Following behind the tall elf, Lisa's group quickly moved to a remote location where no other students were to be found.

She was glad she didn't spot the ever ubiquitous knights in this part of the venue. Varek, the tall and scary bald boy, lifted his head towards the sun as they walked, as if he was bathing in the pale glow of the weakened rays. Atleast weakened compared to where he was really from.

That place was far too hot, Lisa thought. She'd been there once on a diplomatic visit, but since she'd been 6 years old at the time, she remembered little. Only that it was extremely hot and unpleasant and that she'd spent most of her time there drenched in sweat, nasty and sticky and yearning for the refreshing pools of her home forest.

Yseralin strutted about as if she was the most important personage in the entire group, but she did not garner an entourage as Lisa had half expected.

Rather, It seemed even the other highborne shied away from her. Aran surprised Lisa most of all, for he along with the beardless dwarf Kemlin, dropped back to walk beside her and talk.

At first Lisa felt uncomfortable, but the redheaded boy and the beardless dwarf were surprisingly easygoing fellows and quite easy to talk with. Still though, there was a tightness in her chest due to Aran's position and what his family had perpetrated against her people.

It was not something she could just forget or overlook so easily, even though Lisa knew she shouldn't hold it against him, since it was not he who had made the decision.

That had happened 4 years ago, and the political maneuverings begun earlier than that. Aran couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 when the first stirrings and whisperings of war began to reverberate throughout her home and the first knights showed up at the edges of the forest, claiming it belonged to the king. It now did, though not much of it was left due to the fires of war.

She wondered how the other elf-tribes fared. They were probably alright, since most of them were located north of here in the Empire or near the conglomerate.

”Right, we're here.” Elana said. It was a remote area ringed by a large wooden barrier and several colorful overhangs under which to take shade should there be a need. There was a wide space in the middle of the grassy plane, which is where they all gathered. Lisa felt a tingle run down her spine as the elf waved a hand. The air sizzled and a pale, pinkisk barrier sprung up around the whole area.

”With this we're in an isolated space. Nobody will know what takes place here, and nobody will be able to disturb us either. Now, let us begin.” Elana said, reaching into bag and bringing out an all too familiar tablet made of a smooth, stone like material. Lisa nearly cringed away from it, but knew that it was foolish to do so.

Still, the image of the tablet exploding, the impacts of shattered stone smashing against the barrier that Shu had put up... for her sake.

Elana, ever the perceptive woman, seemed to have noticed her reticence and gently inclined her head, though Lisa knew not whether the gesture was for her benefit or for all of the nobles, who, having obviously seen testing tablets before, did not ogle it quite like she did.

”This, as you know, is a testing tablet. I've brought out a special ancient grade tablet for you today, just to make sure no unforseen events take place.” Elana held it out for them to see.

”It's not a mandatory part of the testing for you lot, since you're all priviledge holders in some way or another. Still, it would behoove you to know your starting point, so that you may gauge your progress in the school. It would also be useful for those of you who are still unclear about the job for which you wish to aim.” Elana explained.

Yseralin, who was the same height as Lisa and also cursed with a childs body, stood on tippy toe. Raising her chin proudly, she waved at the headmistress to get her attention. Elana smiled ruefully, directing her gaze to the eager prat.

”It seems we have a volunteer to go first. Come on then.”

Yseralin eagerly jumped forward, walking right up to stand infront of Elana unabashedly. Cocking her head, Lisa thought that perhaps Yseralin had a few admirable qualities too. Like her confidence. It was ridiculously high, to the point that it overflowed and spilled over into her surroundings.

How could Lisa allow herself to exhibit even a shred of cowardice, when this bratty kid was so confident, despite the presence of the nobles. Despite the presence of probably the strongest mage in all of the Azure kingdom, the legendary Purple handed witch, this little girl thrust out her non-existent chest, turned up her nose and grinned as she confidently placed a small hand on the tablet.

It shone, pulsing and flickering with a dim light.

”It is done. Here, take a look.” Elana said, letting Yseralin take the tablet. She let out a little squeal of joy, whirling about a few times, her dress swirling like a trail behind her.

”Look at this!” She said, proudly holding out the tablet for all to see.

