“This is Hauptman Sodel, Acting Officer of Fort Sorester, writing to request urgent assistance. Fortress Primester has fallen under hostile control. My men and I number less than two hundred, but many more are injured, diseased or dying. Major Meyer has been killed in action and our supplies are running low. The enemy has us enveloped, The Eagle has also been sighted, send backup. ”


    - Letter retrieved from Carradorian Border Guard by Duke Walden’s Rangers


    <hr><hr>


    Sophie felt sick to her stomach, the exam was over. Four grueling hours had passed and they were done. She had finished the exam to the latter, triple checking her work before turning the paper in. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, she had made mistakes, few that even her triple checking had missed. Her soul was further disquieted by how easily Aryana had seemed to breeze through it all. The girl finished almost half an hour if not more before anyone else.


    She felt sick to the stomach because, for her, it wasn’t over. They had just finished when a proctor walked up to her, browsed a list agonisingly slowly, before asking her the fateful question.


    “Are you Sophie of Melton and of Carrador?” The blue robed assistant had asked, with two other pupils in tow.


    “Uhhh… yes?” Sophie hesitantly answered.


    “Very well then, come with me please. Your examination is not yet complete.” He had said.


    She was too taken aback to really do anything besides follow the man, wrapped up in her head of doubting what had she done to warrant this. It was only when the small posse exited Listor hall and Sophie passed by a waiting Aryana that she finally realized she should question the examiner. Her brief nonverbal exchange with the redhead was done primarily through questioning frowns and finger pointing. Perhaps it was also after that exchange that she took a closer look at the two students with her. The two pointedly avoiding her were far better dressed, groomed, and, most importantly, they were elves.


    They weren’t just normal elves that she saw in the markets either. These were dressed in a way to suggest some form of regal nobility. So why am I here?


    “Umm, excuse me instructor. Where are we going?” Sophie managed to ask.


    None of the three paused their step though she did feel three sets of eyes judging her for various reasons.


    “Were you not informed?” The instructor responded.


    “Of…?”


    “Oh my.” The female elf gasped.


    “Your magisters have asked for a separate tester to administer the next part of your exams… or did you mean this portion in general? Do you not know?”


    “No…?”


    “Ah, you’re new to Arteria then?”


    Sophie nodded, eliciting two sly glances from the elves.


    “An outside halfie.”


    “How rare.”


    The two whispered amongst themselves.


    “The Elven diaspora hold themselves to high standards, the magisters agreed that there should be an additional examination to determine whether or not one should classify for advanced placement in academy programs.” The instructor stated impassively.


    “Oh!” Sophie squeaked in surprise, “Umm… I’m fine with regular classes.” She sheepishly added.


    “Well, this is a policy for all of the Elven diaspora, including outside applicants. Normally I’d expect that all applicants to have been told by the relative authorities, but clearly that is lacking.” He tutted, “Nonetheless, the instructors here will appraise you of the situation. Just know that completion of this examination stage will improve your odds of being selected.”


    The man opened the door to a room with about a dozen other elven students and a wizened older instructor clad in dark green and blue robes standing in front of a lectern. Before she could react, the two instructors bowed towards each other and the older one smiled.


    “Professor Herestes, pleasure.”


    “Professor Jorvin, likewise. Ah! We do have an outsider here so she might need some extra explaining.” The original blue robe, Herestes, cheekily cocked his head at Sophie.


    “An outsider, hmmm. Pleasure to meet you little missy, and honoured greetings to the two hanya.” Jorvin swapped effortlessly to elvish.


    “And our honored greetings to you, han magsear.” The two elven kids replied.


    Sensing her cue, Sophie quickly bowed.


    “Thank you, Herestes, is this the last of them?” Jorvin queried.


    “Indeed.”


    “Then thank you for your assistance.”


    “My pleasure, Professor Jorvin.” Herestes answered, giving one last bow to the gathered room before heading out.


    Sophie’s ears perked up when she heard the other students murmured amongst themselves, all before Professor Jorvin coughed slightly to regain their attention.


    “You three, please take a seat.” He politely ordered.


    Sophie hurried behind the two elves, noticing that every few seconds they would glance back at her, the curiosity in their eyes proving almost unbearable.


