Anything but faint

Zhilakoa went to Lady Caliste's office, wondering what she wanted. The message had just said to come.

As she walked, she smiled back at the people who waved at her. The headquarters was already busy, with everyone getting started for the day.

When she got to Lady Caliste's office, she knocked on the door. "Come in," Lady Caliste said. Zhilakoa went inside and Lady Caliste looked up at her.

"Thanks for coming, Zhilakoa," Lady Caliste smiled warmly at Zhilakoa. "How are you adjusting to the order? "And how is Fiona doing? Is she being a good maid?"

Zhilakoa chuckled. "Fiona is doing her job brilliantly, filling me in on all the gossip. All this order business is new to me but I'm getting used to it."

Lady Caliste laughed. "I can imagine. She was always a bit of a handful."

Zhilakoa nodded, smiling. "Yeah, that's one way to put it."

Lady Caliste's expression turned serious. "I've heard the story of what happened to your family, Zhilakoa. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Zhilakoa's eyes dropped, her mind flashing back to the painful memories. "Thank you," she said quietly.

Lady Caliste's voice was gentle. "And have you heard from Lyra? Do you have any idea where she might be?"

Zhilakoa's jaw clenched. "No, I haven't heard from her," she said, her voice tight. "But I did have a nightmare about her a while back..."

Lady Caliste's expression changed in an instant, her eyes widening in alarm. "What happened in the nightmare?" she asked.

"Lyra was covered in blood... she was laughing. It was this cold, mirthless sound. I woke up feeling like she was trying to tell me something, but I don't know what."

Lady Caliste's face was grim. "Zhilakoa, I have to tell you something. Lyra might not be as innocent as we thought. There are... whispers of dark magic and forbidden practices."

Zhilakoa's eyes snapped up, shock and disbelief warring on her face. "What do you mean?"

Lady Caliste continued, her voice firm. "But we can't focus on that right now. You have your own path to follow. You're to start your first year in the Crystal Division."

Zhilakoa tried to process the sudden change in topic. "Why am I going to the Crystal Division?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion.

Lady Caliste leaned forward. "Eywa has predestined everyone to play different roles, Zhilakoa. This is your path."

Zhilakoa frowned, trying to understand. "How can you possibly what my path is? " "And why the Crystal Division specifically?"

Lady Caliste smiled. "You'll find out soon enough. But for now, know that you're not alone. Eryn is already in his third year there, and he'll be able to guide you."

Zhilakoa's eyes widened in surprise. "Eryn? But I thought he was... I don't know, doing something else entirely."

Lady Caliste chuckled. "Eryn is full of surprises. But yes, he's been training in the Crystal Division for some time now. He'll be a valuable ally and friend as you navigate this new path."

Zhilakoa nodded slowly, trying to wrap her head around this new information. "Eryn will be guiding me?"

Lady Caliste nodded, her expression reassuring. "If you both want that, Eryn is one of our most promising cadets. He is the greatest of his year, and I have no doubt he'll be a valuable mentor to you."

Zhilakoa's brow furrowed, her mind still reeling from the rejection she'd faced the night before.

Lady Caliste seemed to sense her unease. "Zhilakoa, I know this may come as a shock, but trust me when I say that you're exactly where you need to be. Eryn will help you navigate the Crystal Division, and together, you'll achieve great things."

Zhilakoa took a deep breath, trying to calm her thoughts. "What is the Crystal Division, exactly?" she asked, "What do they do?"

Lady Caliste's expression turned vague, her smile faltering for a moment. "Ah, well... that's not for me to explain. You'll learn all about it in due time."

Zhilakoa frowned, feeling a hint of frustration. "But can't you tell me anything?"

Lady Caliste stood up, her movements brisk. "I'm afraid not, Zhilakoa. You'll have to ask Eryn about the details. He'll be able to fill you in."

" But why him?"

Lady Caliste's smile returned, but it seemed forced. "Why don't you find him and trouble him for answers instead? Now, off you go. I'm sure Eryn is waiting for you."

Zhilakoa hesitated, feeling like she was being dismissed. But Lady Caliste's expression meant no argument, so she nodded and left the office.

Eryn bumped into Zhilakoa in the hallway, and for a moment, they just stood there, tension between them. The memory of their encounter the night before still lingered, and neither of them knew how to bridge the gap. Eryn broke the silence first. "Hey, how are you doing today?" Zhilakoa shrugged, "I'm fine." Eryn nodded, sensing there was more to it. "What did Lady Caliste want to see you about?" he asked, falling into step beside her as they walked out to the gardens.

The sunlight and vibrant flowers seemed to lift Zhilakoa's mood slightly, and she sighed, her shoulders relaxing. "Just checking in, I guess. And she told me I'm joining the Crystal Division." Eryn's eyes widened in surprise, and he stopped in his tracks. "Whoa, that's a big deal Zhilakoa."

Zhilakoa raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Lady Caliste didn't say much about what to expect, just that I'd be starting my first year and...and that you'd be my mentor or something." "Eryn's face was unreadable." "Uhh yeah, that's right. I'm already in my third year, so..." It's not going to be easy, but I know you can handle it."

Zhilakoa frowned, "What's the Crystal Division like? I don't know what to expect." Eryn hesitated,"It's... intense," he said finally. "The training is tough, both physically and mentally. And the magic... it's unlike anything you've ever seen before. It's powerful, and it requires a lot of control and focus." Zhilakoa's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. "What kind of magic?" Eryn glanced around the gardens,"Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. You'll learn more about it soon enough, but for now, let's just say it's... complicated."

"But hey, if being my mentor is just an obligation for you, I don't need it. I can figure things out on my own." Her words tumbled out, as if she was trying to convince herself more than Eryn. "I mean, I don't want to be a burden or anything." She trailed off, her gaze drifting away from his.

Eryn's took a step closer to her. "Zhilakoa, wait," he said. "It's not like that. "Besides, Lady Caliste wouldn't have assigned me as your mentor if she didn't think we'd be a good match."

Zhilakoa snapped her expression turned icy as she shook her head. "No, Lady Caliste didn't assign you as my mentor, she just suggested it. And to be honest, I don't need a babysitter." "I can take care of myself, Eryn."

Eryn shrugged, obviously nonchalant. "Fair enough. I wasn't going to do it anyway." He leaned against a nearby pillar, "It's probably better if people at the Crystal Division don't know we're acquainted. I have a reputation to maintain, after all."

"Oh? And what reputation is that?" Eryn's grin was quick and easy.

"The one where I'm not responsible for babysitting a novice who can't even follow the rules." He pushed off the pillar, his movements fluid. "Let's just say it's better for both of us if we keep our distance."

Zhilakoa's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in frustration. "Fine. Have it your way." She turned to leave, but Eryn's words stopped her. "Zhilakoa," "the Crystal Division is not a place for the faint of heart."

"Lucky for me, my heart is anything but faint"