Entering the Tower

As I waited, I noticed a fair number of eyes on me. When I looked, not only did people not avert their eyes, some of them even waved at me. Even looking back, I wasn't sure if I would have been more uncomfortable if people were jeering me and otherwise metaphorically spitting on me instead. I'd expected such things by now. I supposed between the Academy's etiquette courses, my lack of desire to act superior to others or put on airs, and the care I'd taken to stand out little by little instead of obviously and loudly, I was a lot better at fitting into the sect than I'd assumed I'd be.

The thought actually got me smiling as I watched and waiting for the second to next person to me to finish. The tower lights winked out after the 27th floor had been cleared. "Oooh, so close."