“Of the boffins in their high high towers,


    Wielding all manner of unknown powers,


    Showing us their magical ire,


    To achieve only their desire.


    Look at them in their fancy robes,


    Dressed up like some silly dopes,


    But all their brain and brawn,


    Still makes us pained yet fawn.


    From behind closed doors,


    Atop marbled floors,


    In strange cabals they change the world,


    With mighty magics with their banners unfurled.


    “Oh high, oh low, oh why art thou so mighty ho!‘”


    - Verse From Arterian Folk Song, “Those Pompous Scholars!”


    <hr><hr>


    The morning had been a blur of speeches, activities, performances, and countless departments advertising themselves on stage. The excitement of the day had kept her somewhat focused on the spectacle but eventually, when the final few speeches came from the headmaster, she was thoroughly bored. Sure, they had held the welcoming event in the main hall. The stark contrast of angled humanist designs coupled with tiles, walls, and even wall ornaments in the more sleek elven style was interesting to look at. But after four hours, even that was running up to the edge of focus. Aryana at least, was too excitable to be bored. That makes one of us.


    Her mind was numb when the final speaker had finished. Lunch had breezed past when Sophie found herself being dragged around by Aryana to visit the different student groups. It felt so surreal to see so many people around her age just casually milling about, enjoying life and doing their own thing. A few passed her by without much notice but it was when she heard the distinctive clank of metal on metal that she almost froze. Fear gave way to relief when she turned to find two lightly armoured combatants playfully duelling each other with fencing blades for the crowd to see. More than a few students were enraptured by the strange display, and Sophie found herself also curiously watching along.


    “Ugh, finally.” Aryana groaned.


    “Eh?” Sophie asked, a little startled.


    “You’re finally paying attention to something. You looked so defeated just now.” Aryana teased.


    “You try sitting still for four hours.” Sophie playfully growled back.


    “But there’s so many new things!”


    “True, doesn’t mean I care for all of it though.” Sophie gestured widely around them, her arm whimsically tracing the outline of the main hall.


    “Pffft. That’s no fun.” Aryana shook her head, “Well?”


    “Well? Well what?”


    “Aren’t you going to go ask them about the sword fights?”


    “No?”


    “No?!” Aryana gasped, incredulous.


    “Too many people right now.”


    “But you looked interested.”


    “Still.”


    “But-”


    “Look, not today, okay? Some other time, alright? For now I’ll consider fencing as something to try in general. That good enough?”


    “Ehhh….”


    “Come on, I bet you still have more you want to see don’t you?”


    “Ugh.” Aryana grimaced.


    Sophie had struck a chord, the girl might’ve wanted to see Sophie latch onto an activity, but her innate curiosity still outshone everything else. Sophie grinned at Aryana’s excitement and offered out her hand. “Well? Lead the way.”


    Aryana rolled her eyes but Sophie could feel the bubble of energy start racing forward the moment the redhead had grabbed her hands. Sophie could feel a strange sensation of glee and almost let out a stray giggle, suppressing it just quickly enough that she was certain no sound escaped her lips. It was a juvenile sense of joy, but it made her smile.


    The two continued through the Academy square and saw a great deal more of the student groups on display. Sophie found herself particularly intrigued by the archery display, a small booth by a cooking group and what she found most peculiar of all, people acting like maids. It was a baffling sight but she powered through in stride.


    Aryana, it seemed, found herself more enamoured by the more calm things in life. Together, they stopped by quite a few booths such as those belonging to herbology, nature and husbandry societies for Aryana’s sake. But the two that did interest both of them turned out to be a reading society, the few well dressed students advertising it as a place to relax and just read literature that they might not have had the opportunity before. The two marvelled at the concept for a while before moving on, only to find themselves stopping when Aryana tugged at Sophie’s sleeves.


    “Sophie!” Aryana squeaked.


    “Hmm?”


    “Look! There! They’re dancing!”


