Chapter 20 Where Flowers Bloom, So Does Hope

A wide platform of oak stands in front of the large congregation of students. Everyone's bustling and fidgeting about like bees to a nest, excitement abuzz in the air. The four of us settle down when we see a spot with enough seats for all of us.

Orbs dimming, the podium shimmers alight. Who must be the principle steps up, a flaring robe of bronze and gild seems to come alive. Roaring like a phoenix in flight, it bursts into feathers of flame, sparkling down on the crowd.

The student body goes wild, the energy becoming more and more fervent; everyone feeding off one another's excitement. The principle is pure flame, not literally, but everything about him exudes a hot incandescence. Infernos wrap his body like a well-tailored outfit, his eyes kindle up bright yellow, reminding me of a jaguar.

“Welcome to the best University in all of Gardein!”

Everyone roars in response, even I find myself getting caught up in the excitement. When the applause and cheers calm down a bit, he introduces himself as Principle Aurelian before beginning his speech.

“These are the best years. We are no longer embroiled in war and strife. Stability and wealth surging throughout the lands. Elevation of the creative soul is awakening, causing an unprecedented inspiration of the arts. It is the age of knowledge, information being shared among all kingdoms and its people. The borders knows no bounds post-Centuria.”

“Yet this is the only educational institution where anyone, regardless of species, class, or birthplace, is able to attend. Fairfolk, Kindred, and Human. Even whilst the lands are immersed in the heart of peace, society is still far from perfect. Tension. Misunderstandings. Prejudice. These are the best years. But they can be better.”

I feel a deep stirring in my chest. His words strike a dissonant, yet melodious chord in my heart. Everyone’s eyes are fixated to this figure standing in front of us like moths to a flame.

“There may be many different reasons why you have come to study here at the Harthrow University of Interdisciplinary Studies. Perhaps it is because of the first-class education. Perhaps it is due to the potential connections that could be made. Perhaps the fine weather and abundant nature in this province drew you in.” He pauses, staring across the crowd. “In your years here, it will all hold true.”

“You will receive one of the finest educations the world has to offer. Hopefully, all the while being instilled with a love of learning. In one’s life, self-betterment doesn’t stop after examinations, it is ad infinitum.”

“Gathered here today are many important figures of tomorrow. You will make connections and establish lifelong relationships, making precious friends and memories you will cherish. I don’t even need to touch on the climate. If you haven’t seen it for yourself, just leave now and step outside. Seriously, I won’t even be mad.”

A few chuckles wafts from the audience. Though of course, no one makes any show to move. His overflowing charisma rooting us to the spot.

“But, what you won’t get from this establishment or any other is thus: the hard work you put in. It is yours, and only yours to give. Everyone here will undergo the same rigorous education, naturally forming bonds through their experiences. But you won’t break down barriers without effort. Real communication and understanding can only be accomplished by widening your worldview. Live among your peers, truly see them for what they are - a person - not a mass of stereotypes or paradigms. I wholeheartedly believe that if we all work towards this, our horizons won’t just be of hate or apathy.”

“What lies beyond is true unification and peace.”

“You all are the future.”

Shivers run through the fiber of my being at this closing statement. It’s a little embarrassing how moved I feel right now.

I take a peek at the people around me. Vaniriel is wide-eyed in wonderment, Horusha and Fenrir actually look a bit teary-eyed. I even see a few among the thousands of students openly crying.

My father has always promoted tolerance, a compassionate viewpoint in order to achieve peaceful and mutually benefiting resolutions. He is the Minister of Interspecies Relations after all. But not only this, I was taught logical reasoning; to be grounded in reality and see everything as it is. And I know, that not every family is like this. Many must have grown up with preconceived notions of discrimination. Repeatedly told of each species’ supposed misgivings. Heaping upon vindication upon rationalization upon insecurity, like baggage to a paid footman. Even I’m sure I hold some of these myself.

It wasn’t too long ago that Humans were hunted. Still hunted in less developed areas, places where wealth or security or law haven’t found a foothold. Predatorily sucked dry by Kindred for blood, eaten by Fairfolk for bone and flesh. Used for war and magick and dark arts. Sometimes not even for any purpose, seen only as game or chase.

Even if it has been constellation-cycles since the end of the war, crimes of hate often still surge through like a disease. A single drop could shatter all our peace.

Will we really all be able to uphold unity? Will we all be able to change other’s perspectives, to embrace someone fundamentally different than yourself? Will we change for the better? Can we even change for the better? Will I be able to do these things?

Although these worries and fears can’t be resolved from a single speech. Still… Principle Aurelian’s words struck something deep-rooted in all of us. These anxieties that I and many others must secretly carry in our hearts… His words carried something even stronger - Hope.

Even if reality is harsher than baseless optimism. His words made me want to believe and run after the future he spoke of.