“The church shares an inherent tension against the Traxian state due to the high level of imperial control over its citizenry. Many have decried the imperial efforts to subsume religion directly into the imperial sphere of control; creating in essence a sort of pseudo state church that constantly vies for power against the reach of Saintsrest. Though they’ve maintained a back and forth for now, many scholars and observers predict that a schism is sure to follow with how aggressive both sides have been as of late. ”

- Prof. Ernest Meyer, Department of History - Academy of Arteria, “Report: Rising Risk in Saintsrest”

Sophie's been gone for two days already. When is she coming back? Aryana yawned and plopped herself wearily onto the table, the whirr of magitech gears buzzing all around her. Runegarde hall was a hubbub of activity as many more mechanically minded students tinkered away at their projects, the rhythmic noises of work echoing from the door behind her. In front of her, Maylesa and Thalnor fiddled around with a plethora of wires and gears as they worked to effectively miniaturise a mana battery. A scattering of tools were placed haphazardly across the table and occasionally, Aryana would have to suppress a chuckle as the two needed something and blamed the other, only for her to point out it was hidden behind another part or tool.

The two bickered a little more before both giving her nods of approval. Aryana flashed a cheeky grin and rested back on the table. Her mind was sent spinning with a thousand different thoughts as her eyes delighted on the mechanical spectacle ahead of her. Though she was more adept with plants than parts, she found herself thoroughly fascinated by the process the siblings used as they sketched out and assembled a second miniature mana battery.

She didn’t mind simply watching them work and thankfully they didn’t mind her presence either. There was a quiet rhythmic serenity within the workshop as the hum of magitech and clockwork whirled around in her mind. It felt almost like everything was running on a premade routine and it brought her a little bit of joy in remembering the simplistic yet calmly repetitive days she had spent on her own.

Aryana smiled to herself at the thought. She enjoyed the swashbuckling almost crazy adventures that she and Sophie shared, dangerous and depressing that they might be. It was what spurred her on to try and become an alchemical herbalist after all. To ease the suffering of those she had seen however she could. Yet, at the same time a part of her reminisced of the quiet beyond the hectic nature of the cities and people. Of the languid passage of time that felt more akin to peace than anything else. Though this time, if she had the choice, she would not live next to the tribe and hopefully have friends that didn’t push her away because of some stupid tribal prophecy.

Her mind then turned towards the half hatire that had accompanied her on her journeys. Sophie had been through a lot, that much she could tell. But even still, Aryana could feel a hint of vulnerability always emanating from her friend and worried about her current state. Sophie had embarked on an ambitious if risky plan to reconnect with her Gods. Aryana knew her as kindhearted and a soft soul willing to rise to the occasion. But her fighting style made Aryana worry as the half elf was skilled, yet far too willing to be injured in an attempt to seek victory. It wasn’t that she abhorred straining oneself to achieve their goals.

It’s just that after having seen Sophie get so battered so many times, she only wished her friend would take it easy once in a while. Stupid Sophie. Where are you? It’s been two days already and not a peep. Don’t go off getting yourself hurt.

A sudden knock on the door startled her from her thoughts. Maylesa and Thalnor briefly glanced over before pointing to her, nodding, and then gesturing for her to open the door. Aryana hurriedly straightened out her wrinkled uniform and hopped over to get the door. Pulling it open, she found herself briefly surprised by her friend Fana. The tall girl was accompanied by another botanical studies student; a brunette about the same height as Aryana and sporting two skinny braids instead of her one. The two politely dipped their heads at the elves, their eyes betraying their own surprised expressions that they tried to hide. She found a small sense of glee at how their eyes ran across the myriad of strange mechanical and magitech devices scattered about the room. Her glibness came to an end when she found both parties staring expectantly at her. Ah… introductions.

“Ehuem.” She coughed as she beamed at the group, “This is Fana and Aubrey, they’re my friends from class!” She wiggled at the two who nodded sheepishly, “And these two are…” She paused, how do I introduce them?

She was thankful that they seemed to pick up on her pause and Maylesa just bobbed her head side to side, “Keep it simple.” She said, “You don’t need to worry.”

“Indeed, you’re our friend after all, we trust you.” Thalnor also nodded. Like brother and sister, heh.

Elated at the acknowledgements, Aryana smiled even more and gestured at the siblings, “Maylesa and Thalnor, they’re also classmates! And geniuses with magitech!” She spread her arms around the little workshop room.