    Sophie followed her finger to find a small crowd surrounding a part of the Academy green. Between the bodies, Sophie could catch glimpses of figures gracefully twirling around; to their left, another couple had their hands intertwined, demonstrating a more traditional routine that Sophie vaguely recognised as one of the more courtly dances. The duo shared a glance before they tried to move closer to the spectacle but they were too late. The crowd had already begun applauding by the time they arrived. The dancers were all immaculately dressed with frilly outfits and eye-catching designs, their masked faces giving little of their expressions away except for the glimmer in their eyes.


    Aryana huddled next to Sophie with a hushed awe as she looked over the dancers, her eyes darting back and forth as she took in every little detail. Normally she would’ve chuckled and thought nothing more of it, but for some reason, her gut had begun churning with the familiar sensation of danger. It was unnerving enough that Sophie found herself on alert, the warm feel of the entrance festivities fading away. Her suspicion turned to dismay as her eyes landed upon one of the dancers who stared right back at her. The guy seemed to do a double take before cocking his head and examining her closely. To her increasing misfortune, the gap between the crowds was just enough that she couldn’t escape from his gaze. Shit, shit, shit! Who is that? Why is he looking at me so weirdly? Is it the cult? Here?! Already!?


    She shifted uncomfortably under the piercing stare and shuffled backwards slightly, trying to merge in with the crowd of students. Aryana at least, seemed to notice that something was wrong and looked around a bit before she wordlessly joined Sophie on the retreat. The entire time they spent backing away, Sophie could feel the unwelcome attention of the dancer still focused squarely upon her.


    It was only after they had distanced themselves suitably that Sophie released a breath she didn’t even realize she was holding. The palpable sense of relief flooded her veins at finally being away from whoever that was soon found itself replaced by a sea of questions. Who was that? What happens if they are the cult? Could we fight on Academy grounds? Did they notice Ary? Her mind raced to quickly craft scenarios in case of an emergency, planning out the best ways she could not just flee, but to best protect her charge should anything come to blows.


    “Sophie.”


    Hopefully he’s just Traxian and massively racist. Sophie pursed her lips in frustration, but somehow I doubt it''s that simple. She frowned, pondering how she would even handle a hostile act during her stay at the Academy. For in accordance with Academy rules, all weapons she had were essentially just really fancy wall ornaments, disallowed from even carrying one during daily life at the Academy. Though, she suspected that should the cult truly engage her in battle, they wouldn’t have the slightest of qualms about breaking the rules considering their heinous actions already. This area is mana rich though, so even if I suffer a bit, I can recover and-


    “Sophie!” Aryana whined.


    “Gah!?” Sophie gave a startled yelp,”Sorry… umm, ahh, what’s up?”


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Aryana’s little eyes narrowed as they looked Sophie up and down, “You look nervous Sophie, what’s wrong?”


    “Huh? Oh. Nothing much, just got a weird feeling.”


    “A weird feeling? Like danger?”


    “Mmhmm.”


    “From the dance?”


    “What? No! Of course not! From one of the people there, they just seemed… a little… I don’t know.” Sophie sighed, a little more exhausted than before.


    “A little… suspicious? Maybe... stinky?”


    “Ary! No! I mean, kind of. Suspicious that is, not stinky. Maybe stinky.” Sophie exclaimed with feigned outrage, prompting the redhead to giggle.


    “Hmm, was it one of the student dancers? Because they did look a little scary with their masks.” Aryana mimed a mask.


    “Yeah, it was one of them. But leave the worrying to me, eh? Did you at least enjoy the show?” Sophie pivoted.


    Aryana furrowed her brows, clearly less than pleased by the shift in topic but nodded nonetheless. “What little we did see, yes.” Aryana huffed, but despite the tone of her voice, it was when they changed the subject that Sophie noticed that glint of excitement in Ary’s eye again. Hah, now I feel kinda bad for dragging her away. She definitely enjoyed it though.


    “We can always visit their practice rooms proper another time.”


    “But what about your suspicious person?”


    “Yes. Quite rude to describe someone as suspicious and offensive as it might’ve been for me to stare.” A soothing male voice interjected. “I was making sure it was really you after all, handmaiden Sophie.”


    “Ahh!” The duo jumped in surprise.


