[Timeline: Year 2041 – The Winter Solstice]
[Location: Class F Classroom – The Feast]
The classroom didn't look like a place of learning anymore. It looked like a tavern at the end of the world.
The desks groaned under the weight of the feast.
There were platters of roasted venison, towers of sweet buns, and a cauldron of Isabelle's signature spicy stew that smelled of home.
Damien sat at the head of the table.
To his right, Leona was currently teaching Lukas how to drink dwarven ale. (Lukas took one sip, turned green, and burped a small puff of smoke).
To his left, Lyra was peeling an orange with a dagger worth more than a small castle.
"A toast!"
Alaric stood up. He held a glass of grape juice, his face flushed with happiness.
The room quieted down. Even Leona stopped bullying Lukas to listen.
"I..." Alaric started, his voice cracking slightly. He cleared his throat.
"I didn't have a family before coming here. Everyone told me I was trash. That I should give up."