    “Alright. Well, as per regulation, I’ll run through what we’ll have to do here. I know all of you here are esteemed members of your respective clans and houses so I won’t bore you with the details. But, since we have someone who is new to this system, I’d like to take the moment to explain what we need to do.” Professor Jorvin announced, his eyes landing on Sophie.


    To her relief, his gaze wasn’t one of curiosity or derision, just one of professionalism.


    “First, you will have a thirty minute segment on arcane theory, another thirty minutes on diplomatic and military theory, and a final brief examination on your physical skills.” Jorvin spoke as he began passing out small exam packets.


    Sophie was flabbergasted, her preparation was rushed enough for the regular portion. For there to be another part of the exam based on more advanced subjects like this was certainly not just unexpected, it might prove devastating. However, when she looked around, the other pupils, all elves barre one who was a half elf, seemed more than ready for the exams ahead. A little too nervous to put herself in the crossfire, she could only sheepishly look away when the instructor passed the packet to her.


    Once the last of the exams were handed out, the professor returned to the lectern. “Alright, now, there’s a clock right up there if you need the time. Time for the classic spiel,” Jorvin chuckled, “ if there are no questions, then may I, Professor Ardol Jorvin, proctor of the Arterian Academy entrance exam magistrate’s segment, declare this examination to have officially begun.”


    Sophie flipped the first page of the paper open and despaired, Explain the interconnection between mana, nature, and arcane applications. Then, provide two examples of potential uses. Describe in detail the way in which each element plays its role. She blinked back her surprise at the question, her blank mind growing heavier by the second. Well… by the saint damned hells!


    <hr><hr>


    Death. Sophie felt like death had visited her body and sucked out every brain cell she ever had. If the four hour session earlier was grueling, then this hour long session was torturous. Not only were the questions all short answers, they were all on topics far beyond her expertise. She let out an audible groan that accidentally drew the attention of the room. Sophie froze her tired stretch mid motion when the professor broke out into a hearty chuckle.


    “Hah, I suppose the writing portion is a little stagnant, as with all exams.” He smiled, “Anyways, please proceed to Miyama hall for the physical portion of your examinations.”


    Sophie screamed internally at her unfortunately timed groan and followed along as the others shuffled away, hushed whispers discussing the exam.


    “So… the halfie.” A quiet voice chirped from next to her.


    “Ah!” Sophie squeaked, further drawing more attention to herself, her face turning beet red from embarrassment.


    “Apologies for my sister, it is rare for us to see… elves from outside the city.” The guy quickly added.


    Sophie felt her non-existent heart thud in a panic, the two crowding close to her, looking her up and down. Their ears were far more slender and elegant than hers, their faces more distinctive and completely unblemished. Their sharp slanted eyes were both of a dull light blue, their lips pursed into little amused beans. She could smell the warm fragrant almost chocolate like scent that wafted from their bodies and had to fight not to fall under their charms.


    “Ahh…ummm…” Sophie stammered.


    “My goodness, Thalnor, you’re the one scaring the poor girl. Don’t mind him sweetie, I’m Maylesa Calnodel, this idiot is my brother Thalnor Calnodel.” The girl exclaimed matter of factly, as if expecting her to just know what they were talking about.


    “Right, I’m the idiot.” Thalnor snarkily acknowledged.


    “Uhh… ummm…”


    “See? You’re the one scaring her.”


    “Of course I am, definitely couldn’t be you just butting in.”


    “The nerve.”


    “Umm… I’m Sophie?” Sophie replied.


    The two ceased their bickering instantly and turned to gaze at her intently before a terrifying sparkle of curiosity bursted to life in their eyes.


    “Sophie?” Maylesa questioned.


    “Sophie?” Thalnor echoed.


    “Uhh… that’s me.” Sophie eked out a nervous smile.


    “How curious.” The girl stated.


    “Indeed, how curious.” Her brother followed.


    “No… last name? House name? Or just a little shy.”


    “Perhaps she’s shy because of you.”


    “Thalnor!”


    “Umm… no… I… never knew a last name or house name.” Sophie interjected before they could continue.


    “Fascinating.” Thalnor exclaimed.


    “An elf with no clan.” Maylesa added.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    “A half elf, with no clan, sister.”


    “Ah! Of course! A human name for a human raised half elf, tal?” Maylesa nodded and turned to Sophie.


    All Sophie could do was shrug, “I- I haven’t learned elvish.”


