Kalia peered over Lucy's shoulder. "You can only choose four."
Lucy frantically scanned the registration sheet again. "There are so many classes I wanna take!"
"Introduction to Ancient Rituals sounds fun... but so does Dungeon Mapping... and then there's Ancient Languages..."
"Four isn't nearly enough!"
"You'll be there for the next six years. You have plenty of time to take the classes you want."
"Besides, you can take on an apprenticeship or go to a higher academy after you graduate," Astra chimed in.
Lucy's head snapped up. "You mean there's more after Tallis?"
Astra nodded. "Sure is. There's Tomo Allegiant, Corvus' School of Applied Magmatics, Perilenne... "
Kalia sighed. "One step at a time, Astra..."
Lucy turned her attention back to the enrollment sheet. "But I still can't figure out what to take..."
She looked back up at Astra. "Can you help me?"
"Mhmm!" Astra scooted closer and peered down at the sheet.
"Definitely Ancient Languages."
Lucy checked the box next to the class.
"Dungeon Mapping, super important."
Lucy checked another box.
"Oh! Seal Breaking too. And Relic Categorization—"
Astra ran down the list, rattling off at least a dozen classes.
"Astra..." Kalia shook her head. "Four classes."
Astra sighed. "Right..."
"How about this? Astra narrowed it down for you. Pick four from there."
"Okay." Lucy agonized over the list for several minutes.
"I think I got it. I'll take Ancient Languages, Dungeon Mapping, Seal Breaking, and Beginner's Artificing."
Astra raised an eyebrow at the last one. "I didn't know you were interested in creating magic devices."
Lucy turned to Kalia. "I don't know if I am either. But when I saw it, I thought of all the things you can make and wondered if I could do something like that too."
Kalia glanced at Astra. "Yup, she's just like you..."
"Hehe!" Astra beamed.
"We should probably head into town." Kalia thumbed through the supply list. "This is a pretty long list."
"Okay! Let's go!" Lucy darted toward the front door.
"I'll pull the carriage around, Lia."
Lora poked her head into the kitchen. "Would you like me to come along, Lady Kalia?"
"Yeah, we might need help carrying all this."
"Certainly."
————————————————————————————————————
"Ah, Kalia! Long time no see!"
Kalia waved. "Hi, Kurika."
"What brings you in today?"
"Getting school uniforms for this one." Kalia placed a hand on Lucy's head. "She just got accepted into Tallis."
"Oh, Tallis? Congratulations, Lucy!" Kurika smiled.
Lucy's cheeks flushed red. "Thanks..."
Kurika motioned for her to follow. "Well, come on. Let's get your measurements."
"Right." Lucy trotted off toward the back of the store.
Lora wandered around the store, stopping in front of a particularly elegant maid outfit.
This is wonderful!
Kalia slipped in beside her. "That is quite nice."
"It is..." Lora ran her hand across the material. "Soft and durable."
She flipped the price tag over.
"Twelve gold? For a maid uniform?" Lora released the tag with a sigh.
"Why not get it?"
"Almost a week's wages for a single outfit? No thanks." Lora turned and made her way back to the front of the store.
"Kalia, may I present Tallis Academy's next top student!" Kurika announced, flinging the curtains open.
Lucy stood on the fitting platform, awkwardly tugging at the hem of her new uniform. The uniform was simple and functional—a knee-length gray-and-black skirt paired with a matching undershirt and blazer. The Tallis Academy crest—a pair of Aris—was embroidered above the breast pocket.
Lucy smoothed the front of her blazer. "Well?"
Kalia smiled. "You look great!"
"Hmm..." Astra strode over to Lucy and examined the fabric. "Good."
"Good?" Lucy tilted her head.
"It has basic anti-magic enchantments." Astra nodded. "They thought ahead."
Lucy looked down at her outfit. "How do you know?"
"Right here." Astra pointed at the shimmering stitching.
"These threads have been treated to reduce the effects of low-level spells."
"Neat!" Lucy twisted from side to side, admiring her uniform in the mirror.
Kalia returned to the counter. "So, what's the damage, Kurika?"
"Eight uniforms come out to nine gold and thirteen silver."
"That's it?"
Kurika nodded. "Mhmm. Tallis is expensive enough already. I wanted to keep the uniforms cheap so everyone can afford them."
Kalia smiled. "And that's why I only buy clothes from here."
"Appreciate it." Kurika laughed.
"By the way, those outfits you ordered a while back are ready. Want me to box them up too?"
"Oh, right! I completely forgot about that!"
"Actually, would there happen to be enough of that fabric left to do one more?"
"Yeah, probably. Why?"
"I may have picked up another one..."
"Of course you did." Kurika chuckled. "Same as last time?"
