The Iron Sanctum was a place of discipline and order, but even within its austere walls, moments of warmth and camaraderie could be found. As the young nobles retired to their chambers after the long and grueling journey, the weight of the day's events began to settle. For Ilis, Vold, Finn, and Alistar, the shared room was a welcome respite—a space where they could unwind, even if only for a brief moment.
The room was modest but well-organized, designed to accommodate four occupants comfortably. Two closets stood perpendicular to each other, their doors slightly ajar to reveal neatly hung uniforms and gear. Two beds were arranged in a bunk style, with Vold and Alistar claiming the lower bunks and Ilis and Finn climbing up to the top. The air was filled with the faint scent of polished wood and fresh linens, a small comfort in the otherwise rigid environment.
As they settled in, the door creaked open, and a blonde-haired girl with soft, golden eyes entered the room. Her presence was gentle yet commanding, and she moved with a quiet grace that immediately drew their attention. She bent slightly in a curtsy, her hands clasped in front of her.
"Hello, my lords," she said, her voice calm and melodic. "Lord Balthar sent me to check on your wounds."
Vold's eyes widened, his gaze fixed on her as if she were a vision. His usual bravado melted away, replaced by an uncharacteristic shyness. He sat up straighter, his injured arm resting awkwardly on his lap. The girl approached him, her movements deliberate and unhurried. She knelt beside his bed, her fingers brushing lightly over the bandages wrapped around his arm.
"The wound isn't serious," she said, her tone reassuring. "It will heal in no time."
Vold's face flushed a deep shade of red as she began to channel her healing magic. A soft, golden glow emanated from her hands, the warmth of the energy soothing his pain. He tried to avert his gaze, but his eyes kept drifting back to her, captivated by her serene expression.
"Is there something wrong, my lord?" Cerscei asked, her golden eyes meeting his.
"Uh… no," Vold stammered, his voice cracking slightly. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure, but the damage was done.
Finn, perched on the top bunk, couldn't contain his laughter. He leaned over the edge, his silver-streaked hair falling into his face as he grinned down at Vold. "Our little Vold is in love, hmm? With a blonde, golden-eyed healer, no less."
Vold shot him a glare, his cheeks still burning. "Shut up, Finn."
Ilis, lying on the other top bunk, rolled his eyes. "Get a life, both of you."
Alistar, ever the quiet observer, simply smiled, his icy blue eyes glinting with amusement.
Cerscei finished her work and stood, brushing her hands lightly against her skirt. "My work here is done. I must go now."
Vold's heart sank at the thought of her leaving. "Wait!" he blurted out, his voice louder than intended. "What's your name?"
She turned to him, a small smirk playing on her lips. "It's Cerscei, my lord." With that, she opened the door and stepped out, leaving the room in stunned silence.
Finn burst into laughter again, clutching his sides. "Oh, this is priceless! Vold, the fearless brawler, reduced to a blushing mess by a healer."
"I said shut up!" Vold growled, throwing a pillow at Finn, who dodged it with ease.
Ilis groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You're both insufferable."
Alistar chuckled softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's nice to see some things never change."
Meanwhile, Khen led Pege to her assigned room, a space similar to the boys' but with a distinctly feminine touch. The room was tidy, with two beds arranged in the same bunk style and a small desk tucked into the corner. As Pege stepped inside, she noticed another girl sitting on the lower bunk, her nose buried in a book. The girl looked up as Pege entered, her face lighting up with excitement.
"HELLO! NICE TO MEET YOU! MY NAME IS SERAPHINE! WHAT ABOUT YOU?" the girl exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. She leapt to her feet and rushed toward Pege, her arms outstretched as if to hug her.
Pege took a step back, holding up her hands. "Hey, wait! I just arrived!"
Before Seraphine could respond, the door opened again, and Cerscei stepped inside. She raised an eyebrow at the scene, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Give her a rest, Seraphine. She just arrived."
Pege's eyes widened in surprise. "Cerscei?"
Cerscei smiled, her golden eyes softening. "Hello, Pege. I know it's a surprise to see each other here."
Seraphine looked between them, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh? You two know each other?"
Pege crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at her lips. "You must be as cunning as ever, Cerscei."
Cerscei tilted her head, her smile widening. "You're talking like you've changed."
Seraphine pouted, her hands on her hips. "Am I getting ignored here?"
Cerscei sighed, placing a hand on Seraphine's shoulder. "No, Seraphine. Meet my old friend, Pege Vuzu. She'll be staying here from now on. Pege, this is Seraphine. She's not from Xenon, so treat her with some manners."
Pege's curiosity was piqued. "Not from Xenon? Then where are you from?"
Seraphine beamed, her earlier frustration forgotten. "I'm from Feldan!"
As the night deepened, the Iron Sanctum grew quiet, the only sounds the distant clinking of armor and the soft rustle of the wind through the trees. In their shared room, Ilis, Vold, Finn, and Alistar settled into their beds, the events of the day slowly giving way to exhaustion. Vold lay awake for a while, his mind replaying his encounter with Cerscei, while Finn teased him relentlessly from the top bunk.
In Pege's room, the atmosphere was livelier. Seraphine bombarded Pege with questions about her life in Xenon, her energy seemingly boundless. Cerscei watched them with a fond smile, occasionally interjecting to steer the conversation back on track.
For all of them, this was a night of new beginnings—a chance to forge bonds, heal wounds, and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead. The Iron Sanctum was more than just a place of training; it was a crucible where friendships would be tested, alliances would be formed, and destinies would be shaped.
And as the moon rose high in the sky, casting its pale light over the fortress, the young nobles drifted off to sleep, their dreams filled with the promise of tomorrow.