Chapter 80 — Expectations of Excellence

Ria followed Iori in contemplative silence as the two of them and Ranger walked across the Academy grounds to Whitestone Hall where the requested etiquette lesson had been arranged. The Novidus branch House heir beside her also seemed to be lost in thought.

“Don’t worry, Ria,” the older girl suddenly reassured her. “Rienne and Zoe were able to get a fair amount of the binding’s inscription into a hologram storage cube. They’ll be able to determine the binding’s purpose and function.”

“Thanks, Iori. Hopefully, it was simply something to hide my bloodline.”

Iori nodded.

Ria was grateful that Rienne, Zoe, Phoebe, and Master Onai had volunteered to research the glyphs and binding structures that had been found on her astral body and told them so when they parted.

What to think about the binding that had been placed on her… it had been a shock. Her emotions were running the full gamut, from fear to outrage to doubt about her parents and their motives as she was still mulling it over. Some plausible truths led to dark rabbit-holes better explored during a soul-strengthening session than while in public. In particular, since she had no memory of anything magical in her life other than at Jeni’s house—the enchanted stones and practicing alchemy—that meant one of two things: either her memories had been manipulated (or were fake as feared) or the binding happened when she was too young to remember.

She prayed it was the latter. But, what to think about her parents’ involvement? Was there any way they couldn’t have known? Had they wanted to protect her by hiding her power? Hiding her existence? Or was it a stipulation forced upon her and her parents that allowed her to live? In either case, it would mean the existence of an external threat to her or her family.

In the case that the inscription was a binding of ‘oath’ or ‘control’… that would mean she was a piece in someone’s political chess game—a piece expected to be placed in a position of power at some future date.

Ranger was also upset that someone had dared to bind her. He grumbled frustration that there was no target to punish with a good pouncing or chomping, his tail aggressively whipping to the side from time to time hinting at his dark mood.

“I’ve got you to protect me now, Ranger,” Ria comforted him.

Her familiar’s mood did lighten initially at the thought but soon turned complicated.

“Woof…”

Catching Iori nod to a second-year from the corner of her eye, Ria quickly followed suit. With the day’s lectures and practicals long since over, the number of students milling about the grounds was sparse, and as with the boy they were now walking past, those they did encounter gave Iori respectful nods or polite greetings and were careful to not approach too closely. It made Ria realize that even if noble titles were not observed while at the academy, Iori was still shown a form of careful respect that differed from the usual… except maybe for the deference shown to Ophesia and Nielle. And Phaelys. And that House Sorrel boy waiting to see an administrator.

Maybe that was why the noble girls in the classes she shared with the Vesali pair had reacted so strongly. Ria could only hope that the etiquette instructor Iori had arranged would be able to help her avoid such mistakes in the future in general and not just at the debut.

With her past indicating politics dangerous enough to involve spirit-binding, learning the etiquette needed to gain allies and avoid making enemies, such was looking more vital to her survival than even Keira had continually impressed upon her. She couldn’t waste these lessons. And being in a distraught state of mind would only distract her and present a poor attitude toward her new instructor, an instructor who might be someone important in the social circles that she needed to prove herself to.

Taking advantage of the academy’s pleasant scenery and the comfortable quiet of the walk, Ria quashed her seething emotions, letting the calm of Lu Xi’s technique bleed away her pathos and fear. She was safe here with Iori—maybe even safe from the ghosts of her past, both real and imagined. There would be time later, after her debut, to rationally work through the implications and their impact on her future plans.

They arrived at Whitestone Hall all too quickly, but Iori had set a slow enough pace that Ria had adequately succeeded in restoring both her and Ranger’s moods. Ria had even convinced Ranger that the etiquette instructor might be able to teach him how to better impress the other familiars with his confidence and poise.

Once through the grand pillared entryway and into the Hall of Shields, Iori motioned toward the archway marked ‘dance halls’. “This way. I’ve reserved an event hall for us to make use of.”

Ria’s nod of acknowledgment was delayed by the need to fix her surprised expression. Iori hadn’t stopped though, forcing Ria to hurry to catch up.

A whole ballroom for just her etiquette lesson…

The Novidus-mantled girl winked back, a playful smirk showing at Ria’s reaction. Faris’ sister did seem to be enjoying the ‘reliable upperclassman’ role. Or maybe it was more than that.

They passed several ornate double doors with a sound of music coming from within before arriving at a pair that were open. A familiar voice could be heard as they approached.

“I assure you, Lady Janacythe. My villainy is far worse than whatever you are imagining. But at least in this matter our interests are perfectly aligned,” Hule was saying.

Lady Janacythe? Ria froze upon entering the room. Why was Phaelys’ chaperone here together with Hule?!

Iori’s amusement manifested in an audible chuckle before the girl turned her attention to the prim Vesali Master Mage. “Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lady Janacythe. Ria is fortunate to receive instruction from an etiquette tutor of your renown.”

