Queen Vorath leads us through the coliseum corridor and out into the academy grounds.
The campus is massive. Rolling hills blend seamlessly with training areas and buildings. Everything flows together naturally, just like Eldrin described.
We emerge near a stable area. Inside are creatures I've never seen before. They're tall, about the size of horses but built differently. Long legs, bodies covered in sleek black feathers. Their heads are vaguely draconic with sharp eyes and small crests. Wings fold against their sides, too small for flight but large enough for gliding. They look fast.
---
[Appraisal]
Stridedrake (Domesticated)
Selectively bred for speed and endurance. Sleek black feathering reduces drag, while long, powerful legs provide exceptional running capability. Wing crests support short-distance gliding and sustained high-speed movement. Temperament is gentle. Primary strengths are stamina and speed.
---
[Vorath] "These are Stridedrakes. We use them to travel across the academy grounds. The campus is too large to walk everywhere."
She gestures to the stable handlers, who start bringing out the Stridedrakes.
[Vorath] "They're gentle creatures. Fast runners and can glide short distances. Perfect for getting around."
Takeshi approaches one immediately, his eyes bright with excitement.
[Takeshi] "These are amazing! Can I really ride one?"
[Vorath] "Of course. Everyone, please choose one."
The kids move forward. Takeshi swings up onto his Stridedrake with ease, clearly comfortable. The creature shifts beneath him but seems calm.
Yuki approaches hers more carefully. She reaches out to touch the feathers.
[Yuki] "Oh! They're so soft! I thought they'd be rougher."
She climbs on with the handler's help, settling into position. Snow hovers near her head while Umbra perches on the Stridedrake's neck.
Aiko hesitates, eyeing her assigned creature.
[Aiko] "It's really tall."
The handler helps her up. Once she's seated, she relaxes a bit.
[Aiko] "Okay, this isn't so bad."
Ignatia, in her small form on Yuki's shoulder, looks at the Stridedrake with regal disdain.
[Ignatia] "This creature should consider it an honor to carry one of my station."
The Stridedrake turns its head to look at her, then makes a low warbling sound that might be agreement.
Everyone else all mount their Stridedrakes without issue. I approach my assigned Stridedrake.
The moment I get close, it starts freaking out. Its eyes go wide, it backs up rapidly, making distressed noises. The handler tries to calm it but the creature isn't having it. It breaks away and runs off, disappearing around a building.
[Wright] "Well, that's not happening."
[Vorath] "The creature seems frightened of you."
[Wright] "Happens sometimes. I'll just run along and use wind magic to keep up."
Queen Vorath laughs, that same hearty sound from before.
[Vorath] "I like your style! You know what? I'll run with you. It's been too long since I've had a good run."
She hands the reins of her Stridedrake to a handler.
[Vorath] "Follow me, everyone!"
She takes off running. I channel wind magic to boost my speed and follow.
The kids urge their Stridedrakes forward. The creatures move smoothly, their long legs eating up ground with surprising speed. Takeshi grins like this is the best thing ever. Yuki holds on tightly but looks excited. Aiko seems to be getting more comfortable.
Queen Vorath runs alongside me, her movements fluid and powerful. She doesn't seem winded at all.
[Vorath] "First stop, the combat training grounds!"
She gestures to our left as we run. A large open area comes into view, divided into multiple sections. Some have training dummies, others have sparring circles marked on the ground. Students are practicing, their forms varied depending on their race and fighting style.
[Vorath] "Combat training is mandatory for all students! We have instructors specializing in different fighting styles. Weapons, hand-to-hand, beast form combat, aerial combat, you name it."
We keep moving. The landscape shifts to a forested area with buildings built into and around the trees.
[Vorath] "The natural studies building! Classes on herbology, monster ecology, tracking, survival skills. Everything you need to thrive in the wild."
She points ahead to a large structure carved into a hillside.
[Vorath] "The main lecture hall! Most theory classes are held there. Magical theory, history, mathematics, literature, diplomacy. The academic foundation courses."
We round a bend and a massive library comes into view. It's partially underground like Eldrin mentioned, but the visible portion is impressive. Stone and living wood combined in the architecture.
[Vorath] "The Grand Archive! One of the most comprehensive libraries in the western territories, rivaling Arcanis Academy library. Students have access to thousands of texts on every subject imaginable."
