight after Eun-Ji. The moment that they were out of immediate earshot, she spoke: "Does it mean anything to you?" She clarified: "The hidden message on the registry, that is."

Hmm. Suboptimal performance. Eun-Ji sighed internally as Penny spoke to her. She hadn't expected that she'd be caught in the act, but then again that had always been the risk to the little illusion trick that she did. She turned around to look at the considerably taller girl, looking straight at Penny's eyes. Penny blinked, smiling innocently enough, but implacable. On the other hand, Eun-Ji's expression remained her usual neutral and calm. She nodded, before proceeding to respond to Penny's question. "Yes. I believe the facts of it are quite obvious... That particular form of magic is not supposed to be legal to teach, to my understanding." Eun-Ji saw no reason to lie; or rather, the very thought of lying didn't even occur to her. It was something that at times maddened her instructors as a Lotus Sentry, yet something that remained unchanged about her. As a saving grace, at least, she was quite adept at not telling the whole truth. "Please forgive my intrusion." She bowed politely, a full thirty degree of inclination, before continuing. "I noticed you and your friends being... conspirative, and could not help but to be curious about it."

Penny pursed her lips, glancing back toward the table. "Walk with me?" she prodded, taking a couple of steps. She hadn't paid much attention to this girl until she'd caught her looking (barely), and she doubted that any of the others had noticed. There didn't seem to be anyone following them. "And yes, I know that, of course. Everyone does. Just... I was curious about why you might be interested. Did you receive the same message? Were you thinking of accepting it?"

Eun-Ji obliged, walking along with Penny. She kept her posture and expression entirely casual throughout, looking around at nothing in particular. "No, I did not know what you were being secretive about. I believe my course registry bears no such hidden message. It is a situation that I think fits that saying about curiosity causing the cat to expire. Still..." She paused briefly, before nodding mostly to herself. "Now that I know of it, it is quite the cause for concern... Nothing good can come out of such magic."

Penny broadly agreed. Blood Magic had always been something frightening to her: strange, dark, and dangerous...and yet, there was a certain allure to the unknown. She kept that to herself, however, just as she hid her curiosity about why Eun-Ji had been so eager to snoop. She went with something a bit more conciliatory, sensing an opportunity and prepared to play the long game. "It is as you say, truly." She tried to avoid looking suspicious, but she lowered her voice. "And yet, I don't believe that we should report our findings. If this appears on forms issued by the school, then somebody highly placed - or perhaps many somebodies - are involved. It is well above our level." She was worried, but also intrigued. She did her best to project the former and tamp down on the latter, however.

Eun-Ji did not immediately respond to Penny's words. Instead, she took some moments to think and consider the matter at hand. On one side, she genuinely disliked the very notion of Blood Magic being secretly taught in the academy. On the other, there was indeed likely little that biros such as themselves would be able to do about the situation... Not to mention that this directly pertained to her additional mission. In the end, she nodded once more before again talking to Penny. "I do not like it one bit... It is... not right, for something so vile to be propagated further. But..." she let out a small, subdued sigh before continuing. "You are right. I do not think that reporting this will do us any good."

"And yet I wonder..." Penny began, trailing off for a moment. "Who else received these? Is there a pattern?" She paused and turned to face Eun-Ji, face concerned. "What if we had evidence? Perhaps I should be brave - or one of us biros should be. What if... that person were to sign up, to... infiltrate, and try to gain more information?"

"I am inclined to believe that this was not done by random, so there must be a pattern." She paused to think once more, and quickly realized she simply did not yet have enough information to form any conclusion. "What that pattern is, I unfortunately have no idea yet. As for what you are suggesting..." Eun-Ji looked away for a moment, before then looking straight at Penny's eyes again. "It is not a decision I believe I have any rights to opine on. As much as my personal feelings will never agree to the propagation of something so vile, I cannot stop anyone from signing up for it regardless of their reasoning."

