Chapter 2: Leather Boots
Aelin squinted her eyes as she sharpness of the sun cut through her grogginess. She could feel someone tying a band on her left arm, but she was too disoriented to punch the guy for touching her without her permission.
Aelin stretched; enjoying the freedom from the cramped and fetid corners of the boat.
The landscape could be divided into 4 different sections; an assortment of rural and urban communities.
Standing on a plateau - Aelin could see it all. To the north, lanes were bustling with activity Vendors were selling their goods and alleyways were filled with the nasty. To the west - it was all marine activity. Aelin could already see herself sitting on a rock against the gentle crashing of waves - observing the stars. To the east, the donut - shaped, pristine building - the camp. To the south, it was peaceful. The only activity being the fluttering of their tent sheets and the swaying of grass.
Aelin wasn't sure if she the fire contained inside her veins could handle the zen-like setting.
A few minutes in, and Aedion was ranting about the great - looking males and females there were in the city.
When those great looking people stilled.
And the sky fell.
A flurry of winged creatures and women with death glare, flew over them and landed in lined order in front of thirteen tents. More students.
Though what caught Aelin's eye was the assumed leader's cloak. A bright red. Red - a symbol of danger, courage, and power.
Aelin rolled her eyes.
Lovely.
The sun while they navigated through the maze of tents and came to the glamorous camp.
Scratch that. It wasn't a camp - it was god's palace.
Aelin had seen wealth. Had seen power. But nowhere as much as this.
The simplistic and nomadic setting of the tents were a stark contrast from the dark, and ornate engravings of the ring-shaped building.
A dangerous beautiful.
The doors were wide open with guards on either side. Fae guards.
Elide's limp was increasing. Aedion eyed this, and scooped her bags up without a word.
They entered the castle, signed in at the front desk, their bags were taken to their tents, and they were told to wait in the auditorium. Aedion, Aelin, and Elide sat together - for everyone else was foreign.
Slowly, more students began to trickle in - to the point where every row was taken. There was nervous chatter and the students eyes kept drifting to the stage.
Suddenly, the door blasted open, and 13 ladies prowled in. They stopped, looked around, and in line - stood in the back with their arms folded, and dead serious expression. The assumed leader, had long silver hair and stunning gold eyes, her leathers were a promise of blood and her lips - red as wine, were a promise of sultry.
Aelin liked her already.
A horn blew, and all was silenced. The clacking of heels was the only sound. A woman appeared on the stage.
The admin had arrived.
Maeve. Her long dark hair and her ghostly pale skin was recognizable from afar. Her face was held high and she glanced across the room with a staid expression.
5 males walked in a uniform line in the back of Maeve. All bulky, armor-locked, and frankly, bored.
The students sank in their seats - a fool's cowardly nature, Aelin believed. For she sat on the edge of her seat, watching the six of them intently. Her breath was caught in her throat has she met the silver head male's eyes. He had held the gaze for a moment, then he looked away.
Maeve rolled her eyes, "Enough with the theatrics. It's common sense that you are at a camp thus, schedules will be sent to your tents. Go to your classes, hone what little power you have-" Her eyes met Aelin's and Maeve smirked, "You never know when you'll need them."
What was that supposed to mean? Aelin didn't like the way Maeve was looking at her.
Clearly uncomfortable, an older male in the back stepped forward, "My name is Gavriel, and I am the head nurse and therapist - you will come to me if any problem should arrive."
An annoyed, dark head male scrutinized the crowd, "If you sha'll act out-of-line… you will be punished."
Aelin realized why her parents didn't want to send her here.
After the head staff left the stage, students hastily rushed out of the auditorium. Aelin, Aedion, and Elide felt relieved with the fresh air as they made their way to their tents.
While they were walking, they exchanged thoughts.
Aedion admitted, "I don't think I will survive here for long. I'm bound to break a rule."
Elide raised a brow, "You aren't going to survive? Look at me: I don't fit in this whirlwind of leather, killing, and staidness. Where is the cognition? I am going to be omitted."
Aelin disclosed, "You'll be just fine. After all, one of those teachers was checking you out."
Despite Elide turning red, she snapped, "Oh please, he just wants me to warm his sheets. I'm better than that."
"I'll bet." The three of them turned around. The words weren't from Aelin or Aedion; rather, the female behind them. One of those witches.
Authors Note: I had to cut of the chapter because it was getting too long.
My next update will probably be in a couple days.
Quote of the Chapter: "There is always room in the heart for one more friend." - Tumblr quote