"Yep."
"No problem. I can have it ready later today if you want to swing back by."
"Will do. Thanks again, Kurika!"
"Anytime."
As the group left the shop, Lora glanced back at the maid outfit one last time.
"Next on the list is..." Kalia scanned the supply sheet. "Paper, quills, ink..."
"I know a good stationery shop, Lady Kalia." Lora pointed down a side road. "Geeron's is just down there."
Kalia stuffed the list back in her pack. "Perfect. Lead on, Lora."
Geeron's was exactly the kind of place Lora would frequent. It was inexpensive, practical, and stocked with exactly what they needed.
"Mmm." Astra sniffed the air as they passed a stand selling grilled skewers. "I smell something delicious!"
"Same. Wanna grab something to eat?"
"Way ahead of you," Astra said, already making her way to the vendor.
"Twenty skewers, plea—"
Lora grabbed Astra by the ear. "Oh, no you don't!"
"You'll ruin your dinner!"
"Fiiine... Ten skewers."
"Ten skewers it is. Three silver."
Astra stuffed another bite of meat in her mouth. "Sho, wha's next?"
"We still need stuff for Lucy's room and textbooks."
"Seems like we have to go to a place called Bolero Tomes for her books."
Astra's eyes lit up. "Let's go there first!"
"We're getting textbooks...just textbooks."
"Aww..." Astra flashed her fanged smile. "Not even one?"
"Okay...maybe one."
"Hehe! Yay!"
"You go ahead, Lady Kalia. I'll handle getting the rest of the items."
"Sounds like a plan." Kalia turned to leave. "Meet you at the carriage later."
"Yes, Lady Kalia." Lora quickly turned and left for the next shop.
"Bookstore! Bookstore!" Astra skipped off.
————————————————————————————————————
As soon as they entered the shop, both Astra and Lucy disappeared amongst the piles of haphazardly stacked books.
"Aaand I'm already alone." Kalia sighed.
"It just says textbook..." Kalia read over the sheet several times. "Never mind, I'm just going to ask the shopkeeper."
A young girl sat behind the counter. "Welcome to Bolero Tomes. Is there anything I can help you find?"
"We're looking for the textbooks for Tallis Academy."
"Which year?"
"First."
"One moment, please." The girl vanished behind a row of bookshelves.
"Here you are." She returned and set a single book on the counter.
"Just the one?"
"Mhmm. Tallis textbooks are enchanted. Each year has one book containing the material for every class."
"Oh! These are neat!" Astra suddenly popped up behind Kalia.
"And convenient," Kalia added.
"Will that be all today?"
"And this!" Astra dropped an enormous leather-bound tome on the counter.
SalvosMantium
Lucy followed closely behind, holding a single book. "Can I get this one?"
"Sure." Kalia peered at the book in her hands.
Lorwin's Fairytales.
The faintest smile tugged at Kalia's lips. A picture book?
"Just these three, then."
"That'll be one hundred and thirty gold and twenty-five silver."
Kalia's eyes widened. "Astra... Just how much is that?"
"It was only ninety-five gold! I can't believe they are selling one of these so cheap!"
Kalia pinched the bridge of her nose. I did say one...
"All right." Kalia placed the gold on the counter.
"Thank you." The girl bowed. "Have a wonderful day."
"You too." Kalia turned to Astra. "Let's get out of here before you spend the rest of our gold."
"Okies!" Astra grabbed her prize and trotted happily after Kalia.
"That's everything. You two ready to head home?"
Astra and Lucy nodded.
"Yup!"
Lora pulled the carriage around in front of the bookstore.
"All finished, Lady Kalia?"
"Yeah."
————————————————————————————————————
The ride home was unusually quiet. Lucy and Astra had their noses buried in their books while Kalia watched the familiar scenery roll by.
"Astra, will you help Lora get the stuff off the luggage rack?"
"Mhmm!" Astra grabbed several large boxes and hauled them inside.
"I'll help!" Lucy reached for a stack of boxes from Kurika's shop. "Why are there so many?"
Kalia turned to Lora. "Did you go back to Kurika's?"
"Oh, um, yeah."
Kalia broke into a wide grin. "Couldn't resist, could ya?"
"No..." Lora's face flushed red. "It was too nice to pass up."
"Kurika also had some boxes for you."
"I completely forgot about that." Kalia shook her head. "I'm glad you went back then."
"What are they, Master Lia?" Lucy started to lift the lid.
"I'll take those." Kalia quickly took the boxes before she could see inside. "It's a secret."
"O-oh, okay."
"Lora..." Astra poked her head out the door. "What's for dinner?"
"Of course you're hungry again." Lora laughed. "Just go get settled. I'll have it ready shortly."