    Sophie was ready for battle, her body gearing up as her hand now hovered over where the sword hilt had resided less than a week ago. Dammit, fuck! Of all the times to not have something with me. Aryana had shuffled behind her, taking up a position to the flank and looking ready to run. She’d be safe, at least. Sophie’s scowl deepened.


    “Who the hells are… you?” She growled out but paused, the strange phrase the man had addressed her as was now at the forefront of her mind, handmaiden? Handmaiden? What a strangely formal way of… hey how did he know my name? Was he listening in?!


    “I’m hurt you can’t remember me. Though I confess the wig, mask and outfit do make me seem quite different.” The masked figure smirked under his mask, bowing ever so slightly in their direction. “Wouldn’t you agree, Sophie?” There it is again! He knows my name! But wait… wig, mask and outfit…


    “You know, I was quite surprised to see you here.” He tittered, “Well now instead of… nevermind that. I see you’re still a bit confused, a hint perhaps?” He smiled mischievously.


    Sophie dropped into a mean scowl, but feeling that Aryana was still behind her, she nodded. Gotta make sure she gets away. What the hells does he mean by a hint anyways?


    “A hint then… hmm. Ah! Aside from being glad you’re here, I do miss our time spent teasing dear Evaline.” He mused.


    Dear… Evaline… Eva being teased? By…ah! “Freddie?!” Sophie gasped as her jaw dropped.


    “And the bookworm’s a winner.”


    “Freddie?!” Sophie repeated, her mind still boggled by the sudden revelation.


    “It’s good to see you’re alive at least. And don’t worry, I promise not to be this… suspicious in the future. I just had to make sure before I made a fool of myself.”


    “Freddie?”


    “Sophie’s broken.” Aryana worriedly growled under her breath.


    “Ah yes, apologies for that. I’m a childhood friend of her’s you see. My name is Frederick though I’d prefer if we kept it informal. Glad you enjoyed the dance though!” He chippered cheerily.


    “Ehh… umm… yeah.” Aryana replied with uncertainty.


    “Heheh. Hope I didn’t put you off the dance society. We have sections for courtly dances, ballets, folk dances… it’s a fun time and we always love new faces.”


    “I… uhh…”


    “Please, let me do this again.” Frederick straightened his back, “My name is Frederick, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”


    “Umm… I’m Aryana. Nice to… meet you too?” Aryana bowed.


    “Quite so! And I do hope you’ll come check us out at some point. Aside from always loving new faces, I also saw that twinkle in your eye. The display was quite majestic wasn’t it?” Frederick grinned.


    “Y-yeah.” Aryana looked away bashfully, her own emotions still a little confused due to Sophie’s current predicament.


    “We meet on the third floor of Brightwood hall down by the first residential platz. You’d be welcome anytime.”


    Aryana beamed a smile andFrederick giggled as the two of them shared a knowing look with each other. Eventually, with a budding friendship established, they now turned their attention to Sophie.


    Though she could feel their collective gaze, the cogs in her mind still failed to restart. But it was enough for a temporary return to focus at least, “Oh… oh! Freddie… er I mean Prin-” She began hastily.


    “Ah-ah!” Frederick shushed her, “We keep informal outside of court.” He tutted, “Besides, let’s just say this outfit always helps hide me from those who might want to… eavesdrop. Yes, let’s say this stops people from eavesdropping just because of who I am.”


    “Fred-Freddie?! Is it really you?!” Sophie asked again.


    “Fortunately or unfortunately, yes.”


    “Wow… I mean just… whoa, I definitely wasn’t expecting to see you here. Err… I mean I know you came here, Eva told me as much. But still! It just feels…”


    “So surreal?”


    “I was going to say, bizarre, but that works too.” Sophie let out a small chuckle before frowning, “You could’ve just said something instead of looking like a creep though.”


    “Ouch. But I was telling the truth when I said that I wanted to be certain before I approached you. For that I apologize. Though, you can consider it payback for always trying to monopolize Lady Eva whenever I came to visit.”


    “Wha-what… what are you talking about! I did no such thing!” Sophie let out a barely believable protest.


    “Hahah, regardless. It is good to see you. I hope you’re faring well? Or at least as well as could be.”