Eun-Ji was onto her. Penny was scared. There was something about the girl that she didn't trust. She wasn't sure exactly what, but it was something for certain. "Hmm, I do think we should do something to prevent its propagation. Blood Magic... in our school. It's..." she paused and blinked. "Dangerous." Penny turned back the way she'd come, glancing over her shoulder at Eun-Ji. "Though I suppose it will likely not be me to take up the role of spy. Gods, this is insane," she whispered. "Anyhow," she continued, in a louder voice, "I do not think I needed fresh air so badly as I'd thought. This brief walk and lovely chat as been more than enough to settle my stomach." She reached out to clasp one of Eun-Ji's hands in hers, but did not yet take it without the other girl's permission. "It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Eun-Ji nodded. "It is dangerous, no matter where it is practiced. And this school is indeed no exception, if not one of the worst places for it to propagate." Of the infiltration and who, if any, shall be the "spy", Eun-Ji made no further response. Instead simply looking with her seemingly ever neutral expression back at Penny. Then, Penny reached out to clasp one of Eun-Ji's hands, resulting in Eun-Ji staring at Penny's hand for a moment. "Ah." She soon caught on to it, that people of other cultures often made such gestures that were the equivalent of Tan Keoulean's own joined palms gesture. She accepted the clasp, adding a nod along with it. "Yes. An honor to make your acquaintance..." She paused briefly, not sure what else to say before finally deciding on a simple "Until we next meet, farewell."

"Indeed!" Penny squeezed her hand slightly, took a step back, and pivoted on her heel, making her way towards the hall and the tables. The girl's mind was burning every step of the way back. Secret Blood Magic courses, disappearing memories, political intrigue, and now... she did not trust Eun-Ji. Perhaps not a bad person, but definitely with her own agenda, Penny decided, definitely hiding something. It took a moment for realization to catch up with her. Just like me, she thought glumly. She was to meet with father, in secret, under a pretense later today. How she wanted to tell Linah and Anesin and Onarr - who was strangely absent. She felt as if her secret would turn into a poison between them. Yet, it would not do. Should anyone of any import find out, she would be removed from the school and that would be the end of things. She'd be confined back to that damned room in that cursed castle to live out the rest of her days slowly going insane with her books and her experiments. No, that could not happen. It would not! She needed some more time: more time to make certain that she could trust these people. True, they had not rejected her out of hand, but she did not yet know them deeply enough to be sure that she could trust them with such a secret. Presently, as she drew near, she sighted Linah and tried to catch her eye, giving her a look that said nothing so much as 'oooh boy.'

Linah met Penny's eye; her departure had been obvious enough, and she thought to have discerned the reason for it. The Tan Keoulean girl had used an illusionist trick that was one of her own favourites. Penny seemed to have caught that, and followed the other girl...for a confrontation? Quirking an eyebrow at the Perrench teammate, she smiled and waved a hand for the other to retake her seat. "An auspicious new meeting? Or a previous acquaintance?"

Penny rather plopped back down onto her seat, sliding her crutch under the table and flicking back the curtain of hair that had draped itself over her face as she'd leaned down. "In truth?" she replied. "The girl is not to be trusted." Her voice was low. She spared the briefest of glances in the direction of the Kerreman - was it... Manfred? - and schooled her expression into something akin to 'juicy gossip' before continuing. She'd seen her sisters do it and nothing else piqued disinterest from others quite so effectively. "She may not be nefarious, but she has an agenda. Plus, she is desperately against any sort of practice of Blood Magic in this school." She kept an even tone on the last statement: open to interpretation, or so she hoped, for Penny herself had mixed feelings on the matter. Anesin was rather busy stuffing her face, and how that girl maintained the physique that she did with such an appetite was quite beyond the Perrenchwoman. Linah, however, was a different story. They were in this together now, she sensed, and how the Torragonese responded could serve to tell her much.