    “Haven’t learned elvish?!” The two exclaimed in collective surprise, drawing everyone else’s attention.


    Sophie shrank a little further. She wasn’t as shy as she was when the journey began, but there just was something overly intimidating in the presence of the elves. A feeling that she would never measure up to their standards or even be as perfect in appearance. The elvish students all exuded a certain elegance that she couldn’t hope to match.


    “Ahem.” A scholar interrupted the students before they could question the poor half elf further.


    Everyone stood at the ready and Sophie quickly imitated them, the scholar opening the door to Miyama hall. The others slowly filed in one by one, the hall a large space separated by more than a few dividers, an assortment of training dummies and training equipment within. Physical prowess was what I thought, but is this a combat test?


    A rather slender but well built elf stepped out in front of the gathered crowd, the man wordlessly bowing, an act causing the group of students to bow in response. Sophie dipped her head as well, but she caught the briefest glimpse of the instructor noticing her delay.


    “Well then prospective students, academics and the future honoured hanya.” The elven instructor placed his hand over his chest.


    “And we greet you as well han magsear.” The students replied collectively.


    “Well then, does anyone have questions?” He asked, and Sophie couldn’t help but feel a little called out. But, as she always did back at the estate, she remained silent when her superior was speaking.


    “Good.” The man smirked when he heard no response, “Then we’ll get started. I’ll be dividing everyone into two groups of six… so right here. Those to my right go over there, those to my left over here please.” The elf stretched his arms like a knife, cutting the group into two cadres.


    Sophie looked over at Thalnor and Maylesa, the two a little too excited to have her along for the ride. Her other compatriots involved two haughty looking figures, their shapely chins, ears and stifling auras matched only by the look of dismay at her presence in their green and brown eyes. To her surprise the other half elf that was present also shared their opinion, his scowl directed at her a little too intense for her comfort. Sheesh, and here I thought of someone who might understand how awkward it is to be here.


    “Here’s what’s going to happen, hanya.” The instructor clapped his hands, “Proctor Highwell here,” he gestured at the scholar from the doorway who had now joined them in the hall, “will be timing you six,” he pointed towards Sophie and the others, “as you do laps around the marked track for around fifteen minutes before you can rest.”


    Indeed, when Sophie followed his gestures, she found herself noticing staggered dashes placed over the floor of the hall in a wide arc outside the dividers.


    “Then you six,” he pointed at the ones on his right, “will go through a series of both formalised training duels, martial stance evaluations, and training bouts. This will go on for as long as needed up to forty minutes at most, but no more than that. I will be supervising you myself, and upon the allotted time, we will rotate groups wherein the runners will begin martial assessment, and the previous fighters will go on to run. Any questions?”


    That was clear enough, Sophie thought to herself, though the idea of duels worried her slightly. Evidently, everyone else also understood and, as a round of shaking heads came from the students, the two instructors got into place, gesturing for the groups to follow.


    “Alright, prospective students, the scenario here is simple. We’ll be measuring the average speed, capability, and potential based on the amount of laps you can run, as well as how fast you get each one done. Pretty simple. Ready?” Highwell added.


    Everyone nodded, it was simple enough. Seeing that, Highwell turned to the elven instructor who gave his assent. The human instructor then turned to a clock, watching it tick by until just before it hit the end of a minute.


    “Alright, ready, go.” He announced, and they were off.


    <hr><hr>


    Sophie had thought that perhaps one of the others might interrogate her, spend their run prodding her for answers. Perhaps, the siblings did intend to do so. But there was one problem. She was slow, dreadfully so. She wasn’t slow in the sense that her average speed was low, but when compared to the elves nimbly lapping her, she was slow. It did, however, answer a question of hers. She had remembered, back in the Frostwinds, of the druids and the elven rangers that supported them. She had felt their presence everywhere, shadowing her every step, watching her every movement. She had wondered then how could they have done so, how many of them there must’ve been. Well, it could just be the dozen odd rangers that they saw, just nimbly leaping between the trees.


    Even the other half elf was faster, though the others all noticeably slowed slightly nearer to the end of their allotted time. Sophie had in essence just maintained a manageable pace for her, something more akin to a run than a jog but far slower than a breakneck sprint. Still, when they had all finished, she couldn’t help but hide her embarrassment at how poorly she performed. Elven tests suck. On the other hand, the others had exerted themselves pretty intensely and she found herself relatively unbothered as everyone else took their spare time to recover some energy. Or in the case of the haughty brown eyed elf and green eyed partner, the two practiced their fighting stances with imaginary weapons. Try hard.


