Teatime III

A spear seemed like the most plausible option for Aena. It was definitely more powerful than a sword, and much easier to learn. It was simply the most pragmatic choice.

"That's most likely the best option for you," Instructor Willowsage admitted.

"I'll notify you about a teacher if archery doesn't work out."

Aena relaxed her muscles. She was relieved; both magic theory and weaponry training were taken care of. There remained just one detail that irked her, one not tied to her performance.

"Why," Aena hesitantly started, "Why are you helping me?"

It was the same doubt as with Cassidy. She was receiving free help. She wasn't used to it, nor did she understand it. There was no free lunch in the world. Just what sort of strings were attached?

Cassidy had given a feeble excuse which Aena wasn't sure she believed but also felt no need to pursue it. Instructor Willowfield, on the other hand, was a different matter. She was more experienced and had more political information available to her. It might've been paranoid, but she had to know.

Instructor Willowsage took a long sip of her tea and gave Aena a forlorn smile.

"The words I said before still stand," she said. "You remind me of myself. Or more specifically, a friend. An old friend."

Judging by the doleful look on Instructor Willowsage's visage, Aena could easily deduce that there was a tragic mystery hidden in the folds of her past. Seeing the depth in Instructor Willowsage's eyes, she recognized the instructor's genuine determination to help her.

Aena wanted to ask why Cassidy agreed to help her too, but she refrained from doing so now. She would ask her later when they were alone.

Aena released a brilliant smile.

"Thank you, instructor," she said, marginally inclining her head. Instructor Willowsage smiled in response.

"I wish you the best."

Aena placed her hands on the table to push herself up, but Instructor Willowsage turned to Cassidy.

"I know you've agreed to this, but if you have any suggestions or concerns, feel free to tell me," Instructor Willowsage said warmly.

Cassidy began to shake her head but then stopped.

"If it's possible," Cassidy said sheepishly, "could we practice spiritual attribution lessons outside of class?"

Aena was confused as to why she was so apprehensive, wasn't it just a simple request? Wait. What was the "we?" Does that include me too? Now that made Aena a bit agitated. She had to do that out of class too? Only her and Cassidy.

Instructor Willowsage tilted her head.

"Well. Technically I'm not supposed to," she drawled, looking toward Aena, "but we have an exceptional case here."

Aena grimaced. She was an exceptional case? That sounded like a compliment, but she felt like it really wasn't.

"Normally there would be regulations and safety issues, but I guess with you two, I can rest assured," she asserted.

"But what if we get caught?" Aena protested. She couldn't afford to be penalized.

This time Cassidy spoke up.

"We're the only ones in our dorm. Also, I'll take responsibility," she said with an unfazed look.

Aena felt shivers down her spine. She didn't like the word "our." So they were truly the only inhabitants of the Rosengad Dorms. What had Emmy said? That it was strange? She was going to have to ask about that again later.

"Yes, don't worry about that matter," Instructor Willowsage said, "If someone happens to question it, I'll protect you then," she said earnestly.

"I'll allow both of you to do so," she continued. "It'll definitely be beneficial for both of you."

Aena was horrified, but she kept it inside. She cracked a look at Cassidy and saw that there was a calm look on her face, but her black eyes were shining.

"Haha…"

Aena laughed awkwardly and rose from her seat.

"Thank you for the tea," she said to Instructor Willowsage. "I think I'll head back now."

"Yes," Instructor Willowsage said and made a waving motion with her hand. Aena assumed it was to cancel the sound-proof spell.

Since she had been given permission, Aena scooted out and booked it out the door.

Entering the corridor, she saw that Cassidy exited shortly behind her. Leaving the building into the fresh air, Aena stretched and took a deep breath of the crisp Fall air.

It was already approaching evening, the sun's rays dipping beyond the horizon. How long had it been? One hour? Two hours? The talk had lasted quite a while.

Aena raised her hand to shield her eyes from the blinding light and gazed into the distance. She still couldn't believe that she was there. At the academy. It seemed like a dream come true.

Although she knew that the dream would only be a fleeting one if she didn't work hard. Or for the entirely different matter.

The long grass along the stone-paved walkways was lined with tall grass that billowed in the wind. The last class had long since ended, so the paths were almost completely empty. In the sky, hues of orange and purple blended together perfectly in the spaces between the beautifully designed buildings. Staring at the scene of the central square, she couldn't help but feel the passion burning in her chest—the urge to do something. Anything.

Aena closed her eyes, imprinting the memory into her head. For a moment she forgot all about her exceptional case and left herself to the whisperings of the wind.

She opened her eyes when she heard the almost imperceptible clips of shoes. Cassidy was a few meters in front of her, trotting down the short staircase.

"Hey!" Aena shouted. The footsteps stopped, and Cassidy turned around to look at her blankly.

Aena was surprised herself, the ambition she had earlier must've really energized her, but she quickly made up her mind and followed through.

"I haven't thanked you properly yet," Aena said, the wind brushing her loose strands of hair.

"How about I treat you to dinner?"