Siofra smiled as she looked up at the idyllic towers of the Academy. Such a regal building could only exist in the capital city of Elwyn. The elegant establishment, built with precious stones and fine metals stood atop a steep plateau. Siofra rode her horse up the trail. She could feel her familiar rustling around in her hat. "Come on, Itchy. You have to calm down." She soon approached the front entrance. All around, nature had been woven together to form a veritable paradise. Animals were flitting all around the forested area. Streams and brooks flowed freely from thawing glaciers atop tall mountains. This part of Alveos was one of the only places where all the realms seemed to converge together. Siofra knew, though, that she would have plenty of time to enjoy the sights. She quickly made her way into the building.
Standing at the entrance was a tall woman with rabbit ears and a stern look. "Name, please."
"My name is Siofra." The student replied.
The woman quickly dug through some papers before finding what she was searching for. "Here is your itinerary, Siofra. Within are your dorm and team assignments, a list of classes, and the expected code of conduct for your stay in our establishment. You are expected to be on your best behavior while attending. We reserve the right to expel those who refuse to obey the rules." Vella was well aware she was intimidating, but she needed to impress on the students that misbehavior was not to be tolerated, especially since the school did tend to attract trouble makers. "Now head to the ravine for the entrance ceremony. It is straight ahead behind the large brass doors." She shooed Siofra away and directed other students in a similar manner.
Siofra followed the instructions she was given through the door. She would skim through the other materials later, though she suspected she might bend a few of the 'guidelines' in the papers she was given. She walked through the open doors into a large, walled-in, opened roof amphitheater. A descending series of stone rows with grass growing lead down to a stage. The perimeter of the ravine was surrounded by trees, which made Siofra feel at home. She noticed that other students had started sitting down on the grassy rows and decided to follow suit. As she was getting comfortable, she saw a short man walk onto the stage, standing on a box to reach the top of the podium.
Jorgle shuffled through his haphazardly arranged notes, pipe firmly in his mouth. He finally arranged his notes before finally fidgetting with the sonic amplification stone attached to the podium. Testing, testing. Can you all hear me?" After a few minutes of silence and more incantations by the professor, his voice finally began to project. "Finally. This confounded thing always acts up when you need it most." He awaited for the remainder of the students to file in, eagerly scanning the faces of his new students. Eventually, he heard a small noise coming from offstage, where he saw Vella impatiently implying he had once again was starting later than he had initially scheduled. "It seems my mind has wandered off and lost track of time again" He chuckled. "My name is Professor Jorgle Shalewater, as you might have already guessed. Aside from being your beloved history teacher, I am also this academy's humble co-founder and headmaster. Queen Selucia was gracious enough to give us this land grant that we might strive together for the future safety and happiness of Alveos. Our world is both long and storied, as well as dangerous and full of those who would seek to destroy it. Our mission is to foster a young generation of adventurers to fight down foes, discover lost pieces of our world's history, and maintain the delicate balance of a world full of wonderful, but very diverse, individuals. You have been chosen to attend based on your personal histories and talents. We very much look forward to teaching the heroes of tomorrow. We hope to see such talented individuals rise to become leaders of the people that we all might benefit." He heard another offstage noise as Vella hinted to him that he should wrap up. "Well, I could go on, but I'm sure you'll get enough of my lecturing later this year. Besides, my secretary is already upset enough about my schedule." He gave another chuckle. "I look forward to meeting you all in person. Feel free to ask me or any of the faculty any questions you may have. Welcome to your new home, the Alveos Adventure Academy!" After a big finish and bow, he stepped off the stage.
Vell approached the podium, have to bend down to reach the amplifier stone. "All students are to report to their respective dorms after you are dismissed. You have been provided with a map of the campus. Your belongings have been placed in your room. The rest of the day is for exploring the campus and meeting your teammates, who have been carefully selected to optimize your career here at the Academy. I suggest learning the location of the cafeteria, the dorms, and the locations of your classes. Tomorrow, we will give you the official campus tour. Finally, the day after that, classes start, so please prepare accordingly. As a reminder, misbehavior will not be tolerated." She sighed and adjusted her glasses. "Welcome to the Academy. You are all dismissed." She briskly stepped away from the podium, collecting the papers Jorgle had left behind.
