The soldier's grin was a bit unsettling, but Sir Dupont seemed to relax. "We'll need assistance with the children. Some of the adults are... unwell." The soldier nodded, calling out to others. "Get the healers. We've got newcomers."
As the Academy gates opened, we entered a courtyard buzzing with students. Uniforms showcasing the colours navy blue and white were scattered all over the school compound. Few students had their coats off and others had their jackets on. Sir Dupont herded us towards the stables, "The horses need to rest. Your luggages would be sent to your various rooms. For now, enjoy the view. You'd be directed to the appropriate authority soon". "You'd be leaving?", Adelaide asked. He nodded. No one desired to ask him any more questions, so we thanked him for the journey thus far and dispersed into the background.
Marlon had recently departed from the carriages and was waiting at the entrance of the stables. "Where to next?", he asked whilst rubbing his body on my legs. I pretended to not have heard his question and carried him into my arms. With Avery by my side, we roamed around the school compound. For some unknown reason though, Archie was trailing behind us.
A few students walked up to us during our roaming. "Welcome to the Academy", the red haired girl greeted, "My name is Zaea Ravenscar. I'm the current student council president and your guide for today. These are Robin Brooke and Di Opoet, general secretary and financial secretary", she pointed to the female and male respectively behind her.
"Are we required to curtsy?", I asked, tightening my grip on Marlon. "Oh no need. Di would direct you to the head chancellor's office for your introduction", she said and made a hand signal to him. We followed him away from the main compound, through some corridors and stairs, and finally to the office. "Please enter, he would be with you shortly", he said, and opened the doors.
A few children from neighbouring countries were already inside, and we wasted no time in trying to gather information.
Zaea wasn't a child of the current March, but was a child of the families under the Ravenscar dynasty. She was in form 7(a required class to gain the president position). Robin was also the same as Zaea, being a child of the families under the Brooke-Symone dynasty. She was in form 5. Di Opoet was a commoner who hailed from Nubessa, and was a close friend to Keith Luminara(who was actually the vice president and was an illegitimate child of Earl Luminara, and was in the same form as Di - form 5).
The office fell silent as the head chancellor, an imposing figure with piercing eyes, stepped inside. Once he sat down, he began the introductory speech.
"Welcome, young scholars, to the Academy of Basic and Advanced Magics. You've been chosen for your potential... and not your lineage". He paused, surveying the room. "As students here, you'll hone skills, forge alliances, and unlock secrets of the kingdom, one challenge at a time. The monarchy would sponsor your education, and you'll receive a stipend each month to cover needs and other miscellaneous expenses." A murmure of excitement rippled through the students. Avery leaned in. "A stipend? That's huge!". I raised up my hand, feeling a bit suspicious by the information. "Yes girl". "How much would be given please?", I asked. He nodded to my question and tapped his fingers onto the table, "Usually, it's 100 gold Aethorian coins".
Aethorian coin was the currency of the kingdom. It came in bronze, silver and gold. A gold Aethorian coin would probably be equivalent to having a hundred pounds. 100 bronze Aethorian coins was the same as a silver Aethorian coin, but 1000 silver coins was the same as a gold coin.
The chancellor continued, "But with privilege comes expectation. You'd be expected to put in your all in all of your activities, uphold the school's values... and contribute to the Kingdom's magic. Tournaments, exams and studies – you must excel." He smiled, eyes glinning. "Tonight, enjoy the welcome feast. Tomorrow, reality sets in. Each student would be assigned a mentor. The real deal starts tomorrow. Any questions?".
The room fell silent again. "If no questions", he said and got up, "Welcome once again. Mentors would be assigned to you tomorrow. For now, you'd be directed to your rooms". Robin came in right afterwards with another person who introduced himself as Christopher Amberall. "I am the Public relations secretary. Please follow me. Males only". Archie walked up to me as the guys were walking out, "I'd see you during dinner, right?". "Yes. I look forward to seeing you in uniform".