“There’s no need for thanks, Iori of House Novidus,” Lady Janacythe firmly replied. “Though initially taken by surprise at the offer, I am glad to avail myself of the opportunity. Young master Phaelys’ honor is also at stake should young Ria perform poorly at this week’s event.”

Iori leaned forward and lowered her head just enough to acknowledge concession of the point without presenting a further showing of gratitude. It was carefully done and a flicker of approval briefly showed on Lady Janacythe’s face before the woman turned her attention to Ria.

“Young Ria. You are entering the event hall. Gaping is not the proper entrance,” Lady Janacythe rebuked and crisply ordered, “Show me a proper entrance.”

Gah! Ria ignored Hulle turning away, shoulders shaking in silent amusement, and straightened her posture, clearing her expression to something hopefully more neutral. Closing her eyes briefly, she placed her hands flat against her stomach and summoned all the grace from her training with Tina before walking forward and presenting herself. Placid. Graceful.

“Greetings, Lady Janacythe.” Ria bobbed a light curtsey as she arrived at a proper distance. “I am grateful to receive your expert tutelage.”

Clearly something went wrong because Lady Janacythe’s eyebrow was twitching. It took all of Ria’s focus to not wince, and eventually the woman sighed out with the resignation to having been given an impossible task. “Were you paying any attention to Young Lady Iori’s entrance at all?”

Ack! She hadn’t…

Thankfully, Iori came to her rescue. “Ria, why don’t you try again?”

The inquiring gaze she sent Lady Janacythe’s direction was met with a gesture to hurry along.

“Ah, thanks,” Ria quickly accepted, then thought better, adding another curtsy and “If you’ll excuse me.” before hurrying back out of the room.

Even if she hadn’t observed Iori’s entrance, she had given attention to Iori’s manner during their walk to Whitestone Hall. Unhurried. Above mundane concern. Belonging.

“Better, and not terrible,” Lady Janacythe allowed. “But do not let your gaze linger. Such could be seen as marking a friend—or an enemy—and can slight those of higher social standing who didn’t appear to merit your attention. Better is to breathe in the whole room with your gaze and to only allow it to settle on a person when greeting or greeted.”

To think that even who she looked at would have such meaning! She would have surely caused herself and her friends trouble without realizing.

“Now, once more.” Lady Janacythe delicately motioned toward the door with a subtle tilt of her head and a meaningful eyebrow movement. “After which I will assist in your learning the manner of walk required by the regalia intended for your debut.”

Her regalia required a different manner of walking?

Ria’s eyebrows rose, but she held in her burning questions and, instead, obediently moved to attempt her entrance again as told.

“Ria, Mother wants you to use this session to refine your aura technique,” Iori added. “Lady Janacythe should see how that affects your poise.”

That drew a pause and a questioning look from Ria.

“All the people here can be trusted,” Iori assured her.

Lady Janacythe snorted. “I should have expected House Novidus to be up to their usual tricks and subterfuge.”

Once back out in the hallway, Ria listened for anyone approaching before sending Hemse’s amulet to her vault and wrapping herself in the ancient power. After the prior day’s practice, she could now quickly and reliably form the shadow aura. In fact, she had been repressing her desire to reach for the power since finding out about her binding.

Keeping the effect subtle was still a challenge, especially with her disordered emotional state, but the thought of three new victims to experience her fate-devouring aura teased her lips with a satisfying smirk—a smirk she carefully suppressed.

Iori was right. Channeling her divine spark did affect her poise. A result that made Ria curious what Lady Asara had told her daughter about the aura.

Speculation was pointless though and the desire to inflict instinctual fear with her presence guided her steps. Even her friends, mentors, and tutors didn’t merit her direct gaze—unless she chose to acknowledge them.

This time her pride told her not to curtsy, instead she inclined her head while maintaining an aloof posture. “Well met, Lady Janacythe, Lady Iori, Young Master Hulle.”

Lady Janacythe’s eyebrows were quite incredulous, but Hulle… his amused expression seemed to be growing a sinister smirk, a look that would fit on any storybook villain and was even more sinister slithering across his boyishly beautiful face, framed by the purity of his noble-styled golden bangs.

The sight of Iori’s surprised expression and wide eyes was delicious enough that Ria could no longer keep her amusement at their reactions from her face. Only a faint smile! Her bloodline’s pride allowed her to keep the slip to just that.

No, it wasn’t a slip. A faint smile was as it should be.

“Your mother never ceases to surprise me, Iori,” Hulle darkly chuckled. “This is a most-welcome development. Congratulations on your hard work, Ria. With this, perhaps we also should put in extra effort, wouldn’t you say, dear Lady Janacythe?”

Lady Janacythe cocked an unamused eyebrow at the overly familiar address but conceded, “Indeed. This is a most welcome development. I concur.”

That Lady Janacythe and Hulle had gone from prickly toward each other to sudden synchronicity pinged her intuition with a feeling of alarm, warning that the two should never be allowed to unite in agreement…

No, not alarm. As Ria glanced between the pair, she realized the feeling wasn’t one of alarm, but rather, doom. Iori’s shift to a contemplative expression wasn’t reassuring either.