Lisa squinted trying to make out the letters on the tablet. Information was valuable. She had learned this long ago, and Yseralin was a potential rival or maybe even a danger to her, what with the way Yseralin had been treating her since the moment they met.

[Yseralin Silverswallow].

Race: Human.

Age: 12.

Level: 28.

Class: Apprentice Magic user.

[Stats]

HP: 190

MP: 1130

STR: 11

AGI: 13

VIT: 11

INT: 49

WIS: 17

SPI: 13

[Titles]

Apprenticed to Seivious of Abaddon

Little Skimmy shilling eyes

The tiny flatchest

Lisa nearly burst out laughing when she saw the last of Yseralin's titles, but she managed to hold it in. After all, Lisa was also a tiny flat chest and atleast that girl still had age on her side. Lisa though... Lisa should be well developed by now, like her mother had been before she... no. Don't think about that.

Lisa's eyes glanced over at Aran then back at the ground as she felt a tightening in her chest. They were here. She was here. This was enemy territory, how could she be careless? Vigilance... but these were just kids, and the knights were friendly enough? Confusing.

Still though, it seemed like Yseralin was quite a forrmidable girl. To have three titles at the age of 12 was quite the accomplishment, even if one of them was kind of.. pffft. No, don't laugh at it. She did not want to mock herself by proxy of making fun of Yseralin. Besides, such behaviour was unbecoming at the best of times, and reprehensible at the worst of times.

Aran however, did not possess such compunctions. He let rip a loud mocking cackle, slapping Kemlins sturdy back to encourage the others to join him.

”The tiny flatchest! Hahaha! Oh doodlie doo, however did you acquire that title Yseralin?” The other members of the group joined in, laughing hysterically in mockery of Yseralin.

All except Lisa and Varek. She was surprised that the scary looking Varek of Sathai did not join in the ridicule. To be honest, Lisa felt a bit sorry for Yseralin, whose cheeks were rapidly reddening. She could almost picture herself in that situation.

Yseralin stamped her feet and sputtered, but whatever she was going to say seemed to die away on her lips, as her spirit seemed to depart her body. Lisa's heart clenched as she watched this.

Yseralin's gaze fell, and she lost the luster that shone around her before, that aura of confidence Lisa had been so taken by. With no energy, the deflated Yseralin handed the tablet to Elana and trudged over to stand by herself in the shade of one of the awnings some distance from the still giggling and cackling group of nobles.

This was hard to watch. She should say something. Tell them to shut up and leave the girl alone.

No matter how much of a bitch Yseralin had been, this wasn't right.

Just as that thought graced Lisa, Elana snapped her fingers and directed a sharp and disapproving gaze at the haughty young nobles.

”You will refrain from ridiculing your fellow schoolmates. No matter what stats come up, or titles for that matter, you will say nothing. This is the beginning, and everyone's starting point is different. It does not matter if someone is strong or if they are weak. If they work hard and train diligently, they will be able to rid themselves of weakness and grow. The ultimate goal for Xuberanth's students is for them to one day stretch out their wings and fly, but to do that you have to be humble! Besides, I think Yseralin is probably among the strongest here! A 12 year old girl is so excellent, so you should not be so quick to judge and ridicule.” Elana said. Then the woman cocked her head, seemingly to think something over while they were still quietly snickering, impervious to her reprimand. Well, they were nobles after all. Lisa knew quite well the pitfalls of being well-bred.

Elana motioned for them to be quiet.

”Lumineira hear my plea. I grant unto thee the solemn vow, the holy plea. Guide the just hand unto me.” Elana intoned suddenly. Everything went white as the world flashed. When Lisa's eyes cleared she was still seeing spots, but noticed that Aran, Kemlin and the other nobles were holding their heads and showing expressions of pain. Varek was unaffected though, as was Yseralin who was still sat slumped in the shadow of a distant awning, a dark look flashing in her otherwise gloriously sharp eyes.

Elana clapped twice. ”With that, none of you will be able to speak of what you see within this space. This includes the titles, stats and other secrets pertaining to your schoolmates. Should you do so, you will incur the wrath of Lumineira. Only a cursed life of wretchedness awaits those who oppose the goddess, for what she likes least of all are disingenuous people and those who do not keep their promises. Even if said promises were made unwillingly, this still applies.”