Linah was just starting on her dessert, a light, sugary, many-layered thing. She matched Penny's expression - her potential ally-or-friend was really good at that - and listened politely. Before answering, she patted her mouth with a napkin to remove the sweet white dust that had inevitably accumulated there as she ate. "Many people are prejudiced against it," she commented thoughtfully. Yes, there were countless people who'd erase that school of magic if it were possible. But someone who may be working towards making that a reality? Linah didn't consider the Tan Keoulean suspicious just for that, though Penny had been the one to have spoken to her, and so would be aware of subtleties Linah wasn't privy to. "Well, best to keep this whole business away from her then, as much as it is possible to do so now that her interest was aroused," she shrugged lightly. It was better to know whom to be wary of ahead of time, even if it meant that opponent (if the foreign girl could be termed as such) now possessed an unfortunate piece of information. Still, she'd have come across it sooner or later. Admittedly, Linah wasn't concerned about Eun-Ji's possible agenda, but she'd keep it in mind. She knew very well that she could be somewhat careless about matters she didn't consider relevant to herself - that was something she yet needed to work on, broadening the scope of what concerned her.

Penny found herself distracted by Linah's dessert selection. Mille Fueille, she thought. It was a regular at the family dinner table, and roughly ninety percent sugar. More important, however, was the Torragonese girl's take on Blood Magic. "I mentioned that somebody should probably check that box, and if it is indeed a class, investigate it." She looked at the slowly-cooling food on her plate for a minute, not particularly appetized by the sight of it. She generally ate better back at home. But you are not Penelope of Perrence, she told herself, you are Penny Pellegrin - daughter of a humble printer, and food such as this would be a rare treat. You must eat it. "I do not think any magic is inherently evil: just... some of the people who use it may be."

Whatever Linah may or may not have said next was lost, for then, Ardredelle Latvar stood, rang a bell, and informed everybody that there were five minutes left before their food would be cleared and there would be a series of speeches. Stragglers had already been filtering back in for the past few minutes, and they joined or rejoined the tables. Conversation either picked up or died down, but it appeared, for now, that the mystery of the supposed secret blood magic course would have to wait and that Penny Pellegrin, Anesin Bjelke, and anybody else who'd received that invitation (and maybe even some who hadn't) would have a decision to make this evening.

When Onarr arrived at the fountain, it would've been hard for him to miss that there were a great many people near to it and he was not quite certain of who his contact would be. No sooner had he started scanning the likely candidates, than a pretty girl of East Severan extraction, who he'd taken for a student, skipped up to him. "Onarr?" she enquired, face eager and voice chipper. "Is that you?"

Onarr's helmet bobbed up as he swerved around, looking for the source of the noise, until he found a pair of thin legs. He then looked up and then, jumped with a stammer. "Oh! I didn't quite notice you there. Yes, Onarr Yidlob at your service." He then tilted his head curiously. Not many people knew of his name. Perhaps, she read one of his manuscripts? He stuck out his hand to shake hers. "I'm sorry if we met before but by perchance, what would your name be?"

"Minnah," she replied, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. Presently, she shook his hand. "Minnah Jangaro. And no," she continued, with a hint of a giggle, "we have not - perchance - met before, though it is a pleasure to meet you." Her smile seemed to turn professional, then. "We do, however, share an acquaintance, and he's so very eager to speak with you." Minnah was perhaps a bit older than she had initially looked, Onarr may have noticed. Her hair was pulled back in afro-puffs and there was a sort of bounce to her every step. "If you would be so kind as to follow me?" she offered, letting the last past of the sentence dangle.

Onarr quickly figured out that Minnah was his contact and was led, with surprisingly little decorum, to a waiting rickshaw, which whisked him away to a small townhome which flew the flag of his country. From inside came the unmistakable aroma of hearty Joruban cuisine. Inside was President Yibozo. After a friendly and not especially formal greeting, he led Onarr to a small, private dining room, where the meal was presently being laid out on the table. A cook hustled over from the kitchen with the final dish, but the president rose to take it from her. "You've done quite enough, Hope. Let me take that for you," he offered.

"Thank you, sir."

He waved mock-dismissively. "No need to thank. You're the chef! Now go," he added, "shoo! Go eat the rest in the big room and let me conspire with this young man, hmm?" He winked in Onarr's direction and Hope scampered off to do exactly that with the other staff. "Now, let's eat. I'll fill your head full of unwanted politics once we're both on full stomachs, eh?"