“Well then, now that we have some potential to work with, let us move on to improving your walk,” Lady Janacythe smoothly shifted to instruction. “How one walks as a member of the military is completely different from the gliding manner expected when wearing a dress. Likewise for a priestess in ceremonial accoutrements. Considering your commissioned attire for the event, a blend of the two will be best. Young Master Hulle, if you would demonstrate the military walk for us.”

“As you command, Lady Janacythe.” Hulle gave a crisp salute, elbow out and a pair of fingers smartly held in front of his chest. His left hand tucked firmly behind his back. He summoned his estoc-like weapon and ritually belted it on, making deliberate and well-practiced motions that emphasized firmness and finality.

With the weapon in place, Hulle began to walk, taking his distance and returning, his off hand rested on the scabbard to steady its orientation and his sword hand swinging up and back in precise and crisp arcs. His stride and steps presented a strength and discipline that Ria hadn’t expected possible with Hulle’s small frame—and certainly at odds with the aloof persona her mentor usually displayed.

“From the age of 10, most noble children are trained to lead a retinue of soldiers or guards and are expected to participate in parades in order for the public to recognize them and be reassured regarding their future competency to defend the local populace,” Lady Janacythe explained.

“Woof?” Ranger queried.

“Ah… Ranger wants to know if he should walk a special way as well?” Ria quickly translated.

Lady Janacythe frowned. “Is that weak manner how one wielding presence as their weapon should relay their familiar’s question?”

Ria blinked then resisted the urge to groan when she realized her mistake. Confidence. Imperiousness. “My familiar desires to know if he should walk a special way.”

“Indeed he should,” Lady Janacythe confirmed. “And we will address that while you are working on your dancing.”

Ria nodded acknowledgment, careful to suppress her inclination to thank Lady Janacythe. From her pride, she was beginning to get a feel for where she was going wrong. Answers were expected. Giving thanks over something expected would be insincere or, at worst, mocking. It was almost like Witch Aterielle’s storied dealings with the Fae! ‘Offer no thanks, lest ye be bound in favor.’

“Tell me what you observed,” was the task promptly assigned.

After each description, Ria was subjected to a lecture on the purpose of the direction and pacing for each motion then required to perform them herself. The style for ladies was presented next by Iori, and the pattern of observation, explanation, and practice was repeated with Iori demonstrating in place of Hulle. Lady Janacythe personally demonstrated the style expected for priestesses and the combined style that Ria would be displaying for her debut.

If the combined style was a martial art or spirit magic technique, it would probably be called something like Heavenly Empress of War Graces The Mortals With Her Presence. Ria had to hold back a giggle at the thought.

Upon achieving grudging acceptance of her progress with each style, Lady Janacythe moved on to hand gestures.

“As we’ve already noted, hands held in front or behind the back present different meanings. There is more to their affectation than positioning alone. The way you motion with your hands, whether it is to hold your skirt up when greeting, acknowledging a distant admirer, summoning a servant, indicating a location or number of participants as included in the topic of discussion, or guiding others to follow or continue on, all speak loudly as to your temperament and disposition.”

Lady Janacythe performed each gesture as mentioned, and Ria found herself amazed at the subtleties included in each—that simple and innocuous hand gestures communicated so much meaning.

“Again, how a lady would perform these differs from how a military officer or a priestess would, so you will need to learn each and adapt the differences to our desired effect.”

Tutoring in expressions followed the knowledge and practice on hand gestures.

“The expression you affect while performing each gesture shades the imparted meaning. Mage Iori, a mirror of ice, if you would…”

Tone of voice, next. Common phrases and exchanges. Accidental and intentional insults. Complimenting. Casual conversation. Topic after topic followed and built upon the lessons of the prior. Sir Guthrie’s instruction kept her from being lost at sea but couldn’t hold a candle to Lady Janacythe’s expertise and attention to detail.

Only when stamina potions were passed around as the shadows from the windows began to lengthen did Ria realize in horror that Lady Janacythe had no intentions of ending the lesson anytime soon—probably not until Ria was deemed adequate. It was at that time that Keira contacted her and Iori needed to head home as well.

“‘All night if needed,’ is what I was told,” Ria whispered to Keira via the communication stone. And at the current progress, ‘all night’ would be the likely result. They hadn’t even gotten to dance practice or the talent competition, nevermind the rules on accepting and declining offers to dance.

A meaning-laden sigh from Keira greeted the response. “I guess it can’t be helped. I’ll let Jarrel and the others know. Contact us right away if you want to leave the academy grounds. Don’t even think about walking the city at night on your own!”

“Fine. I get it. I’m sure Towerkeeper Alenna can arrange something for me until morning classes. Or I can use a meditation room or Parthanex Tower’s student lounge or something.”

“Ugh. Maybe that’s for the best… be careful. Get Cousin Hulle or one of the academy staff to walk you to the tower.”

At a nod from said cousin, Ria passed it along, “Hulle says he will.”