The morning had been a nuisance as Ranni had to wake both of her dormmates, Sellen was easy to rouse and had gathered her materials quickly, Adula was not. The small girl had slept contentedly on the carpet near the heating vent, seemingly unaffected by the lack of a proper bed. Despite Ranni's persistent attempts to wake her with gentle words of encouragement, Adula remained fast asleep. It wasn't until both Ranni and Sellen were already at the door, ready to leave, that Adula finally stirred. With a scowl on her face, she hurriedly gathered her belongings and trudged after them
The three girls now walked to their first class, Magical History, which was taught by Professor Azur, who Ranni was quite excited to learn from. Beside her Sellen strolled, her steps made no noise, the two girls occasionally exchanged glances as they both could hear the loud and tired steps of their smaller roommate as she grumbled behind them.
To avoid the growls of their irritated dormmate, Ranni and Sellen engaged in light conversation. Through their exchange, Ranni learned that Sellen hailed from a small village in eastern Liurnia, nearby one of the unclaimed Divine Towers. Sellen also revealed that she was an orphan, with no knowledge of her biological parents, having been raised collectively by the village itself. Ranni shared a bit of her own childhood, though there wasn't much to say—her memories were brief. Sellen, intrigued, asked more about Ranni's time growing up at Caria Manor, surrounded by knowledge and magic. Their conversation, however, was cut short as they approached their classroom, where the boys of their year were already waiting. Seluvis spotted them first, a broad smile crossing his pale face as he waved them over.
"Good morning princess, it has been too long." Seluvis said grandly, extending his hand towards her, which she ignored. Behind Seluvis sat Gideon immersed in his book, he cared not look up to greet the girls, which Ranni had no quarrel with.
"It has only been a night, Seluvis," Ranni replied coolly, her eyes scanning the group. The twin siblings, Borealis and Adula, were speaking quietly amongst themselves, while Thops lingered in a nearby corner, looking as nervous as ever. Sellen had taken up a spot leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
Unfazed by her dismissal, Seluvis sidestepped to block her view, clearly hoping to engage in further conversation. "That's a rather dull answer, Princess. I've already found myself quite at ease with my roommates. How have you fared with yours?" he asked, his nasal voice grating against Ranni's nerves, especially at this early hour.
"If you must know, we have yet to establish a proper bond in the girls dorm." Ranni said slowly hoping the conversation would end there. Although as Seluvis opened his mouth to speak Ranni heard a heavier tread approaching from behind her, as she followed Seluvis's gaze Ranni turned to see the arrival of two others, one was a taller, lean, red-haired boy, he had a slight tan about him and orange eyes that Ranni recognized immediately knowing what was happening next, the other was an Carian knight with auburn locks, who wore a longbow upon his back. The boy's eyes lit up as did his face as he rushed forward, bounding over the carpet as his arms embraced the smaller Ranni in a bear hug as he swung her around.
"Sister!" Radahn exclaimed, his voice booming with joy as he lifted Ranni off her feet in a tight embrace, though he set her down lightly enough, still holding her close. "The year without you has felt like ten," he added, his smile as wide as ever.
Ranni, trying to keep her composure despite her elder brother's overenthusiastic greeting, managed a smile of her own. "Radahn, I've missed you as well," she replied, her voice slightly strained as she felt her ribs being compressed. "Perhaps you could unhand me? I would prefer to keep the breath in my lungs."
Radahn, realizing his strength, released her with an apologetic grin, though his happiness at seeing her remained undiminished. He stepped back, still beaming at his little sister, the warmth between them undeniable despite the awkwardness of the moment.
"Are you ready for your first class, Ranni?" he asked, his tone both proud and reassuring. "Professor Azur can be quite the challenging teacher. I struggled a bit myself."
"That's valuable information, brother," Ranni said, nodding in appreciation. She could feel the curious stares of her classmates observing their interaction, no doubt taking note of the familial connection between her and Radahn. "And I thank you, not just for that, but for what you've discussed with mother. You have my deepest gratitude." Her words were measured, hoping to deflect any attention from the matter of her recent status as heir to Caria, a secret she wished to keep from her peers for just a little while longer.
