We arrived in our dorm a little after 2 pm. The rest of the day, we spent walking around campus and to familiarize ourselves with everything. Liyah and I decided to go to sleep a little earlier because we have to arrive at the auditorium around 8:30 am for the welcoming ceremony.
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I woke up again to a blaring alarm, sitting up I turned off the alarm and got out of bed. It was 6 am, so I had about 2 and a half hours to get ready. First I took a shower and carefully washed my hair. Once I got out I dried my hair and put on a robe. The day before we agreed to do each other's hair. Walking out of my room I called out Liyah's name. "Yes" she responded still in her room. "Are you ready?" I asked. "Yeah I'll come to your room," she confirmed. The door suddenly opened and Liyah appeared also in her robe. "Shall we go?"
We enter my bathroom with a chair for me to sit in. Liyah also brought a set of headbands, ribbons, and hair pins. "Do you have hair spray?" she inquired. Nodding, I pulled out hair spray from the cabinet. "So what type of style do you want?" she asked. Combing my hair. "A fishtail crown braid, is that fine" I replied, peering at her through the mirror. Her eyes lit up and a bright smile spread across her face. "Of course, I'll start now." As she started to do my hair I also started to do my makeup. Liyah finished my hair in about 20 minutes and started to do her own makeup. After finishing up I started to do Liyah's hair. "What do you think I should do?" she asked. "Maybe side braids into a bun," I suggested. She nodded and we spent another 20 minutes finishing her hair and makeup. "Okay let's get my dress on and then we'll get your." i insisted which Liyah also agreed. We walked out to my room and opened my closet. I quickly got my undergarments on while liyah brought out my dress. The dress I was wearing was a ballroom dress with an off the shoulder top and a hi-lo skirt. The top was white jeweled with beautiful sapphires and the skirt was also white with blue lace designs. Liyah helped me step into it and zip it up behind. "You look so elegant," Liyah complimented, as I took a twirl. "Thank you, but let's get your dress on," I insisted as we walked to her room. On her bed laid a red ballroom dress with a halter top and hi-lo skirt. The dress was a wine red with gold designs. I also helped her put the dress on and she looked amazing. "Wow, the dress looks lovely on you," I said zipping the back up. "Thank you, oh it's already 8:15. Let's go." she added and we both walked out of her room.
I slid on my silver heels and we both went down to the lobby. Around us everyone else was wearing different dresses walking out of the lobby. Outside, there were more people walking towards the auditorium dressed in their suits and dresses. The ceremony was a mandatory event for all years and departments. When we finally got to the auditorium Liyah and I walked in and went straight to our spots from yesterday. The lights then dimmed a bit, quieting the students. A curtain opened and a man, a woman, and director Hal had seats on the stage. Then the women stood up and walked to the podium. "Hello everyone, and a special welcome to this year's first years. Everyone gave a round of applause to them for their acceptance into this academy," she started. The applause roared and quieted after the woman put her hand up. "I am the Head Mistress Warat and I'd like to congratulate everyone personally for your passing of the test." The head mistress then went on to say how amazing us first years were and how she was happy for us joining the academy.
Next came the speeches from the 5th years, it was quite funny especially when one of them told a story of a prank that happened last year. Or when a 5th year openly made fun of the other departments. Then the 2nd years described the upcoming year for us. The speeches started with Kelsey, "there are actually 4 major events for all first years. These events will be available to all of you as long as you don't get three strikes. Strikes will be explained by your teachers during class. These events include the winter Festival, the inter-academy tournament, Shadow day, and end of the year field trip." She walked off the podium and the next person continued, "the first event is the Winter festival. The festival will take place the second monday of January. It will be a day dedicated to relaxing and having fun. Different stalls and attractions will be organized by 4th and 5th years." "the next event is the inter-academy tournament. It will take place in early march. The tournament, except for the duo, will stay between first years. The competitions will be duo mage and knight sparring, culinary competitions, and team battles. Your partners and teams will be chosen randomly and the competitions are mandatory. With the exception of the duo completion. The duo completion is amongst all years and you can choose your partner," the next student explained. The next student stepped up and announced, "then there is shadow day. Your teachers will pair you individually with a professional. Your shadow day will be on a determined day in May. you will spend the whole day with the paired individual as you observe a day in their life." Then jackson walked to the microphone, "the last major event for you first years is the end of the year field trip. There will be 2 different choices for the trip and it will last at least a week. It will be a reward of your hard work put into the year. The only reason students will be exempt is if they get 5 strikes. You get to choose your roommate and groups to go around with as well," he finished.
The next part is where I have to participate. Director Hal then came to the podium with a 5th year holding a tray of badges. "Now we will be recognizing students who have shown excellence." She then started to announce the students. First was the knight department, then the medical department where Liyah walked on stage. After the culinary and diplomat departments were announced. Lastly the mage academy was announced. "And finally, the mage first year rep, Lydia Raven." After hearing my name I stood up and walked onto the stage. Stopping in front of director Hal, she smiled at me. "I would also like to recognize Lydia's other accomplishment which is becoming the Archmage's apprentice," she added. My head snapped up in a state of confusion. I glanced at the crowd of students who started to whisper and talk. Director Hal cleared her throat which quieted everyone. "With that in mind, Lydia will be awarded the excellence badge." She then took the last golden badge, with an eagle insignia, and put it on my dress. I curtsied and stood besides the rest of the students. "Give them a round of applause!" Director Hal encouraged and the rest of the students started to clap. Once it calmed down we walked back to our seats and sat down for the final speech.
The man who must've been the headmaster strode to the podium. "Once again I would like to congratulate the first years. I am Headmaster Raf. I wish all students luck on a good and successful school year and hope the first years can adjust well. So for the rest of the day please have a fun time." he finished and we all clapped again marking the end of the ceremony.