It was little but the most perfunctory of smalltalk. The president was a polite eater, but a quick one. He did not react when Onarr removed his helmet. At one point, seeing the boy's appreciation of a dish, he leaned in and chuckled. "I shelled out good money for that. Glad to see it's appreciated. Eat every bite or Bwan Somiji's* gonna getcha, huh?" He proceeded to cut another slice of his meat pie and return to eating it.

When they were finished, their conversation started remarkably straightforwardly. Atundo Yibozo confided that he had been trying to arrange meetings with all of the Joruban Biros at the school. They would soon be influential people and it was important for him to get to know them on a person-to-person basis, just as it was meaningful to show them that their country would have their backs. If things came down to it, the president expressed a similar desire that they should stand up for their country and its interests and achievements. Joru was an experiment: a beacon to the rest of the world of what was possible without a class system, but it required its citizens to buy in and to be vigilant in order for it to succeed. He spoke of the tension and his desire to do anything within his power to avoid a war. He had been a soldier, once, after all, and then a revolutionary, and the Joruban people - and all people, truly - had bled more than enough for the interests of the selfish and powerful.

But he was making a move, in two days. He expected there to be some fallout. Already, he confided, with a startling casualness, there had been an attempt on his life at the plaza yesterday evening. Perhaps Onarr remembered something strange and unplaceable? In any event, the president claimed that he had put security measures in place, that he hoped he could rely on the 'Vigilant eyes of the Joruban youth of this city' and that he hoped to 'go traveling soon with a friend of mine'. Leaving the youth to digest that information, he hired another rickshaw and, after he and Onarr exchanged a handshake, he stood in the open doorway, thumbs hooked into his pockets, before turning and closing the door behind himself.

Hello, friends, it is I: Shune-Zept, along with my partner, Ahn-Shune… Ahem… well, maybe not. Her nose is buried in another book, because learning is important, (and she’s very antisocial) so I guess it’s just me today. Now, my grouchy friend, Dami, who you guys have honestly done an amazing job praying to - he’s super flattered and not a little full of himself these days - would probably disagree with me here. He’d probably say something about the ‘need to make informed decisions, yada yada yada’.

I think that’s pretty important too, buuuuut, well… you can’t learn very well if you’re bored to death, now can you? Yup, that was a rhetorical question. Don’t answer it. You agree with me or um… I’m a God. Do you really wanna disagree with a God? Anyhow, the point I’ve been working my way towards is that I’m going to hit life’s fast forward button for you guys. Uh… right, you don’t know what a fast forward button is, do you? We’re still in the early modern period. Darn it…

Such an exciting time, though: The first real scientific understandings, all the exploration, and the run-up to that big ol’ industrial revolution! Oh, right, yes. That’s if you guys manage to save the timestream and we uh… don’t have to hit the reset button again. Please just come through?

Anyhow, I digress. You guys are headed for hours of boring speeches and a mass in a cathedral that you’ll all just spend gossiping in the back pews, complaining about religion, and getting up to shenanigans. The ingratitude! Anyways, yeah. I’ve already seen it and I’m going to skip all of that for you. See? Religion is cool… Yeah, and I’m obviously your favourite deity, right? (Again, rhetorical. Don’t answer… unless you’re agreeing with me). Honestly, if you’re looking to uh… ‘worship’ me, then the best thing that you can do is go out there and learn: become better people. Improve yourselves, have new encounters and experiences, seek out new places and methods, experiment! Don’t sit there in some stuffy old lecture hall or cathedral, even if it is really pretty. Maybe just listen to the pipe organ. It’s a pretty awesome instrument. Whew! The power!

I could go on all day about the science behind it, but anyways, I’m hitting that button now. It’s evening. You’re sitting down for dinner with your Zenos and your fellow apprentices. Some of you have made your minds up about courses, others are still looking to make a decision. You might wanna ask your Zenos in that case and, if you’re really stuck, I guess you could send a little prayer - you could almost call it a ‘direct message’ - to me and old grumpypants Dami. He’s good with advice and Ahn and I here know all of the things. Once you’ve gotten through that, feel free to conk out for the night. You’ll wake up bright and early in the morning for your first day of classes at Ersand’Enise!

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