    “Alright!” The elven instructor announced, and the sounds of training swords clacking stopped at once, “Good work. Swap around time. Highwell?”


    “They’re ready.” Highwell replied.


    “Excellent, fighters to run, runners meet at the first station.”


    A small grumbling of noise echoed from both camps and the various students traded stations, with Sophie and her group standing around the first set of dividers. Between the gaps she spied a rack of thick leather chest plates and blunt fencing foils. In the second one a few training dummies, and in the third set of dividers, some normal training blades.


    “We get to spar!” Thalnor chirped.


    “Ugh, how irritating.” Maylesa grunted.


    The other two elves smirked, their stuck up demeanour giving a sense of arrogance that Sophie felt a slight desire to take down a notch. The other half elf meanwhile, continued to look at her like some sort of antagonist and likely desired to beat her in combat. A concerning if not entirely unexpected conjecture given whatever was going on within his head when he had first laid eyes on her.


    “Alright, everyone grab a set of chest plates and a foil. Then you two are up first, then you two, and then the last two. We’re working under best out of five. I’ll be assessing you based on, obviously winning the bout, but also form, technique, control, spacing, and adaptability. Everyone understand?” The instructor barked.


    “Yes, magsear.” The others answered.


    The crowd moved over to the chest plates and now Sophie was caught in another conundrum, do I take off my armour for this armour? Her frustration caught the attention of the instructor and she felt a shadow loom over her as she mused over her options.


    “Problem?” The elf questioned.


    “Uhh… no sir.” Sophie snappily replied and hastily burdened herself with an extra set of armour atop of her own.


    A gaggle of sniggers and chuckles followed her comically bloated return and she could only scowl whilst she tried to ignore the amused glances thrown her way.


    Thalnor and the green eyed elf were first, the two clashing in such a rapid display of force that Sophie had trouble keeping up. Point. Point. Point. Point. So it was that within what felt like under two minutes, the two had wrapped up five bouts, Thalnor winning a slightly majority much to the chagrin of his opponent. Next came Maylesa and the half elf, the sibling also barely edged out of a victory from a lucky side strike.


    Finally, it was Sophie’s turn with the green eyed elf, her opponent looking overly smug at just the sight of her getting onto the duel zone.


    “Bow.” The instructor ordered, and the two did so.


    “Ready.” He said and the two raised their blades.


    “Begin.” He ordered and the two lunged at each other.


    To her horror, the elf was just as fast here as he was on the track. The graceful figure practically jumped past her attack and giving her chest plate a heft thud.


    “Point, reset.” The instructor said, giving them both a moment to recover.


    “Bow, ready, begin!”


    This time she fared slightly better but still under performed. She had seen his muscles tense, his leg ready to propel him forward and she was able to dodge the first blow. Unfortunately, he recovered just as quickly and gave her another slap with the blade.


    “Point, reset.”


    Sophie growled, resetting and giving her muscles a quick stretch. Speed’s gonna be an issue here.


    “...begin!”


    The two launched themselves at each other again, but this time she was prepared. She ducked under his lunge and managed to smash the blunt end into him.


    “Point…”


    Damn, I need to be faster, that was too close.


    “...begin!”


    This time he expected her, and she knew. She feinted an attack and launched herself backwards instead, using his momentum against him and getting in a cheeky tap to his back.


    “Point!” Came the call.


    Sophie could see the elf looking at her intently now, his eyes turning into a hateful gaze from one of indignation.


    “...begin!”


    He attacked with a renewed fury, Sophie barely managing to parry his blow before he launched yet another one. This too she managed to parry, thrusting forward after deflecting his blow to riposte. Yet, she was too slow, and his foil managed to parry hers and smack directly into her torso.


    “Point! And halt!” The instructor declared, “Salut.”


    Reluctantly, Sophie bowed, trying her best to hide her scowl. Think professional, hide your emotions and focus on the tests. The two separated and the instructor gave her a curious gaze before he turned back to everyone.


    “Alright then, please return the foils and proceed to station two.”