    “Y-yeah. I mean why wouldn’t I be?”


    “Come now, no lies between friends. Eva told me about that day.”


    Vivid memories ran through Sophie’s mind and she felt her mood plummet, a dour atmosphere settling over her person.


    “Yeah.” She grunted.


    “I gather from that expression it was… unpleasant.”


    Sophie let out a scoff and just nodded.


    “She’s been through a lot.” Aryana chimed in.


    “Mmm. I suppose we’ll have to properly catch up another time. Though I do hope to see you in the future at the dance hall, Lady Aryana.”


    Aryana giggled and Sophie raised her eyebrow, “Lady Aryana?”


    “She and I exchanged pleasantries while you were spaced out.”


    “Oh.”


    “I extended an invitation to come visit us over by Brightwood hall.”


    “Brightwood hall?”


    “You’ll see it during orientation. It''s by the residential area to the west.”


    Sophie gave a murmured affirmation before taking a long look at Frederick once again. He looked remarkably different in his outfit, his blonde wig completely changing the aura that he gave off. He was like a completely different person save for the ever so familiar hazel eyes that were only a few shades different than Eva’s. She also felt conflicted that the last memory of him was when she briefly caught a glimpse of him after dressing Eva up for their meeting. One of the last few moments of peace that she had before the horrors of the next few months. The thoughts must’ve leaked out onto her face as she watched the other two change their expressions into one of concern as they looked at her. She quickly waved a hand to ward off their questions.


    “Another time. We’ll catch up, then.” Sophie reassured Freddie.


    “Of course. Though if you do catch me wandering about, try to avoid striking up a conversation. For your own good.” He dipped his head apologetically.


    “Oh?” Sophie waited for the explanation.


    Seeing that the duo were waiting, Freddie sighed and just gestured around them. “Know about the war between Trax and Carrador?”


    Sophie nodded.


    “Let’s just say there are more than a few unfriendly faces here who let their allegiances get a little… heavy. I’ve had more than one friend get harassed by the ah… Imperialist gang.” He let out a wry chuckle, “Just a bad time is all. Considering I’m a ‘Prince’.” He gestured exasperatedly with air quotes.


    “Ohh… and we get seen talking to you properly…”


    “They might bother you too. I’d hate to know that was my fault. Even more so considering you’re…”


    “A half elf.”


    “Aye, and an abomination in their eyes. So just imagine what they must feel if they see you, a natural born enemy of theirs, talking to me, another enemy.” He stated sombrely.


    “Gotcha.”


    “Still. It is genuinely good to see you! And nice meeting you too, Lady Aryana.” He dipped his head.


    Sophie curtsied back and Aryana tried her best.


    “Tell Eva I said hi when you see her, alright?” Freddie clicked his tongue jovially.


    “Eva? But we don’t even know where she is.”


    “You don’t?” He had an annoyingly amused smirk on his face, “I figured you two would’ve met already.”


    “We have! But we still have to do registration stuff and orientation.”


    “Tsk. Shame. What time is that?”


    “In about an hour.”


    “Hmm, then you should have enough time for this. Training field, down the main road.” He pointed to the east. “She’s just over yonder. If you see her, tell her that we need to meet behind the library at eight in the evening.”


    “Oh?” Sophie cocked her head, “If you know why don’t you…” She paused, seeing the look in his eye, “Right, the Traxians.”


    “Yeah. Them.” Freddie let out a tired grin and bowed. “For now, I suppose, they shall continue to be a thorn until the war is resolved. Still, I think I should catch up with my colleagues. So, farewell my friend!”


    “Farewell, “Prince” Freddie.” Sophie joked, earning herself a glare.


    “Umm bye sir!” Aryana followed.


    “Drop the formalities!” He growled as he left, “And farewell my new resplendent friend!”


    Aryana still seemed somewhat bewildered but Sophie couldn’t help but let out a small smile. Seeing him just felt so… normal, heh. Sophie turned down the road that Freddie had pointed at and wondered just how Eva would react to their sudden arrival. Though I do hope we won’t interrupt anything.