Elana finished with a flurry, then seemed to clear her throat and return to her original position as if nothing out of the ordinary had taken place. Aran looked shaken, and he muttered to himself under his breath. Kemlin grumbled quietly, and Varek directed those sunken pits of his towards... her.

Varek was looking at her. Lisa thought she'd feel something like a spider crawling down her spine, its yucky legs slowly scratching and itching their way down her back. But no. Vareks gaze did not elicit such a reaction.

Their eyes met, and Varek nodded imperceptibly, then returned his focused gaze to the headmistress. Again she cocked her head as thoughts flew through her mind.

She'd been away from society for a long time. Four years a slave, and before that she'd been an isolated and pampered father's girl. As much as she hated to admit it, it seemed she had become quite inept at judging people. This realization created an unspeakable unease within her as she thought of him again.

Shu. Had she judged him incorrectly too? To begin with, he'd been so nice.

But so had Aran.

Now shu had disappeared to who knows where, doing whatever he wanted. He had probably already forgotten about her. Maybe he had even found a girlfriend to keep him company. A nice, tall, big-chested woman who was strong and wouldn't hold him back or slow him down. Aran, who noticed Lisa's dark look, coughed and straightened himself.

”Yes, well. We're sorry, right guys?”

He said loudly. He didn't really sound like he meant it, but his gaze kept flicking to Lisa then to Yseralin and back again. One by one, the other nobles also apologized, though none really did so genuinely. Lisa bit her lip. This was not at all what she had been expecting when she agreed to go to Xuberanth Royal Academy.

Next, the nobles stepped forward and tested themselves with the tablets magic. One by one, her turn approached. A few, like Aran, had opted to keep their stats hidden. Though most did not.

Comparing what she knew, Lisa realized that Yseralin was actually at the top. Aran's level was unknown, but for those she knew, the runner up for highest level was Kemlin the dwarf, who boasted high health and strength, but also a high MP. His level was 26, only 2 behind Yseralin who had claimed herself a prodigy so proudly. Then again these were children of rulers, of kings and queens. It was a given that they were talented.

”Lisa, would you like to have a go?” Elana asked. Her gaze held considerable kindness. This woman would understand if Lisa said no, but... how far had she come since the adventurer's guild incident? How had the training with Caia affected her? Lisa nodded, straightened herself and recalled how Yseralin had moved with such overwhelming confidence before.

She did not have to display the tablet before the others like Yseralin had done, but Elana would undoubtedly know what was written on the stone.

Trying to siphon off atleast a little bit of that power of confidence for herself, Lisa walked up to Elana , tentatively placing her hand on the tablet. It didn't seem to require any blood, and she inferred that this was probably due to it being an ancient grade tablet. The light started shining, brighter and brighter, warmer and warmer.

Lisa felt a surprisingly pleasurable sensation running through her, and her spine tingled like she was taking a hot bath in a mistvale pool. Oh how she missed the bubblepools... Her face blushed as she thought of herself in one such bubblepool, nestled against Shu as they sat naked in nature, with the birds of the mistvale forest chirping harmoniously all around them.

Elana cleared her throat, and Lisa opened her eyes realizing with a start that she'd been standing there with her eyes closed smiling dumbly.

”Umu, that is an unusual reaction.” Elana commented. Be brave, Lisa told herself as she directed her gaze down at the tablet and the letters that both damned her, and saved her.

[Princess Athelisa Sylthana Hellspirit Ashbrook]

Race: Demonkin. (Elven halfbreed, Southern Mistvale tribe)

Age: 16

Level: 38

Class: Apprentice Magic user

[Stats]

HP: 2370 (+2000 source: Clothing)

MP: 3557

STR: 16

AGI: 16

VIT: 19

INT: 57

WIS: 34

SPI: 301

[Titles]

The Visitation of Woe

Cursed one

She who dipped her toe in the pool of nihil

Favoured by the Master of Pandemonium

Princess of the Burning Spirit

Lisa smiled as she looked over her tablet reading. She'd leveled up, acquired a class and somehow, she'd boosted her stats tremendously too! This was a result to be happy with. In truth, she hadn't thought it would be this drastic of a change, but it seemed that that week spent with Caia had been extremely productive.

