The sky had darkened considerably when Fiera and Kai slipped into the ranks behind Aaron. Befitting his rank, Aaron was standing the closest to the door, dressed in his finest suit, and from him, branched two lines of people, standing according to the order of their ranks on either side of the door.

A Fire-Practitioner had set up a mechanism for floating whispers of fire, in order to provide light for the company.

"How much longer?" Fiera heard Kai ask a tall & curly-haired boy with skin browner than hers.

"She is very close, maybe five minutes," he said. He met her eyes, and she gave a low nod, noting that they were dark. Earth-Practitioner.

"Fiera Celosis. Terrol Tare." Kai made a quiet introduction. "Where are the others?" he asked.

"No clue," Terrol said and a commotion arose, hence they all perked up.

She sensed it first, before she saw, a sway of powerful yet controlled wind, that brushed past them all, taking notes. It seemed to linger near her, but soon she saw the retinue that was coming ahead.

It was a retinue of about ten to fifteen people, all dressed in the colour of the Crown, black woven with the symbol of a Peacock Feather in silver. Two of them, a tall man & a tall woman were holding up elaborate black umbrellas, lined with feathers - something customary, Fiera assumed - and between then, she glimpsed the source of the winds that had now stilled in deep reverence.

She wasn't taller than her umbrella-bearers, but her presence overshadowed them like the sun did every day to the moons. Her hair was the colour of corn-silk - nearly white - arranged down her shoulders. Her dress was of pale blue, made of a material that floated around like the wind about her, making her seem like a half-divine being. Her cheeks were flushed, and just as Fiera stared, her eyes turned to meet hers - pale blue - and Terrol hissed at her,

"Lower your eyes!"

And Fiera obeyed, although she could feel those pale blue eyes on her for a long time.

"We humbly welcome you," Aaron bowed, when she paused in front of him, "Crown Wyn, from the House of Winds to this humble abode of sanctuary."

"I wish," The Crown said in words so light, they disappeared the moment they left her mouth, "I wish to see you in my chambers." And without waiting for a response, she wafted inside, followed by her sombre retinue.

Fiera, Kai and Terrol waited outside, as people began filing in, some huddled in whispered, some alone.

And two other people joined them.

It appeared that Kai wanted to introduce Fiera to people of their age, for reasons quite unknown to Fiera & quite obvious to Kai. Among the two people who joined them, one was a girl, with dyed blonde hair that curled in some places and waved in others, and a boy, with dark hair who looked vaguely familiar.

The girl introduced herself as Nissa Dans.

The boy introduced himself as Mistral Squell.

"You're not from Inima or Polis," Fiera stated eyeing the girl.

"No." Nissa smiled. "I am from a family of Desert Nomads. My friends will be joining me next year."

"She has an insane worldview," Terrol said, "Or is philosophy a better word?"

"Philosophy is a better word." Nissa smiled.

Fiera didn't ask to elaborate and the conversation drifted off to more earthly subjects when she felt a gaze on her. She turned in that direction and locked eyes with the boy, Mistral Squell. He had nothing remarkable about him, black hair, dark eyes, pale skin, just any random male with random features.

"Have we met before?" she asked.

"Not that I can recollect," he replied.

Before she could say anything further Terrol gestured to the building pointing upwards at the sky. It would snow soon, was the message Fiera got, and without complaint, followed them inside. The day was starting to feel rather ominous, she thought.

"Fiera Celosis?" a voice said. And the group turned in that direction, to see that tall umbrella-bearer man standing with his palms folded in front of him.

"Yes?" Fiera said, feeling a sinking feeling in her heart.

"The Crown commands your presence right now." the man said, his eyes not hiding the repulsion he felt, "And you are to follow me to the chambers, immediately."