"Okies!"
"I'll get the rest." Kalia hooked the last of the bags over her arm.
"Yes, Lady Kalia." Lora darted upstairs.
Kalia quickly dropped the bags in the entryway before taking the boxes into her bedroom.
By the time she returned downstairs, Astra and Lucy had already claimed their spots at the table, their noses once again buried in their books. Eliane was caught in the middle of an argument between Milena and Eron. Nearby, Sarah played with one of Fio's summons.
Lora quietly slipped into the kitchen and began preparing dinner.
Before long, the smell of Lora's cooking wafted through the house.
"Dinner's ready!" Lora announced as she entered the dining room.
"Wow!" Sarah was the first to notice Lora's new outfit. "Pretty!"
"W-what do you mean?" Lora nervously smoothed her skirt.
"I love the new outfit!" Fio added.
"Th-thanks!" Lora smiled.
"You made the right choice," Kalia said.
Lora glanced down at the uniform. "I think so too."
————————————————————————————————————
Kalia rolled over in bed. "Today's the day..."
"Mhmm." Astra nodded. "You okay?"
"Yeah..."
"She'll only be gone a few days a week."
"Still. It only feels like yesterday that we brought them home."
"I know, right? Hard to believe it's been almost two years."
"Remember how terrified they were of us at first?"
"Haha, yeah." Astra smiled. "Took them nearly two weeks to stop apologizing for everything."
Kalia chuckled. "Or to stop bowing every time they left the room."
"Lady Kalia, Lady Astra. Breakfast is ready."
"Coming," Kalia replied.
Kalia sat on the edge of the bed. "You go on ahead. I'll be down in a second."
"Okies!"
Kalia made her way down to the kitchen. The girls had already settled into their usual spots around the table.
As usual, they all looked up to greet her in unison. "Good morning, Master Lia."
"Good morning, girls!" Kalia smiled as she took her seat.
She turned to Lucy. "Today's the big day. Ready?"
"Yup!" Lucy nodded vigorously.
"Got everything packed?"
"Mhmm. Lora and Fio double-checked everything this morning and already got the carriage loaded."
"Great. That saves us some time." Kalia turned back to the rest of the group. "We're leaving soon, so go get ready when you're done eating."
"Yes, Master Lia." They all nodded.
Breakfast passed quickly, and soon everyone had piled into the carriage.
Lucy spent most of the ride chatting excitedly about her classes while Astra enthusiastically offered advice she probably wouldn't need for another three years.
As Tallis came into view, Lucy pressed her face against the window. "We're here!"
Eron stopped bickering with Milena long enough to glance out the window. "Wow, this place is huge!"
Milena stared at the central spire. "No kidding."
The carriage came to a stop near the registration office. Aisha was outside greeting arriving families and pointing them toward their dorms.
"You guys wait here. I'll see where we need to go."
"Ah, Lady Kalia!" She waved as Kalia opened the carriage door.
"Morning, Aisha."
Aisha rummaged through a stack of folders and handed Kalia one. "Here's Lucy's new student packet. Her room assignment, the dorm policies, and student badge are all inside."
"She'll be in the girls' dorm." She pointed toward a building at the far end of the campus. "Just take that side street there. We have some staff ready to help you get everything moved."
"Perfect. Thanks, Aisha."
"Of course. I hope Lucy enjoys her first year."
Kalia smiled. "I'm sure she will."
Kalia returned to the carriage and gave Lora the directions to Lucy's dorm.
"Here's your new student packet, Lucy." Kalia handed Lucy her folder.
Lucy quickly opened it and began reading. "Fourth floor... room 495. It says I have a roommate. Arita Foruna."
"Looks like you'll have a new friend before classes even start!"
Lucy smiled. "I hope so!"
Lora guided the carriage to an empty spot in front of the dorm, where a pair of brown-robed women waited to greet them.
"Welcome to Tallis. Which room?"
"Four ninety-five," Lucy answered.
"Got it. Take the west stairwell to the fourth floor. Your room will be at the end of the hall."
"Okay!" Lucy bolted toward the stairwell.
Kalia approached the woman. "Sorry, she's a bit excited."
She smiled. "It's no trouble. We see it all the time."
Kalia turned back to the group. "All right, girls, start grabbing boxes."
"Oh, don't worry about that. We've got it." The two women chanted an incantation. The luggage began floating and followed after them as they made their way up the stairs.
Kalia turned to Astra and pointed. "Are you telling me we could have done that instead of always carrying things?"
"Well, yeah? You never asked," Astra replied innocently.
Kalia pinched the bridge of her nose. You can't be mad... She's technically right.
By the time they reached the fourth floor, Lucy was already at the end of the hall.