"Indeed, it was the least I could do," Radahn said proudly, completely unaware of the discomfort he was causing his sister. "It did not seem right for Caria to be inherited by a male. I have my own inspiration, sister, and it's only fair I make way for yours as well." His voice brimmed with a noble sense of duty, but for Ranni, it was as if he'd dropped a stone into the still waters of her planned anonymity.
Ranni felt the weight of her classmates' stares pressing down on her, their eyes sharp with interest and, perhaps, judgment. Her heart sank, and a twitch of irritation flickered across her composed expression. Her sweet, well-meaning elder brother had revealed the very thing she had hoped to keep hidden, and though she loved him dearly, at that moment, she could've throttled him.
Seeing no point in hiding it any longer, she straightened, trying to appear unbothered by the revelation. "What of your classes, Radahn?" she asked, a hint of urgency in her voice. "They must be starting soon." Inwardly, she prayed for some divine intervention — anything to make him leave before he caused more unintentional damage.
Radahn blinked, clearly not expecting the reminder. "Ah! I thank you, sister! Without your help, I may have been late to Magical Theory." With a smile as wide as ever, he turned swiftly on his heel and bolted down the hallway, his Carian knight guardian hot on his trail.
Ranni let out a small sigh of relief as the thudding of Radahn's footsteps faded. Though the awkwardness lingered in the air, she was grateful for the fleeting quiet. Now all she had to do was endure the curious gazes of her peers and pray that Professor Azur would start class before Seluvis could open his mouth again.
"I did not know we were in the presence of the future grace of Caria, this a great honor." Seluvis said as he knelt down on one knee, Ranni could not identify if his tone was truly respectful or mocking which was not helped by his natural nasal tone. Ranni could not help but feel mocked no matter the meaning of his words. She couldn't decide if he meant it sincerely or was poking fun at her newfound position. The ambiguity made her bristle, her sharp golden eyes narrowing at him in warning as she prepared to speak.
But before she could rebuke him, another voice cut through the tension.
"Nobody has knelt in Caria for eleven years, Queen Rennala relieved her subjects of doing such as it was too time consuming. You doing that is openly mocking Ranni, so quit it" Adula said as she crossed her arms, and her brother Borealis, standing beside her, averted his eyes in discomfort as the whole class turned to witness the moment. "Although," she added with a sharp glance at Seluvis, "I suppose one of the outsiders was bound not to know that. I'm sure the others did."
Gideon, Sellen, and even Thops nodded quietly in agreement. Seluvis's black eyes darted between Adula and Ranni, clearly unsettled by the unexpected rebuke. Rising from his position, he offered an awkward smile, the tension clinging to his words. "I apologize if I've offended you, Ranni. That was not my intent. The customs here are new to me, and I haven't had the luxury of studying them as thoroughly as my brother." He gestured toward Gideon, who, still engrossed in his book, didn't even glance up at the ongoing exchange.
Ranni studied Seluvis for a moment, still uncertain of his sincerity but knowing that any further response would only prolong the uncomfortable encounter. With a curt nod, she accepted his apology, though her annoyance lingered.
After a few moments of uneasy silence, everyone returned to their own business. Ranni felt the weight of eyes on her still but chose to ignore it, focusing instead on the faint creak of the classroom door as it slowly swung open. The students turned to peer into the dark room beyond. The chamber was dimly lit by a few scattered candles, their flickering flames casting long shadows that made the interior difficult to make out. Even as Ranni squinted, the room remained elusive, the details swallowed by darkness.
Adula and Borealis were the first to step inside, their steps unhesitant as they navigated the low visibility with an ease that surprised Ranni. She hesitated for a moment before following them, her hands outstretched to feel her way forward, careful not to collide with the others or any hidden obstacles. The other students followed suit, moving cautiously into the gloom.
"Hello students, please take your seats if you would." an echoed masculine voice sounded from all around them, almost like it was calling from deep within a cave, it sounded so close yet so far away.
