The forty students stood together, waiting outside the docks. Daemar watched in silence until the last of them had gathered.
"Follow me. First, we'll head to the place where we'll be staying during our time here."
Everyone began walking. Noel kept to the back, a few steps behind the group. Elyra, Elena, and Charlotte stayed together. Selene, as always, walked ahead alone. Clara and Marcus held hands. Garron was laughing at Laziel for still being single.
"Noir… go take a look around. Come back tonight. Learn where the important places are. If the Fifth Pillar is someone with influence, we'll need every advantage."
Noir tilted her head, then darted off, vanishing between the crowds.
"You good, Noel?"
Roberto appeared beside him.
"Why are you walking back here? Shouldn't you be with your girls?"
"Ah, I was tying my boots. Told them to go ahead."
Roberto glanced down at Noel's boots and had no laces. But he didn't say anything.
"...Right."