She leads us past more buildings. An alchemy lab with protective barriers visible around it. A magical practice field with targets and obstacle courses. A building dedicated to artificing and enchantment work.
[Vorath] "We also have specialized facilities! The aquatic training center for our merfolk students, the subterranean complex for races that prefer underground environments, and the aerial platforms for winged students."
The tour continues. Every area we pass shows the same integration of nature and construction. Students of all races move between buildings, some walking, others using Stridedrakes, a few flying.
Finally, we approach a cluster of buildings arranged in a circular pattern around a central plaza.
[Vorath] "And here we are! The student dormitories!"
The dormitory buildings are three stories tall, constructed from stone and treated wood. Each building has wide windows and balconies. Green vines grow up the sides in deliberate patterns.
Queen Vorath dismounts... well, she stops running near another stable area. Seems like there are multiple of these scattered throughout the academy. I do the same. The kids bring their Stridedrakes to a halt and dismount, leading them into the stables for the handlers to receive.
[Vorath] "Your rooms are in this building here."
She leads us into one of the dormitories. The entrance opens into a spacious common area. Comfortable seating arranged around a central fireplace. Bookshelves line one wall. Tables for studying or eating together. Windows let in plenty of natural light.
[Vorath] "Each student gets their own room, but dormitories share common spaces like this. It encourages students to socialize and build connections across different races and backgrounds."
She shows the kids to their rooms. Each one is modest but well-furnished. A bed, desk, wardrobe, small bookshelf. Personal but not cramped.
[Yuki] "This is perfect!"
[Takeshi] "Yeah, I like it. Simple and functional."
[Aiko] "It's cozy."
[Vorath] "We have several dormitory buildings. Most are mixed housing like this one, but we have specialized quarters for races with specific needs. The merfolk have a partially submerged building with water access. Some races prefer complete darkness or specific temperature ranges."
She gestures toward the center of the dormitory circle.
[Vorath] "The cafeteria is in the central building. Let's take a look."
We head to the central plaza. The cafeteria building is larger than the dormitories, designed to accommodate many students at once.
Inside, it's bustling even between meal times. The space is open with high ceilings and plenty of seating. But what catches my attention is the food.
Multiple serving stations line the walls, each offering completely different cuisine. One station has roasted meats and hearty stews. Another offers vegetables, fruits, and grains. There's a station with raw fish and kelp-based dishes. One section has what looks like mineral supplements and crystallized nutrients.
[Vorath] "We serve food to accommodate every dietary need. Students can eat what suits them best without judgment or restriction."
[Takeshi] "That's really well thought out."
[Aiko] "Everyone can eat together even with different diets."
[Yuki] "The variety is amazing!"
Queen Vorath looks pleased.
[Vorath] "Inclusivity isn't just about allowing different races to attend. It's about making sure everyone can thrive here."
She leads us back outside.
[Vorath] "Now then, let's get the rest of your group settled in the faculty housing."
We follow her through the academy grounds toward a different section. The landscape shifts slightly, becoming a bit quieter and more private.
The faculty housing area consists of several elegant residences, each with its own grounds. They're spacious and well-appointed, though not quite as grand as the mansion in Arcanis.
[Vorath] "This residence is yours for the duration of your stay."
The building is two stories, constructed from pale stone with wooden accents. A small garden surrounds it, and there's a covered porch at the entrance. Inside, it's furnished comfortably. A large common room, multiple bedrooms, a study, even a small library.
[Eldrin] "This is excellent. Thank you, Your Majesty."
[Seraphina] "The accommodations are quite lovely."
[Vorath] "Faculty housing doesn't have a cafeteria, but you're close to the city proper. Plenty of restaurants and establishments to choose from."
She smiles.
[Vorath] "In fact, I've reserved the best restaurant in Thornhaven for lunch today. Consider it a welcome meal. And tonight, I'd like to host a banquet in your honor."
[Wright] "That's very generous of you, Your Majesty. Thank you."
[Liora] "We're honored by your hospitality."
[Lucien] "Much appreciated."
[Seraphina] "A banquet sounds delightful."
[Vesper] "Food is good."
[Vorath] "Excellent! Take some time to settle in and look around. We'll head to the restaurant shortly."