Following the voice's directives, Ranni found a seat near the front of the classroom. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, she noticed the chairs were arranged for nine students, with two empty seats at the back. Ranni sat between Gideon and Sellen, while Adula, Seluvis, and Borealis occupied the middle row. Thops, as expected, chose a solitary spot in the back. The silence weighed heavily in the room, broken only by the rustling of robes and the hum of the candles as they slowly brightened, casting flickering shadows across the space.
Ranni's gaze flicked toward her cousins, Adula and Borealis, whose attention was firmly fixed on the front of the room. Following their line of sight, Ranni squinted, trying to see through the darkness, and slowly a faint glimmer caught her eye. As the candles grew brighter, the room's details came into view, revealing their teacher seated behind an ornate desk.
Professor Azur, renowned throughout the academy for his mastery of magic, sat with an air of quiet authority. His face was partially obscured by bandages that covered everything from his nose upward, a mystery in itself although he wore a faint smile on his face. Large Glintstone fragments adorned his shoulder piece, shimmering faintly in the candlelight, their presence a testament to his deep connection to the arcane arts. His robes were made of black, fine silk that seemed to absorb the dim light, giving him an ethereal presence, as though he were part of the shadows themselves.
"Welcome to Magical History," Azur's voice was calm yet resonant, carrying a weight of knowledge that immediately drew the students' attention. "I am Azur, and for the duration of your studies, it will be my duty to guide you through the chronicles of magic, its evolution, and the figures who have shaped its course."
Ranni felt a quiet thrill run through her. Azur's reputation preceded him, and the opportunity to learn under someone so revered sent a twinge of excitement to her chest. She glanced at Sellen, who had leaned forward in her seat, clearly just as eager. Gideon remained stoic, but his eyes were sharp, absorbing every word.
"There is much to learn, and much more to question," Azur continued, his eyes flickering toward each student as if weighing them. "Magic, like the moon, waxes and wanes. It is both a tool and a mystery. Those who fail to understand its history will fail to master it fully. Remember, in magic, as in life, knowledge is power." He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Now, let us begin, I shall test what you know now, so I can measure what to teach you in the future."
Azur took a deep breath as he stood from his desk, his shoulder piece weighing him down, but as he walked to the front of the class it did not bely the silence of his steps. "Students, who can tell me the name of the sorceress who was the first to explore and step within Dragonbarrow, eventually befriending the drake sovereign during her studies within the land of the winged creatures."
"It was Lenne, Witch of the west." Borealis said as Ranni began to raise her hand, Azur nodded at the boy signaling his correctness, as he turned to Ranni.
"We need not raise hands here Princess, knowledge is burdened by time, therefore we must not waste it with material movements." His voice was measured as he spoke to her in the most respectful of tones, "You had the same answer, did you not?"
"Yes, sir," Ranni replied, lowering her hand. The acknowledgment in Azur's nod sent a small wave of satisfaction through her, though she wondered how the others viewed this exchange.
Azur continued, folding his glintstone-laden arms as he shifted into a more relaxed posture. "Lenne's tale is often told, an enduring story of courage and companionship between mortal and drake. The truth of her journey remains standing in the tower she constructed beside one of the great bridges leading to what was once Farum Azula. But, as many of you know, this is an old tale, and most have heard it before." He paused for effect, scanning the faces before him, all of them captivated. "Let us move to a more modern figure. Now, who can tell me the sorcerer responsible for popularizing the constant imbuement of their weapon with magical energy?"
The answer to the question alluded even Ranni, Such practices were relatively recent, and she doubted whether any of the more traditional sources she'd studied would have the answer. She looked to her classmates and saw similar confusion etched on their faces—except for one. Gideon's head lifted, his gaze fixed forward with the calm certainty of someone who had already unraveled the mystery.
"I believe the root of the trend to be Princess Rellana," Gideon said coolly, "though the inventor of the practice was Chelona, Witch of the East."
A pleased grin broke across Azur's otherwise stoic face. "Correct. Princess Rellana is well known for her masterful use of this technique. As for your second answer, you are also right. Chelona, though long departed from the academy, documented her methods in her Conspectus, a gift to those who came after her." Azur paced, his gaze shifting to the other students as he added, "And which Conspectus continues to pass on Chelona's teachings?"
