The freshmen had spent five straight days being examined — written evaluations, practical assessments, oral questioning — until even meals had become extensions of the examination halls. Now it was over, at least for a few days, and the Grand Dining Hall had loosened with them. Chairs drifted out of neat rows. Conversations carried farther than usual. Several groups had long since finished eating without showing any intention of leaving.
Dellen set down his fork. "Finally, we are free."
"Technically," Aurelian said, reaching for the vegetables, "only for a few days."
"You ruin every good moment."
Selphine laughed into her cup. Further down the table, one of the Linwen twins added, "He's right about one thing — nobody mention the next evaluation until tomorrow."
"Or rankings," someone said.
"Especially rankings."