Hmm. Perhaps it had something to do with the bandits they had eliminated along the way too, though Lisa hadn't done anything so she'd thought herself exempt from gaining experience from the battle. Maybe not? It was honestly hard to tell, since Caia's hell-like training had been so hard on her.

Yeah. It was most likely that.

Using magic until she almost fainted several times each day, and once before going to sleep each night... she shuddered just remembering that torture. But she got stronger. It was worth it. In truth, Lisa was going to continue the practice. Strength was everything for her right now. There was so much to do, but she was still too weak.

When Lisa's eyes reached the title section, she cocked her head in confusion. Huh? Who was the Master of Pandemonium? Just as Lisa read it, Elana let out a gasp of surprise aswell and she remembered the woman looking over her shoulder at the tablet. Lisa almost jumped and very nearly dropped the tablet due to the shock she received.

For Elana to make such a sound was completely unexpected. Could it have been what she read on the tablet? Perhaps her stats had somehow shocked the headmistress? Still, it shouldn't be so easy to shock the legendary purple handed witch... it must be something pretty crazy, but what, exactly?

Lisa's heart thundered loudly, pounding her small chest like a taiko drum as she once more looked down at the strange words. Master of Pandemonium. Who.. just who would favour someone like her? An unattractive young woman trapped in a childs body. A cursed girl with no womanly attributes to speak of? With no female charm? The favour must come from her curse then.

Maybe she had been scouted by some evil creature looking for an underling? Yes, that made much more sense given her situation.

Nevermind that, Princess of the Burning Spirit! Now that was a title she liked alot. It sounded cool. Lisa didn't think she was living up to the title though. She hadn't stood up for Yseralin when she should have.

She had to do better in the future.

Lisa looked up from the tablet to find Elana staring down at her with a wide-eyed, intense glare and her mouth hanging open in a slack-jawed display of utter shock. Lisa was taken aback by this, and her own mouth opened in an O as she stared into the womans eyes.

Elana saw her looking and seemed to gather herself, swiftly regaining her composure and poise. But for that brief moment, Lisa had seen something unbelievable.

Something about her tablet reading had been able to so thoroughly shock probably the strongest mage in the Azure kingdom and very likely the whole southern regiosphere. One of the strongest women in the world had just shown Lisa such an expression...

Elana cleared her throat, completely ignoring Aran and co. Who were understandably filled with questions after having witnessed the reaction too.

Bending down, Elana brought her mouth close to Lisa's ear and whispered hoarsely. ”How.. just how do you know him?” That quiet, almost scared voice coming from Elana... was unnerving to say the least, and Lisa felt a cold shiver run down her spine.

”Could it be him? No, Caiana would've known and mentioned it in the letter...” Elana mumbled as she straightened herself.

Lisa swallowed audibly, but Elana moved away from her then, once more becoming the distant and lofty headmistress. Before Lisa could wonder about the whole thing, Elana resumed the trials, evidently having decided to leave it for later.

The first few tests were simple demonstrations, to show that they were capable of casting basic spells like [light] and [flame], but Lisa thought Elana conducted this test with an unusual intensity.

She'd suddenly become very stern, proper and majestic in her comportment. The group silenty endured Elana's tests.

The whole thing was performed with routine efficiency, with no fanfare or flair, just cold hard efficiency. Elana remained aloof the whole time, not attempting to flatter the nobles in any way, which Lisa supposed the woman didn't need to. If anyone could hold her own against royalty and noble houses, it was her.

During the tests, Lisa caught faint, subdued whisperings from Aran once in awhile. He even sent a few remarks her way. The boy attempted to make a joke, but his bravado died away under the powerful scrutiny of the Headmistress of Xuberanth's Royal Academy.

Once the whole ordeal was over, Lisa stumbled from the testing area, her mind a hazy mess. It was not that the tests had been excessively draining or anything, no.

Compared with Caia's hellish training the test was nothing more than a warm up for Lisa. No, it was the people. It was Aran and Kemlin... It was Varek and Yseralin. It was Elana, too. Social interaction was a scary thing after all.

Something she used to be good at as a princess. Now she felt utterly hopeless at it, at reading people and motivations. That part of her upbringing had been crushed and pulled out of her forcibly by the cruel hand of dirty slaver scumbags.