"The Haima Consectus, if my memory serves correctly." Gideon replied, earning him another nod from Azur.
Azur nodded again, clearly impressed. "Indeed. The Haima Conspectus focuses on the use of powerful glintstone sorceries that enhance weapons, a principle pioneered by Chelona herself. Now Haima and his battlemages use the skill often in their practices."
Ranni couldn't help but notice the slight shift in the room's atmosphere. Her classmates glanced at Gideon with a mixture of respect and apprehension. His command of such knowledge, at his age, was almost unnerving. She would have to watch him closely in the coming days. there was more to Gideon than his quiet demeanor and love for books.
Ranni's eyes flicked to Sellen and Adula. The two seemed lost in their thoughts, though Adula's facial features had lightened as she had rested her chin on her hand. Sellen, on the other hand, had her arms crossed, her icy blue eyes gleaming with a competitive edge ready for the next question.
"This is a welcome surprise," Azur said, his voice warm with praise. "Each year I pose this question, and it remains unanswered by noble and common-born alike. Yet here, before me, two of you knew the truth." His pale eyes flickered with respect as he looked at Sellen and Gideon, then turned his veiled gaze toward Ranni and Adula. "I had heavily expected Lady Ranni, or perhaps Lady Adula, to offer the correct answer, as both have grown in the custody of the Carians. Yet they have wisely chosen to remain silent. Still, I must ask—did you both know of the Primeval Current?"
Ranni nodded, "Indeed, Preceptor Mirriam mentioned it in our countless studies, although briefly." She said, crossing her legs within her robe as she placed her arms on the wooden desk with contempt in her answer and knowledge.
Adula, behind Ranni, grunted in agreement, seemingly uninterested in the competitive dynamics of the room. Perhaps for her, the knowledge was just another fact, something absorbed but not worth flaunting.
Professor Azur clapped his hands together, the sound echoing through the room. The glintstone embedded in his wrappings cracked slightly, releasing a fine mist of cerulean dust that drifted to the floor like tiny stars. "A class with such understanding warms my heart," he said, his voice brimming with excitement as he returned to his desk. "Though this lesson is cut short, you'll now move on to your next class, Magical Theory in the Grand Library. I look forward to delving deeper into the history of our art with all of you."
The students nodded in unison, acknowledging Azur's words. Across the room, however, Sellen and Gideon remained standing, locked in an unspoken battle of wills. Sellen wore a smirk, her eyes bright with competitive fire, while Gideon stood calmly, seemingly unaffected. He was the first to break the standoff, retrieving his book without a word and exiting the classroom with deliberate steps.
Ranni let out a quiet sigh as she gathered her quill and parchment, feeling satisfied with her initial assessment of her classmates. Sellen's intensity intrigued her, and Gideon's quiet confidence intrigued her more. She would have to keep an eye on both of them. Rising from her seat, she followed Thops, who had already shuffled out of the room, her mind racing with curiosity.
To her mild surprise, Borealis fell into step beside her, his presence quiet but palpable. "Quite an interesting class, wouldn't you say?" he asked softly, a warm, easy smile playing on his lips.
Ranni knew not his motivation for speaking to her, so she spoke her response with caution despite Borealis's nonthreatening aura. "Agreed, quite a spectacle." Ranni said curtly as they passed through the doorway. Ranni could feel the petite yet contemptuous presence of her other cousin following behind them.
"I know we haven't had the chance to get to know one another," Borealis continued, his voice sincere. "But we are family. I would like to change that, as I'm sure Adula would as well." His words were kind, without pressure, and carried the weight of genuine interest. Adula's response came in the form of a puff of air, but Ranni couldn't quite discern if it was agreement or annoyance.
Caught off guard by Borealis's open friendliness, Ranni felt a flicker of excitement stir within her. "That would be... pleasant," she said, a bit awkwardly. She hesitated for a moment, then added, "I only recently learned of your mother's existence, but I am curious about both of you. I'd like to become better acquainted." The words felt foreign on her tongue, but not unwelcome.