There was a strange moment of silence before Fana started chuckling, provoking Aubrey to do the same. Distressed, Aryana looked back to find the siblings simply shrugging and smiling at her.

“Apologies, she’s quite odd sometimes.” Maylesa joked. Earning the elf a small giggle from the humans.

Aryana was shaken to the core, she… teased me? Maylesa smiled sweetly at her and winked. But they’re always so serious. She also doesn’t sound mean spirited. Does this mean… we’re actually proper friends?

“She is a bit... odd, but she’s a good kid.” Fana agreed.

You too?! Aryana flicked over to stare at the girl. She was less surprised by the normally jovial girl, but nonetheless, she could feel the noose tightening.

“Indeed. Though she sells herself short, in one’s humble opinion. We are working with magitech, yes. But we are also getting her input on our projects too, to decent effect.” Thalnor chimed in.

With the two normally focused and less quippy elves on the attack, Aryana was worried enough that she let in a sliver of doubt creep in. She wondered if this was the beginning of some slow drawn out process to push her away. Her fears were quickly put on hold when Fana pulled her in for a hug from behind. She instinctively slackened her muscles and snuggled up at the contact, only to pull away slightly when she realized how embarrassing that must appear to the others.

“She is quite smart, isn’t she?” The taller girl booped the top of her head, “A little bit absent though sometimes.” Fana grinned down at her.

“Bweh?” Aryana let out a flustered noise.

“You know she’s right.” Aubrey said, “You’re the one who always tries to answer the questions in class even if they’re rhetorical.”

“That’s true.” Fana snickered.

“Or when she tries to hide whenever someone tries to talk to her.” Aubrey quirked an eyebrow at her.

“Always the best.” Fana tousled her hair. Though her movements were briefer than whenever Sophie would do it, Aryana was satisfied nonetheless.

“Indeed, it is always a delight to observe. Such an… undiluted sense of... amusing chaos.” Thalnor joked halfway between coiling something together.

“Wholesome, the word you’re looking for is wholesome.” Maylesa corrected, before flashing a small grin.

Aryana tried to put on her most menacing growl only to stop when she was booped on her head again. Fana finally released her and she quickly squirrelled back to her seat, now thoroughly embarrassed upon becoming the topic of conversation. Trying her best to divert their attention, she gestured at all the gadgets in a panic. Perhaps done with joking about her, Aubrey winked before nudging Fana and bowing again.

“Anyway, Aubrey Pella, pleasure to meet you both.”

“Fana of the Dari. An honor to be in such a fascinating workshop.”

The two bowed.

The siblings meanwhile, seemed to have a silent conversation between them and it was Maylesa who turned to dip her head down first.

“Maylesa of House Calnodel, this is my brother Thalnor. It is nice to meet friends of friends.” Maylesa spoke.

“Likewise.” Thalnor quipped.

“Well it’s nice to meet you both. How do you even get a room like this anyway? I heard Runegarde was mainly for like, the students doing clockwork or mechanical studies. Or you know… the dwarven craftspeople?” Aubrey asked.

The siblings paused their work to look at each other. They shared a look before nodding and turning to face the newcomers.

“Privilege.” They replied in unison.

“Priv… huh? What does that mean?” Aubrey’s bewildered expression brought some joy to Aryana.

“Exactly as it sounds.” Maylesa nodded.

“Do you recognize that?” Thalnor pointed at something on the wall.

It was a small little enchanted lamp that brightly lit up the work room all by itself. Though it seemed mostly normal, upon closer inspection, there were little squiggles and sigils carved upon it.

“Uhh… magic lamp?” Aubrey answered.

“Correct. It is magitech, yes?”

“Yeah?”

“We get this space to ourselves because our family maintains and creates the majority of Arteria’s magitech.”

“And the Academy’s. That’s probably the more important factoid, brother.” Maylesa added.

“My mistake. And the Academy’s magitech.”

“Huh You… maintain it?” Aubrey pressed.

“Indeed. As such the Academy is more than willing to help us arrange a workspace too. If you are curious, then we’re part of the family that helped make and design the grand elevator in Arteria’s chamber of justice.”

Fana snapped her fingers so loudly that it startled the other four. “So that’s why it sounded familiar! Your family name! I remember it from one of the Academy’s tours in the city. Whoa! Wait, that's super cool.” Fana fawned for a moment before abruptly facing Aryana, “Hold up, and you’re just casually friends with them? Aryana?! The same one who’s too shy to say hello sometimes?!”

