The lecture let out into the main corridor, where the Magicians' branch and the Martial branch crossed. Students streamed past the stone pillars on both sides. Selphine and Aurelian had another hall that hour, so Elara came out alone, with eleven minutes before her next class and a seat she meant to get early.
"Lady Elowyn."
He stood out of the crowd, one shoulder near the third pillar, with a slate case under his arm. It had the Magicians' Block mark on it, the same as hers. Pale ash-brown hair brushed back, gray-green eyes, a uniform pressed so sharp she could see the work in it. Different halls, same Block. She had read his name on the roll once and hadn't thought about it since.
"Lord Gervase." She gave him the nod a marquis's son was owed. "I didn't know your lectures were on this side."
"They aren't, as a rule." He smiled, small and polite. "I've been hoping to catch you between halls for a day or two. It seemed kinder than sending a note."