Avery couldn't hold her excitement and started to shake me. "Are you in loveeee?". "Avery! I just met him today!". Marlon had been in arms the whole time, so I shoved him into her arms to keep her distracted.
The dorms were located at the sides of the school, the girls being at the left side and the boys on the right side. Each gender had 3 dorms to choose from.
For the girls; Courage Hall, Flair Hall and Unity Hall.
For the boys; Bravery Hall, Prowess Hall and Honour Hall.
Avery and I had previously heard some students commenting on how many nobles are in the Prowess Hall, so we wasted no time in applying for stay there. "You girls might probably get the same room", the woman supervising the lists said. She was called Evie Wneth, but she instructed us to call her Madam Evie. "I am the hall warden for Prowess Hall. The other hall wardens would be with you shortly".
We patiently sat down on a bench and chattered away. Avery dropped Marlon unto her laps, eyes sparkling. "Stipend, Aria! We can get books and–". But a soft voice interrupted, "Avery and Aria, room 414, west wing." A student guide appeared, smiling. "I'll show you." The guide led Avery and I to a cozy room with twin beds, trivets on walls, and three desks. Marlon jumped onto a plush cushion, claiming it. "Your luggages would be in shortly", the guide said, walking out. Avery flopped onto a bed. "Guess we're roomies."
I frowned. "With another person." I indicated to the bed closest to the wall. The person had already settled in, meaning that they could probably be a senior.
A knock, and our guide returned. "Dinner would be ready in two hours. Need help with the hall uniforms?"
Avery and I perked up. "Hall Uniforms?" The guide smiled. "Apart from the uniforms meant for the school, there are hall uniforms and winter uniforms for classes. As you are well aware, stipends would be provided for you later on to purchase more clothes."
Avery tried on the sleek, dark-blue uniform with the Academy's silver emblem, twirling in front of the mirror. "Whoa. We look like actual witches." I chuckled, adjusting my own uniform. "More like scholars with sparkles." Avery grinned, then dropped onto the bed. "Aria, what if we don't fit in? The others seem... extra." I sat beside her. "This again? We fit because we're us. And we have Marlon." "Please leave me out of this", Marlon meowed, still lounging on his self-proclaimed cushion.
The hall uniforms were dark-blue, long-sleeved pleated dress, with a white belt. Shoes weren't given, so it was up to use to purchase some. Luckily for us, Madame Dupont had bought a few beforehand. We readied ourselves before walking out of the room, without Marlon. The guide was standing outside the door, prancing on the corridor like a soldier. Upon seeing us, she asked, "Are you ready?". We nodded in agreement.
Dinner normally occurred in the halls, but during ceremonial events, like today, we were required to go the the school's hall and dine. The principal gave a heartfelt speech on how we must achieve our dreams, be it personal or professional, and we mustn't cause mayhem lest we would be expel. Aria growled, rubbing her stomach, "I really wish he could just end and we get to eat". I shook my head in utter disappointment. How was she going to survive in the school with all her eating habits.
Dinner was amazing – savory meat pies, fresh bread, and spiced cider. Avery and I chatted with Archie(who had managed to find us in the crowd of people at the dining hall), learning about Team tournaments and various classes we might join. We had such a lengthy conversation, and as a result, we weren't able to eat to our fill. "I have a few biscuits in the room", I said and patted Avery at the back. She kept on moaning and complaining about how 'someone needs to teach her her limits when it comes to talking'. As we headed back to the room, Avery yawned. "Time for sleep, maybe?". "Aren't you the same person that's complaining about still being hungry?". "Oh yeah, hehe".
We entered room 214, finding the third bed occupied. A girl with striking emerald eyes looked up from unpacking. We had seen this girl somewhere , but I couldn't quite put a finger on it. "Hi. I'm Emily.", she said. Avery's eyes widened. "Emily from Cuvia? The one with... Divine and Ebony?" Emily frowned wryly, "Do I know you?". "Aria and Avery", I stepped forward, blocking her gaze from Aria's. "Guess we're roomies", she scoffed.
I raised an eyebrow. "Small Academy?" Emily chuckled. "Small world."