I want the whole truth

Aria stiffled a giggle at the last part.

She finished her share of punishment for the day after helping clean up after dinner.

After she had dinner in the kitchen, Aria set off towards Professor Thomas's office. She wondered why he wanted to see her. Probably she had gotten into some more trouble? Aria scratched her head, nothing came to mind.

Maybe he had to discuss something regarding training or her studies?

The latter explanation seemed more probable.

Aria walked up the South tower and knocked on Professor Thomas's office door. His voice came from inside, "Enter."

Aria entered and greeted him.

Professor Thomas looked up and smiled, "Good evening Aria. I am happy to see you used the door."

Aria let out a chuckle as Professor said, "Sit down. I would like to talk to you about something."

Though Professor Thomas was still smiling, his tone told Aria that the matter was serious. She sat down upright and waited for Professor Thomas to continue.

He did continue, but what he said, rendered Aria speechless. "Aria, can I invade your space to ask what is your relationship with Joseph?" He asked.

Aria was taken aback by the question and said, "Why, he is a good friend of mine. I deeply admire his talent for bending and his fighting skills. And believe that he will become a great fighter in the future."

Professor Thomas looked at Aria over his folded hands. He then shook his head and mumbled to himself, "I thought as much. So Aria, do you know what happened today?" He added in a louder voice.

Aria tilted her head in confusion, "I do not understand."

Professor Thomas: "Do you know what happened with Joseph today?"

Aria frowned upon hearing Professor's choice of words. She did not like them. "No Professor. I was in the kitchens for almost the whole day, and rarely know anything that happened in the castle today."

Professor Thomas: "Then I will tell you. But first, I would like to ask you what happened with Joseph yesterday. And I want the truth."

Aria opened her mouth to answer, but Professor Thomas added, "The whole truth."

Aria sighed and told Professor Thomas all that had occurred the previous day, including the part where Joseph had followed her as she was returning from the library and the conversation they had had.

Professor Thomas sighed and shook his head as Aria finished. Aria asked, "Did something happen to him today, Professor? Is Joseph all right?"

Professor Thomas: "Since you have told me the whole truth, I don't think it will be fair if I am not completely frank with you."

He then told Aria all that had happened during his fight with Joseph and afterwards, adding his own conclusions as to why Joseph would have done that. "Of course, that is just my belief, only Joseph knows why he acted the way he did today."

Aria sat upright for some time, staring out the window behind Professor Thomas. She said looking back to him, "So what do you want me to do, Professor?"

Professor Thomas acted surprised, "Why do you assume I want you to do something?"