“Ehehehhhh.” Aryana chuckled as she dipped behind the table.

“She is.”

“She is.”

The siblings both affirmed before flashing her a smile.

Aryana felt her heart melt at the display. Though they were relatively restrained, it still felt comforting for her to know. She straightened herself and beamed back a wide smile. The two chuckled a little and were soon joined by the two newcomers as well.

“Anyway, before we forget.” Aubrey feigned a cough.

“Huh? Oh shit! That’s right. Sorry to bother you guys, but we’re here to get her ready for the meet.” Fana pointed at Aryana, “Especially seeing how she’s very much not ready.” Fana growled at her.

Eh? The meet? What meet? What’s wrong with me? Ready for what?

“By the Goddess. Do you not remember at all? Our department meet and greet? And the function with the rest of the departments of medicine and alchemy?”

“Ehhh?!” Aryana squeaked.

The siblings both gave her amused expressions before looking back expectantly at the newcomers.

“Ugh. Of course you’d forget. Don't you remember? Last week? The professor told us in class? Well? No?!" Fana sighed, "You're such a handful sometimes. Welp, you have anything to do here or are you ready to go?” Fana sighed.

“Uhhh… but… ummm…” Aryana scratched at her head. One that was currently devoid of any recollection of events from class. I don’t remember a thing?! Am I that forgetful?

“Go on then.” Maylesa nudged her, “They seem like nice enough folk. I’m sure Sophie wouldn’t mind you having a bit of fun. Besides, we’ll be here working for a bit more.”

“Indeed. It’ll probably also help take your mind off your worries for a little while.” Thalnor added, his smile telling her that he understood.

With a conflicted smile, she sighed. “Alright. Umm… well… see you guys later! See you tomorrow?”

“Farewell.” Thalnor waved.

“Have fun, Aryana.” Maylesa smiled softly.

Before she could launch into a few more goodbye’s, Fana tugged at her collar and practically began dragging her out. “Sorry for her bothering the two of you! Nice meeting you two though!” The tall girl waved at the siblings, her compatriot doing likewise. She then rapped Aryana on the head, “Now come on, we’re already going to be late.”

The mechanical hammering and rhythmic clinks of the workshop were replaced by a disquieting abundance of voices as people filled the halls. The staccato of random shouts and hollers only added to the cacophony of noises that constantly drew her attention all across the room. Soft dimmed lights, music and the occasional speech or toast added to the ambiance that told her that she was not ready to enjoy an event like this. Yet she found some bright spots amidst her doubt. One of which being the atmosphere was both overwhelming but electrifying at the same time. There was a sense of liveliness that exuded from the hall that reminded her of the same jubilance that she felt when exploring the city. The excited buzz of the citizenry echoing quite familiarly in the voices of the students.

On the down side, she noticed how this seemed to be an event that not just included her department. But when Fana had said ‘meet and greet’ with only her department and then a party afterwards, Aryana hadn’t expected it to be a ten minute introduction session around a few tables before merging with the bigger event almost instantly. Worse, she also felt horrifically out of place here. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and having a good time while entreating each other with some form of academic etiquette or another. All the while she struggled to find something to do and had to strain herself just to keep track of conversations amongst the hubbub.

Mercifully, the one reprieve that she did find was a buffet style food service which meant that she could always sneak away to grab a bite to eat. Hoping that her nibbling away would keep most curious partygoers from dragging her into their conversations. The confectionaries in particular were a taste that she had never had much of before and enjoyed great, stealthily sneaking over to scoop one or two chocolates onto her plate with every run. Despite the food, whenever she looked around, she could only come to one definitive conclusion. She was out of her depth.

Fana had kept her company at first, chatting to people here and there whilst managing to spare a glance or two for her. After they had gotten their first courses however, others from the department had come to drag Fana away. Aubrey had already long since snuck off with some handsome looking guy from the alchemy department and disappeared after the introductory ceremony. At the time, Aryana had her curiosity piqued and snuck up to the second floor to follow. Hearing the sudden thuds, bumps and sounds of love making coming from one of the closed rooms however, had shattered her curiosity soon enough and she had made a hasty retreat.