She sought refuge in the shadowy overhang of a small shop that sold writing implements. It had a subdued, dark blue awning with white stripes on it. Nobody seemed to approach this booth, and the person overseeing it was just a crooked shadow in a long dark blue robe.

The robed person payed Lisa no mind as she sat down, leaning against one of the wooden supports of the awning with a sigh. Her vision grew grey and washed out as she stared straight ahead in a daze.

The shapes of bodies milling about the colorful boothes gradually blurred and faded away until everything melded together. She closed her eyes and felt her body relax. Just a short nap, she told herself.

Lisa woke to someone gently shaking her. She looked over to find a gnarled old hand weakly gripping her shoulder. It was the robed figure overseeing the booth.

”You best get up little missy. It's almost afternoon and the sun's setting.” An ancient voice croaked. Lisa rubbed at her eyes as she replied. ”Oh. Uhm. I'm sorry for falling asleep at your booth Granny.” The old lady laughed.

”No worries dear. Nobody came today either, but atleast I had an adorable little thing like you to keep me company. I'm Bathilda by the way.” Lisa cocked her head, one of her hands inadvertently slipping into the folds of clothing where she hid the pipe and the small pouch of Azurean Kairo Leaf that Caia had gifted her as a parting present.

As she pulled it out, she said. ”I'm Lisa. Nice to meet you Bathilda granny. Isn't it boring to watch someone sleep?”

Bathilda chuckled. ”Far from it dear. You say the darndest things you do, very nearly gave me full on nostalgia.” Bathilda said, her eyes seeming to stare at an unseen object in the distance.

Lisa fumbled with the tobacco for a moment before slipping a bit into the pipe. It was a bit irksome to learn that she talked in her sleep. What if she said something embarrassing and someone overheard?

”Flame.” Lisa said, lighting the long thin pipe and taking a deep puff.

Immediately a sense of relaxation spread throughout her body. ”I talk in my sleep?” She asked the woman, who nodded.

”That you do. You keep mumbling someone's name over and over again. Who is this Shu? He must be someone very important to you. That name...” Bathilda said, her eyes narrowing suddenly.

The sense of relaxation from smoking the pipe vanished for a moment, and Lisa could feel her face grow hot like a furnace, as she blushed bright red. Lisa sputtered for a moment, choking on smoke, which resulted in a small coughing fit.

”You alright dear?” Bathilda asked. Lisa nodded. ”It's quite unusual to see a child smoking such a thing. In fact, I don't think I've seen that type of pipe before.”

Lisa cleared her throat, very glad that no one from the school had seen her just now. She straightened her back and tried composing herself the way she'd seen Elana do. ”It's called an Empire style Smoking pipe. Got It as a present from a friend.”

”Oho, empire style eh. The Empire... hmm.” Bathilda said. She was occupying herself with packing stuff away and Lisa went over to help the old woman.

Together, they bagged the merchandise, which consisted mostly of homemade pots whose designs were ancient and elegant looking. She also had an assortment of potions and writing implements that looked very well made, though not flashy enough to stand out. When Lisa eyed the awning and the thick wooden supports, Bathilda smiled fondly.

”Thank you for the help dearie. The knights will come and remove this tomorrow, so you don't have to worry about it.”

”Oh, that's good then.” Lisa replied, blowing out a smoke ring. It was a skill she had yet to master, but she could sometimes make nice rings and it was quite fun.

Without any warning, a very loud bell started ringing in the distance. The sound was deep and it reverberated through her, shaking her bones. That must be some kind of magic.

”Oho. You best head back to your home dear. Seems like something's happening.” Bathilda said, turning to look towards the towering white castle school.

”What do you mean?” She asked.

”That was the emergency bell my child. It means trouble's about.” Gathering a few bags, the old lady swung them across her crooked back, appearing to be in a hurry all of a sudden.

Not wanting to trouble the kind old granny more, Lisa bowed and turned to leave. As she did so, she thought she heard the woman mumbling something about time. She'd said it was time, but time for what?

Bathilda granny had said those words with a sigh of relief, but they had also sounded a bit too much like the old lady was giving up on something... how sad. If she ever saw old Bathilda again, Lisa would buy some stuff from her booth for sure.