"That is quite wonderful to hear, I thank you Ranni." Borealis said happily as they walked, he only paused for a second to look back at his sister before continuing, "Professor Azur mentioned that you grew up in the care of the Carians, how was that experience?"
"The experience was not much, mainly I studied and slept that is all." Ranni said imparting the same knowledge she had to Sellen an hour ago, "I noticed that the Professor named your sister as a resident at the academy but not yourself, how was your childhood?"
The boy smiled to himself as they neared the entrance to the Grand Library, putting his hands on his hips casually, "I grew up journeying the lands with our mother, whereas Adula was raised here by our father." his eyes checked Ranni's quickly, "Many would find it weird for siblings to be raised separately, but I believe that Adula and I are just as close as we were when I departed."
"That is quite sweet, if I do say." Ranni said kindly, relating to Borealis's reunion as she had her own with Radahn earlier.
The three walked in comfortable silence, the only sound being the light scuffle of their slippers against the stone, as they reached the bustling courtyard where scholars of all ages were scattered about, diligently studying or conversing in small groups. The grand stone pillars framed the open space, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Ranni's sharp eyes spotted Radahn among the sea of students, his fiery red hair and towering frame unmistakable. He had just been dismissed from his Magical Theory class, and as soon as he caught sight of his younger sister, his face lit up in a wide grin.
"Ranni! Auntie is quite the entertaining teacher, you will enjoy the class!" Radahn's voice boomed across the courtyard, his words filled with the exuberance only he could muster. Ranni rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Radahn's enthusiasm was infectious, though sometimes overwhelming. She nodded back at him, offering a subtle wave as her brother and his peers disappeared into a nearby hall, the sound of his laughter echoing faintly in the distance.
Ranni and her group pressed on, their destination in sight. The grand stairway lay ahead, its sweeping structure made from carefully laid gray stone bricks that sloped elegantly upwards. The stairs curved gently, guiding them towards a smaller courtyard nestled in the heart of the academy. As they ascended, the group fell into a calm rhythm, their previous chatter replaced by quiet awe as they looked out across the vast landscape of Liurnia, spread before them like a painted tapestry. The horizon stretched far and wide, the serene lakes shimmering under the daylight, while the spires of the academy pierced the clear blue sky above and beside them.
A cool breeze rolled across the courtyard, carrying the scent of fresh rain and earth as it brushed against their backs, urging them forward. At the top of the stairs, they came to the small, stone courtyard where the lift awaited. Without hesitation, the students all boarded the sturdy platform, their silent excitement palpable as the lift groaned to life, ascending smoothly with the quiet hum of ancient machinery. Higher and higher they rose, the academy grounds shrinking below them until they reached their destination—the Grand Library.
The heavy, carved doors of the library stood wide open, welcoming them into the vast, scholarly sanctuary. A sense of reverence washed over the group as they stepped inside, their eyes immediately drawn to the towering shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls that lined every wall. The smell of old paper and aged wood filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of candle wax and incense. The center of the library was dominated by an immense oak desk, finely polished, its surface scattered with parchments and quills.
Atop the desk sat Ranni's elusive aunt, Renna, casually lounging in a way that seemed to defy the formal setting. Her legs were crossed, and she leaned back slightly, an easygoing smile playing on her lips as her pale blue eyes glanced up from the scroll she was reading. Behind her, Moongrum stood tall and composed, his usual stoic demeanor in place as he watched over the students. He was both professor and guardian here, his eyes met Ranni's, his gaze was hard and calculating, but his eyes left her quickly as they softened as he looked upon his daughter behind Ranni.
As the students entered, Renna raised an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with emotion as she addressed the group. "Welcome, little scholars, to the Grand Library. I trust you're all ready to be dazzled by the brilliance of magic and theory?" She grinned, her tone playful and annoying as ever, yet there was a weight behind her words, a promise that this was no ordinary class.
Moongrum, standing a few steps behind Renna, offered a silent nod of acknowledgement to the students, his presence commanding yet non-intrusive. His eyes briefly met Ranni's, and she felt a sense of assurance in his quiet strength. Today would be a challenge, but she felt prepared—or at least, she hoped she was.