    Doing as she was told she caught sight of the green eyed elf and the brown eyed one whispering amongst themselves, glares being cast her way and that of Thalnor. But before there could be any more conversation the instructor returned and they fell into silence once more.


    “This one’s simpler than the last. Just demonstrate combat techniques that you know onto the training dummies, then simulate a few attacks and that’s all.”


    Her gaze focused on the training dummies. Nothing to it.


    She approached her station and turned towards the siblings who only shrugged in response. She observed for a moment, see that they quite literally struck at the dummies with a series of blows. When she noticed the instructor''s gaze fall upon her, she quickly set off and attacked the dummy. Still somewhat uncertain, she launched a series of what she thought of as generic attacks before a few more specialised ones that she recalled from her previous engagements against both the undead and the cultists. Her attacks unwittingly showed something of interest and she could feel the instructor’s gaze on her intensify up until she finished her demonstration.


    “Group, move to station three. This one’s the same drill as the first, except you will utilize training blades and incorporate the strikes you demonstrated in your duels as well.”


    The student hopefuls shuffled over and grabbed blades of varying sizes, Sophie spending the most time searching for one that fit her grip.


    “You two are up first. Then you two, and finally you two.” The instructor pointed.


    Sophie turned to find the brown haired elf glaring at her, his face etched with a permanent frown. Oh… fantastic… at least it''s not that guy, she tried to avoid looking at the other half elf. Up first was Maylesa and Thalnor, the two throwing themselves into a furious bout as siblings attempted to prove their superiority. Sophie saw that even the others were gripped by this display, Sophie noticed a small grin that appeared on the face of the green eyed elf. A fighter’s smile at the thought of a good fight, it’s kinda like Taurox.


    Thalnor eventually ended victorious, though Maylesa came in close with one unlucky trip at the end ruining her chances of victory. Next it was the green eye and other half elf, the two began evenly matched, but by the second bout green eye was in line to earn a victory, an almost clean sweep at one loss to three wins.


    Her opponent glared at her when the last bout ended, his aura of challenge making it quite hard to relax. Still, she sighed and got up, proceeding to the assigned area and readied her sword. Just like Taurox taught you, relax, let your muscles and reflexes do the work, don’t over think.


    “Bow.”


    First round, hit hard, hit fast. Unexpected attack, aim…


    “Ready.”


    …aim low.


    “Begin!”


    The moment the instructor finished his call, Sophie dropped to a crouch and dashed at her opponent. His swing was fast, the edge of the blade whooshing just past her ponytail but her low figure was likely unexpected. She caught him off guard and managed to half tackle, half slap the elf.


    “Point.”


    She let out a relieved sigh as she reset her position. Not being constrained by the etiquette of a formal duel had allowed her a bit more flexibility. He''ll probably expect another attack, or think that I’ll feint like I did with his friend. Maybe I should take the blow, parry and hopefully riposte quick enough.


    “...begin!”


    Her mind frantically tried to recover from being too distracted to know that they started. She managed to deftly dodge the first blow but now found herself being pressured by his advance. She parried blow after blow but found no room to attack. Realizing she’d be put into a stalemate, she threw caution to the wind and threw herself into a counter attack. She held her blade up in front of her shoulder and shoulder charged the elf, catching him off guard and breaking past his guard through sheer force. The attack worked, she smashed her body, and by extent the blade into him.


    “Point!”


    The elf visibly growled, shaken and angered at her success. He’s likely going to go aggressive for that.


    “...ready!”


    If he does… I can punish him with a swift slash… assuming I can avoid his blow and strike under the blade.


    “Begin!”


    Preparation and expectation certainly had its place in combat. Yet, when one’s opponent becomes readable, their patterns analysed, they could eventually be beaten with a good plan. Thus came the final bout of the exams, the angry elf charging at her with full speed. Her predictions were accurate, too accurate, and part of her suspected a trap.


    Sophie ducked when he cleaved sideways, she then seized her moment to swiftly slash under his blow, making full contact with his chest plate with a hefty thud.


    “Point! And halt!”


    At those words, Sophie’s shoulders sagged and a brief sigh emerged from her mouth. It’s over. In contrast her opponent snarled in rage, "You''ll pay for that." He hissed under his breath.


    But she could care less, whatever might happen, whatever he said, she won. It''s something at least.