Gentle light of dawn

From his office perch, Headmaster Orion Draven surveyed the sprawling grounds of Tavill, his keen eyes tracing the patterns of clouds drifting lazily in the morning sky. An air of curiosity enveloped him as he delved into the reports detailing the recent examinations undergone by the particular group of first-year students. As he perused the assessments, he found himself astonished by the remarkable talents displayed by the seven individuals.

With a sense of foreboding, Draven sensed a gathering storm swirling around these students, a harbinger of change that seemed to herald their future. Despite the enormity of this revelation, the headmaster remained detached, his focus unwaveringly fixed on the continued prosperity of the institution he oversaw. Draven didn't care though, the world below might burn but as long as Tavill stood he didn't care.

His attention momentarily diverted by the majestic sight of his dragon soaring gracefully outside the window, Draven couldn't help but marvel at the creature's magnificence. With a wry smile, he teleported onto the dragon's forehead, relishing the exhilarating sensation of flight as they embarked on their morning journey.

As they soared through the skies, thoughts of the students gradually receded into the background, replaced by the tranquility of the world unfolding beneath them, bathed in the gentle light of dawn.

*

After enduring the grueling history exam, we collectively breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that it wouldn't haunt us again in the coming years.

Her choice to partake in only the theory exam for divine studies spoke volumes about her disinterest in becoming a priestess devoted to the sun goddess. I couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image of Selene donning the robes of a fervent devotee, her demeanor transformed into that of a cheerful believer spreading the gospel of the sun.

In contrast, her proficiency in healing class was undeniable, a testament to the countless sacrifices—albeit unwitting—made by various creatures in the name of her studies.

With the bald-headed twins—our instructors, exam coming in a few days, we found ourselves thrown into rigorous training sessions to synchronize our movements once again. After all, two years apart, with a mere three-month respite from the tower, had left its mark on our teamwork.

Leaning against my spear, fatigue seeping into my bones, I observed Gregory and Tama engage in a relentless spar. Each clash of Tama's greatsword against Gregory's heavy axe and hammer reverberated through the training room, a testament to their evenly matched prowess. Despite sharing similar levels and elemental affinities, it was intriguing to witness how they wielded their powers in distinct ways, showcasing their individual styles and strategies.

Meanwhile, Damien chose to abstain from sparring, opting to conserve his energy by taking a nap. The focus then shifted to Elizabeth and Lani, whose contrasting combat styles—close combat versus distance combat—ensured an engaging spectacle. However, as they switched roles, with Elizabeth assuming the role of a mage and Lani wielding a weapon, their battle took on a new dynamic. Despite the inherent disparities in their elemental affinities—fire versus water—their duel remained surprisingly balanced, interesting.

As Elizabeth and Lani concluded their exhausting bout, they collapsed onto the floor, their breaths ragged and bodies drenched in sweat. Seizing the opportunity, I quietly slipped away from my observation post to settle beside Selene. Nestling into her warmth, I found solace in the familiar curve of her neck, inhaling deeply to capture the intoxicating essence that was uniquely hers. It was a scent that transcended description, yet it never failed to soothe my restless spirit.

With the demands of our impending exams pulling us in separate directions, our moments together had grown scarce. But in this fleeting instant, I cherished the closeness we shared, seeking comfort in the simple act of being near her.

"Are you sniffing me?" Selene's amused voice breaks through the quiet moment, her tone teasing as she shifts slightly under my embrace.

I nuzzle deeper into the curve of her neck, relishing the warmth of her skin against mine. "Yes, and?" I murmur softly, my breath brushing against her skin.

"What are you? A dog?" Her laughter rings out, light and playful, as she teases me.

Chuckling softly, I lift my head to meet her gaze. "You're right, I'm not a dog." With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I lean forward and playfully lick her neck, eliciting a surprised squeal from her.

Before she can react, I pull her closer, and we tumble together to the floor in a tangle of limbs and laughter. "I'm a snake, you see," I continue, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips. "Releasing my forked tongue instead."

As I attempt to repeat the gesture, Selene dodges with a playful swat, her laughter filling the air. In that moment, with her laughter echoing around us, I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and contentment, grateful for the simple pleasure of sharing a moment of playful intimacy with the woman that owns my soul.