That left her here, people watching whilst she nibbled at her food. A little more alone than she had expected, but not entirely displeased as she could quietly while away the time. All in all, it could’ve been better but she didn’t mind too much. Aryana leaned back onto her chair and sighed. Though she was content with the situation at hand, she found herself churning with a strange sense of anxiety at the thought of socialising on her own. She knew she wasn’t the worst or the best, but forcing herself to talk to others without friends nearby still worried her greatly. Still feels so weird just being here.

Loud clinks from the front of the room drew her attention and she found the room quieting down into hushed whispers. The lights of the room dimmed and Aryana shovelled one last mouthful of food before turning over. On the stage at the front of the hall behind a podium, she found her current botanical studies professor, Professor Larseer, meeting her glance and smiling before waving at her. Stupefied by the sudden display, Aryana timidly waved back, awkwardly acknowledging the sudden attention thrust upon her by curious eyes. Thankfully, the acknowledgement was prompt and her professor turned away, gesturing at someone else in the distance. Aryana felt a rush of relief as she was no longer under the professor’s spotlight.

Magical sigils flared to life all around them and Aryana could now clearly hear the professor as she began a speech. Magic is really amazing, huh?

“Hello and welcome to this wonderful gathering, everyone.” Larseer bellowed, “For the students who don’t know and colleagues who might’ve forgotten my name, I am Professor Daria Larseer, a pleasure to have you all here today.”

A few stifled giggles came from some of the faculty members and Aryana now noticed that almost everyone’s attention was now focused on the stage. Would be a good time to grab a snack.

“I want to thank everyone who’s here tonight and I hope you’re all enjoying your evening tonight. To begin with, I want to also thank the department of sciences and department of alchemy for participating in this event and for the dean’s support.”

Aryana bit into some chocolate filled with caramel and delighted in the new sensation. So enthralled with the strange new combination of sweet, bitter and salty, she cheekily left her seat to go collect a few more of the little delights. Aryana found great joy at the treats on display, admiring the decorative little things and the colors and confectionaries present. Sheepishly scooping up a few more than just the chocolates, she loaded up her plate once more and shuffled back to her seat.

Her brief foray however had evidently taken just long enough that Professor Larseer was already reaching the end of her words. A round of polite clapping echoed throughout the walls and Aryana had only just sat back down when the professor’s closing statements were spoken, signalling the next phase of speeches.

“I understand that many of us have busy schedules and even more hectic going ons in our lives. But I do hope you are able to take some time off to relax a little this evening as we all get to know one another.” Professor Larseer cheered, prompting another round of applause from the crowd, “Now without further delay, I’ll let someone other than me do the talking. Here’s to two of our top students in their second year and the student representatives from the departments of science and alchemy respectively; Daniel Ashfield and Tristan Elliot.” The professor finished with a grand gesture to the side.

A round of applause rang clearly throughout the hall as the students and professors all welcomed the new speakers of the night. What were once sounds of liveliness now transformed into a deafening roar as Aryana stilled, her hand frozen mid motion between bites. A searing pain overtook her chest as she tensed up, the level of anxiety within her bursting past any reasonably tolerable levels. Her chest constricted as her heart now began to race, the fear and worry seemingly slowing down time as she could hear every agonizing second tick by as two new figures stepped onto the stage.

Horror filled her mind as distant memories grew close once again, drowning out the warmth of the people. When her eyes finally moved ever so slightly towards the stage, she swore that Tristan’s was locked right back at hers despite being mid speech. What little words were spoken fell by the wayside as she could practically feel the smirk in his gaze. A chill ran down her spine and Aryana quickly pushed her plate of food away. Unable to meet his gaze and without someone to hide behind, she squirmed in her seat until the feeling was too difficult to bear.

She knew that it was silly, that Sophie would likely roll her eyes if Aryana ever told her about this. But the unease she felt was so overwhelming that she had to leave. Excusing herself from the table, she made her way out of the hall, her single minded focus ignoring any and all of the concern around her. She began hyperventilating and took one last look behind her, catching Fana’s briefly concerned expression in the distance, and worse, Tristan’s soft boyish smile that sent her heart racing. The same smile that haunted her whenever her thoughts turned to home. I have to get out of here. I’m sorry. I have to.

She scrambled out of the gathering hall and through the corridors of the building. In a rushed panic, she staggered out of the building and relished in the chill bite of the winds against her skin, a welcome change to the stuffy air within. She practically trembled as she stood still and took in a deep breath, letting out a sigh of relief before composing herself. Spirits above, I knew he would be here. But to be in my department? Why now?