After a few steps, Lisa realized she didn't actually know where to go. A blazing red arrow of sunlight split the sky in two, and the afternoon was slowly giving way to the dusk.

Well, she was a member of Xuberanth Royal Academy and as such, she had a room somewhere on the premises.

Surely someone would be able to point her the right way.

With that thought, Lisa strolled towards the sprawling white structure, puffing at her pipe and taking it easy for once.

The path through the enormous grassy lawns stretched past many white buildings of various sizes and designs. Some of them were plain white blocks, probably for storage.

Other white houses seemed lived in and smoke rose from several chimneys.

That was a theory which she could confirm when she spotted a group of students emerging from just such a white block. Was that were the students lived then? No wonder there were so many of the white blocks scattered about...

Just as Lisa was passing the final white blocky house before the enormous double doors that stood open like the maw of a giant beast waiting to swallow its prey, Lisa noticed a familiar small shape stumbling from behind a white blocked house holding her head.

Lisa's blood froze. Then a second later, she sprinted over and threw out an arm, supporting the staggering girl. ”Yseralin, what happened?” Lisa could hardly believe what she was seeing.

Gone was the elegant noble. Yseralins clothes were torn and blood stained her face and cheeks, along with a liberal smattering of dirty mud. Her blonde hair, once so fine, was now like a tangled ball of yarn singed at the edges, coloured black by dirt and soot. Her nose looked bent at an odd angle aswell.

”By the great tree, what happened to you?” Lisa asked. ”Nothing.” Yseralin said, coughing up a bit of blood and nearly falling to the ground despite Lisa's best efforts to drag the girl along.

”Sure as hell doesn't look like nothing. Come on, I'm getting you inside. We gotta find help.” Yseralin struggled weakly in an attempt to free herself from Lisa's arm, but failed miserably.

The hurt girl let out a small cry, and Lisa saw for the first time that those sharp and tough eyes were not so sharp any more. They were moist, and red from crying. Very blurry. Instead of staring ahead sharply with a penetrating gaze as she did before, she was now dazed.

To Lisa, it looked like the girl could barely keep herself from passing out, and she wondered just who would do such a thing to Yseralin. No matter how much of a bitch she'd been, she didn't deserve this.

Dragging her up the marble steps, Lisa brought the girl inside the halls. She had no time to admire the amazing architecture and interior design, the massive white columns and the clean design, for Yseralin was going limp in her arms and it was hard to carry her.

Just a little more and-, ”Hey, over there!” A knight shouted.

Lisa's heart started beating faster as a group of knights jogged over to them, their armor clanking as they moved. The reception desk was just ahead.

”What happened to her?” One of the knights inquired. His voice sounded ominous, distorted as it was coming from behind that metal helmet. Lisa would not let such a small thing stand between her and Yseralin's treatment though.

”I don't know, found her like this just outside. Quick, get a healer or something. She's passed out already.” A groan and slump from Yseralin confirmed Lisa's words, and the one of the knights went to call for a healer while the other two stayed.

”Sir, could it be that the thing has come here?” One knight said. He sounded nervous, but it was hard to tell the emotions behind that chunk of iron. She really disliked them. Wished they'd go away.

”Don't be ridiculous. Why would it attack the academy? So far it's only....” The knight trailed off, his helmeted face turning in Lisa's direction. ”Never you mind, Rawson. No, I don't think this is related to the recent incident.”

”What incident?” Lisa asked.

”What, you haven't heard?” The knight said, Lisa shook her head.

”Well, it doesn't really matter. What's important is that you stay in your house until the headmistress gives the all clear. She's gone out to investigate it personally, so I'm sure it'll be resolved soon.”

Lisa fidgeted a moment before she raised her head and met the faceless helmet of the big knight head on.

”Actually, I don't know where my house is. This is my first time here and I haven't checked in yet.” Shrugging, the knight said ”Well, the reception desk is just over there. While we're waiting for the healer, you can go get yourself sorted out.”

Lisa took a hesitant step towards the desk, but glanced back at the unconscious, bloody, dirt stained Yseralin lying on the floor, and the two metal sentries that stood towering over her fallen body.