We explore the residence. Everyone claims rooms, unpacks a bit, and gets comfortable. It doesn't take long.
Soon enough, we're heading back out to meet Queen Vorath for lunch.
---
The restaurant is called The Gilded Grove. It's built around and into a massive ancient tree. The entrance is at ground level, but the dining areas extend up into the branches and down into the root system.
We're about to enter when Sylphaeris appears, materializing right next to us.
[Sylphaeris] "I'm here for lunch!"
Queen Vorath stops, her eyes widening slightly. Then she grins.
[Vorath] "A Spirit Queen! I wasn't expecting such esteemed company."
[Sylphaeris] "I'm Sylphaeris! Don't mind me, I'm only here for the food."
Queen Vorath laughs, clearly delighted by Sylphaeris's straightforward attitude.
[Vorath] "I like you already! Please, join us."
We head inside. The interior is stunning. Natural wood everywhere, polished and warm. Sunlight filters through leaves and branches above. The root level dining area has a more intimate feel, lit by soft magical lights.
Staff members greet us immediately, clearly expecting the Queen. They lead us to a private dining area set in one of the upper branches. The view overlooks the city.
We settle in. The staff brings out dishes almost immediately.
Seared valley boar with herb glaze. Fresh greens with citrus dressing. River fish prepared in multiple styles. Roasted root vegetables with spiced butter. Grain pilaf with nuts and dried fruits. Delicate pastries filled with sweet cream.
The variety is impressive. Everyone finds something they like.
[Yuki] "This is delicious!"
[Aiko] "Everything tastes so fresh."
[Takeshi] "The seasoning is perfect."
Sylphaeris is already on her second helping, looking content.
[Seraphina] "The quality is exceptional. I'm impressed."
[Lucien] "The preparation is very precise."
Conversation flows easily. We talk about the academy grounds, the different facilities we saw on the tour.
[Liora] "The integration with nature is remarkable. I've rarely seen such harmony between construction and the natural world outside our village."
[Eldrin] "The dedication to inclusivity is admirable. Making accommodations for so many different races couldn't have been easy."
[Vorath] "It took time and effort, but it was necessary. Rathen was founded on the principle that all races deserve respect and opportunity. The academy reflects that."
She takes a drink.
[Vorath] "The kids are welcome to attend any classes they'd like during your stay. We're quite flexible."
[Takeshi] "Eldrin told us about the class structure. How it doesn't follow a traditional school year like Arcanis Academy."
[Vorath] "That's right. Classes run year-round depending on the professor's schedule. Students choose their own courses and create their own schedules. It gives them freedom to pursue what interests them most."
[Aiko] "That sounds really flexible."
[Vorath] "We have to be. Different races have different needs and learning styles. By providing freedom, we allow students to find what works best for them. Of course, there are requirements. Students must earn a certain number of credits and complete all basic courses to graduate. But how they achieve that is up to them."
[Lucien] "It's a practical system. Organized enough to ensure standards are met while solving the logistical challenges of having so many races in one place."
[Seraphina] "Oh, listen to you being all analytical about educational systems. How riveting."
[Lucien] "I'm simply noting the efficiency of their approach."
[Seraphina] "You're turning lunch conversation into a lecture on organizational logistics."
[Lucien] "I was making an observation."
[Seraphina] "You were being boring."
[Lucien] "Appreciating effective systems is not boring."
[Seraphina] "It is when you state it like you're writing a report."
Queen Vorath watches their exchange with amusement.
[Vorath] "You two are married, I take it?"
[Seraphina] "Unfortunately."
[Lucien] "Regrettably."
They say it at the same time, then glare at each other.
Queen Vorath laughs again.
The meal continues. More dishes arrive. The staff keeps everything flowing smoothly.
Eventually, Queen Vorath sets down her cup and looks around the table.
[Vorath] "There's something else I should mention. Tomorrow, we're hosting our annual tournament."
Everyone perks up at that.
[Vorath] "It's a tradition we hold every year. Warriors compete in the coliseum, testing their skills against each other. Combat, magic, strategy. It's quite the spectacle."
[Takeshi] "A tournament?"
[Vorath] "Indeed. I thought your group might enjoy watching. Or perhaps even participating, if you're interested."
She smiles.
[Vorath] "It begins tomorrow morning."