"C'mon, hurry!" Lucy bounced on the balls of her feet.
As they approached, Kalia noticed the door had neither a lock nor a handle.
"Wait... How do you open this?"
"Simple." One of the staff pressed her badge against the door. With a soft click, the door swung open.
Kalia's brow furrowed. "Can anyone open the door if they have a badge?"
"No. Each student's badge only opens their assigned room. And staff, of course."
"Good." Kalia breathed a sigh of relief.
Lucy looked around frantically. "I didn't get a badge!"
"It should be in your packet."
Lucy immediately flipped through the folder. "Oh, found it."
Kalia chuckled. "You were so busy reading, you must have skipped right past it."
Lucy slipped the badge around her neck. "Can I try?"
"Of course." The woman smiled.
Lucy pressed her badge against the door.
A soft click came from inside before the door swung open.
Lucy's face lit up. "Neat!"
The two staff members turned to leave. "Well, we've got other students to move in. If you need help, just come find us."
"Oh, and someone will be by later to show Lucy to the dining hall for new student orientation."
"Okay, then." Kalia smiled.
She turned back to Lucy. "Ready to get moved in?"
"Mhmm!" Lucy bounded through the doorway.
The room was divided into two identical sides, each with a bed, desk, dresser, and closet. A shared table and chairs sat in the center, with a large window along the back wall and a shared bathroom off to one side. The left half of the room was already claimed.
Kalia turned to Lucy. "Looks like your roommate has already moved in."
As soon as Kalia finished speaking, the bathroom door opened. A young girl with dark purple hair and glasses stepped into the main room.
"Uh... Hi."
"Hi! I'm Lucy! You must be my roommate, Arita!"
"That's me." Arita plopped down on her bed. "Guess you're Lucy."
"Yup! And this is my family." Lucy swept her arm across the crowd behind her.
"Hey." Arita glanced around, stopping at Kalia. "You're that lady from the bookstore."
"I thought that was you." Kalia nodded. "I'm Kalia Waywrenn. Nice to see you again."
"Arita Foruna." She gave a lazy wave. "Same."
Lucy glanced between them. "You already know each other?"
"Nah, I just remember she bought that really expensive book."
"So, are you a first-year too?"
"Second."
"Really? Do you like it here?"
"Yeah, it's okay, I guess." Arita glanced at the clock and slid off the bed with a sigh.
"Well, I gotta head to work. I'll see ya tonight."
"Oh, okay. Bye." Lucy waved as Arita slipped on her coat and headed out.
Kalia watched her disappear down the hall. "She seems nice."
"Mhmm. She's so calm and cool." Lucy nodded.
"Well, let's get you moved in." Kalia gave each girl a task.
Eron grabbed a stack of books out of a box. "Where do you want these?"
"Mmm, on top of the dresser."
Milena held up a lamp. "This?"
"Desk, next to the quills."
Fio tucked the last corner of the sheet beneath the mattress. "Bed's made."
Sarah trotted over and placed a small stuffed bear on Lucy's bed. "Me and Lora made this for you!"
"Thanks! I love it!"
One by one, the boxes emptied until everything had found its place.
"Well..." Kalia looked around the room. "I guess that's everything. How do you like it?"
"I love it!" Lucy climbed onto her bed and surveyed the room.
"Good." Kalia smiled. "Guess it's time for us to get going before your orientation."
"Oh... right." Lucy's excitement faded slightly.
The girls hugged Lucy and said their goodbyes, leaving Astra and Kalia for last.
Astra knelt down and gave Lucy a hug. "Remember to study hard, and if you ever need help, I'll always be right here."
"I will."
Astra patted her on the head. "You're gonna do great!"
"You think so?"
Astra smiled. "I know so."
Lucy stood in front of Kalia. "Thanks for letting me go to Tallis, Master Lia."
"Mhmm." Kalia wrapped her arms around the small girl.
"Make sure you eat properly."
"I will."
"And don't stay up all night studying."
"I won't."
"And make sure you wash your clothes."
"I will."
Kalia wiped a tear from her cheek. "And..."
"Master Lia, I'm gonna be okay." Lucy sniffed.
"I know..." Kalia's voice cracked as she clutched the girl tighter. "I love you, Lucy."
"Love you too, Master Lia."
They held each other for a little longer.
Astra placed a hand on Kalia's shoulder. "Time to go, Lia."
"Okay..." Kalia dabbed her cheeks.
"Bye, Lucy."
"Bye, Master Lia."
The door swung closed behind Kalia, leaving Lucy alone in her room.
The room suddenly felt much quieter.
Lucy wiped her eyes and looked over at the little bear sitting against her pillow. She instinctively scooped it up and held it close.
I can do this!