A shiver ran down Lisa's spine and she got a sudden urge to kill them. Burn them, melt that metal until they screamed their last desperate cry before they died as her people had died. The killers, the murderers of her people, had worn that metal armor, that tabard. Clenching her jaw, she nodded once and turned away from them.

It was best not to dwell on the past. She couldn't.... she did not have the power. Not yet.

”You're late.” The receptionist lady said as Lisa approached.

”You're still here though.” Lisa replied, getting a scowl in return.

”Name?” The receptionist said.

”Lisa.” She replied. For a moment, the woman looked surprised, then she checked the records. ”Ah, there you are.” She swallowed audibly.

”I see, you've been put into house 27. It's not far from here, just take the right path when exiting the doors and walk for a few minutes and there it is on your right hand.” Lisa nodded.

”Go now, and stay in the house until notified. You'll probably be fine to go out tomorrow.” The lady called after her.

”Oh and your other housemates are already inside, so hurry it up will you?” The receptionist called just as Lisa was exiting the double doors. She took once last glance behind her, at the poor Yseralin girl. A man in a white robe was hurrying over to her, and light already leapt from the man to Yseralin's unconscious body.

Lisa forced herself to turn around, clenching her fists in protest at leaving. She should stay, but... she wouldn't do any good just staying there. It would be better for Yseralin to have her embarassing moment alone, recover, and return strongly tomorrow.

This time, Lisa didn't walk leasurely. She jogged up the path, past trees and white blocks, to the sound of a bone-rattling magical bell tolling continuously. Her heart beat faster and faster, spurred on by the powerful vibrations of the bell. Slightly out of breath, she arrived at house 27 and decided to just push through. No sense in lingering at the door, hesitating. She wasn't that girl anymore, she was a magic user now.

She was the princess of the burning spirit! Just as she thought that, she opened the door trying out her new fake confidence.

It turned out that it wasn't needed.

”Oh it's you!” Lisa and Isabel said in unison. Isabel's eyes were wide, and she smiled as she went forward.

”So you're the missing girl. That's awesome! Come, the rest are in here.” Isabel waved Lisa through a door into what looked to be a central gathering room, a living room with many doors, presumably to seperate rooms for the inhabitants.

There were sofa's and a corner with many, many soft looking pillows, and a total of 5 others in the room. Lisa froze in the doorway, her gaze gliding over the other people in the room. The cute little girl called Yatiana sat in the pillow corner talking with... ”Varek?” Lisa asked in surprise.

”Greetings Athelisa.” Varek said, standing and bowing formally to her. Lisa's heart did a thump thump.

What was this? She was going to live with boys? And of all the people, him? Well when Lisa thought about it, Varek was actually a far superior choice than someone like Aran or Kemlin...

”Ye-yes. Hello Varek.” Lisa said, then she straightened her back and cleared her throat.

”It seems we'll be living together from now on. Pleased to meet you, My name is Athelisa but please just call me Lisa.”

Isabel sidled up to Lisa and threw an arm around her. ”Lisa here's a priviledge holder with a letter of introduction just like Varek! Aren't we lucky, we get not one, but two of them!” Isabel said proudly, grinning at the room.

”Lucky indeed.” Another person replied, sounding utterly sarcastic as he ran his gaze over Lisa as if assessing a threat. It was the boy Isabel had pointed out before.

The prince? Oh my gosh, this was the second prince of the Azure kingdom in incognito mode, wasn't it? What in the fricking mist was with these housing arrangements? Was someone playing a trick on her?

”Don't mind him.” Isabel said. ”He's just sullen cuz Yatiana likes Varek.”

”I-I do not!” Yatiana said in protest. Isabel and the others laughed heartily, even the sarcastic prince smiled. Varek looked... embarassed? Was it possible?

Tentatively, Lisa stepped into the room. ”My name is Sebastian,” the second prince said, holding out his hand. He was a tall, strong figure. Lisa shook his hand, then looked around questioningly until her eyes fell on a sleeping boy with medium length brown hair, freckles and oddly thin lips not unlike those she'd seen on Tanner.

The boy was small of stature, and lay on a couch with his eyes closed and his black socked feet propped up on the armrest.

His clothes were very fine, yet rather crumpled aswell. He was sleeping so soundly, and drool ran down the side of his face. In response to her questioning glance, Sebastian replied. ”That's Espius Uld'Lathatt. The lazy bastard.” Sebastian said with a sigh.

