Eric could still vividly recall the moment Winter waved him off at the academy gates. Though her expression remained stoic, there was a subtle softening in her eyes that gave away the slightest hint of warmth before she turned and disappeared with the Archon's aides.
That was just her way. Strong, controlled, and perhaps a little intimidating. But Eric couldn't bring himself to fault her for it.
After that, things moved with a sense of urgency. His name was quickly enrolled in the academy's central archives, a personalized tag created for him.
They handed him a crisp, blue uniform and a detailed guidebook, then informed him that he would be staying in one of the academy's living quarters, which they referred to not as "Wards."
Apparently, the term "Ward" carried more of that ancient, magical term that the academy seemed to wallow in. Not that Eric was going to argue. He was far too overwhelmed by the sheer grace of this place to worry over semantics.