”That's a strange name. Where's he from exactly, up north somewhere?” Lisa asked as she walked over to the sofa where the boy slept.

She'd all but forgotten about the bell, and the noise isolation in this room was quite excellent. It was almost impossible to hear the bell except for the occasional vibrations. Perhaps that was the true purpose of that vibration magic...

”Yes. He's from Impelbalt, but don't worry he's not a conglomerate spy or anything. He's my... he's my friend.” Sebastian said, clearing his throat.

”That's good then, I suppose.” Lisa replied, moving over to the vacant couch and sitting down. She felt so small. Even the diminutive Espius was larger than her by a decent margin, and Yatiana too, though not by much. It was what she'd come to expect though, as she had essentially stopped growing when she was but 10 years old. Only Yseralin was comparable to her. The tiny flatchest.

Lisa smiled to herself at that, but then her expression sobered as she recalled the poor state in which she'd found the girl. Just what in the mists could've happened to her?

Isabel came and sat next to her. The girl was still smiling giddily. Suddenly, Isabel grasped Lisa's hand and looked over at her.

”I never got the chance before, but I gotta ask you right now! Wanna be friends?” Taken aback by this forwardness, Lisa could naught but nod and Isabel's smile widened even more.

”What's with those two?” Lisa asked, flicking her eyes over to where Varek and Yatiana sat in the corner talking quietly.

”Feels like they're lovers already, right?” Isabel said still giggling.

”Ah, this is pretty good right guys?” Isabel exclaimed, leaning back and pressing her body against Lisa's own.

What was up with this girl? At that, Varek looked up. ”It is. But the situation could be improved tremendously if we knew exactly what's going on.”

”Why're you so worried baldie?” Sebastian replied, narrowing his eyes.

Varek just shrugged.

”With the purple handed witch here, what's there to worry about? Don't go pissing your pants over something minor like this. You'll look uncool infront of your woman.” Sebastian continued.

Yatiana sprung up from the pillows and whirled around, pointing at Sebastian. ”You stop that already! I am not...” She trailed off, blushing.

Lisa's housemates were certainly lively, but she could feel a headache coming on. Perhaps she should pre-emptively halt this insanity before it really got going.

”I overheard one of the knights talking about some creature. He was worried that it would come here, to the Academy. The other guy said something about a recent incident.” Lisa said, and all eyes moved to her.

”That's all I know though, cross my heart and hope to die.” Lisa said.

Varek stroked his chin thoughtfully. ”Well that narrows down the possibilities somewhat. Wouldn't you agree, princeling?” Varek said. ”You, don't say that!” Sebastian exclaimed.

”Everyone knows already Sebas.” Isabel said, her tone flat. ”You can be really dense sometimes, you know?”

”Even her?” Sebastian asked, pointing at Lisa.

”Even her.” Isabel replied.

”For fucks sake. What's a man to do in order to go incognito these days?” Sebastian lamented, throwing his arms in the air in a rather comical fashion.

”How about a sex change? I heard they're working on some funky magic in the Azure kingdom these days, putting all those slaves to good use. Probably can't rule something like that out as an option if you're so desperate.” Varek said, his voice dripping with sarcasm and disgust.

Sebastian bit his lip, but did not retort. He just sat down in the sofa where Espius was sleeping, moving the boys feet to make room.

To Lisa's surprise, not only did Espius not wake up, Sebastian placed the sleeping boys feet in his lap as if nothing was out of the ordinary and proceeded to glare at Varek with a sullen expression, from his oddly intimate position with Espius' feet resting on his lap. Those guys, perhaps they were lovers. Uwah that almost made her blush. Could it be?

With a sigh, Lisa leant back, accepting Isabel's clinginess and Sebastians noisiness, aswell as Yatiana and Varek's strange behaviour too. This was pretty good, she thought. She brought out her smoking pipe and deftly ignited it before any of them could ask about it. She was too tired to explain right now anyways.

She sat back and took a large puff of smoke into her lungs. These housemates of hers was a pretty weird bunch, but they were okay. Atleast she thought so, but her judgement was... a bit lacking these days. Hopefully she'd get better at judging such things in the future.