Truthfully, Lia hadn't learned a whole lot about the various Academies across the world. Her knowledge was mostly restricted to the vampire kingdom and its various provinces.
Lia asked her family, as it was likely they had the most information. "I haven't extensively researched the academies, but what one would provide the most diverse species of beings to interact with?"
Julianne had leaned forward at that request. "Hmm...well, the human kingdom has a few. Your best bet would likely be the Academy located within the City of Haven, it's named: Kedia, Institute for the Arcane. The city itself is named for its politics: It's a haven for every species. Though, it isn't without its faults. The city itself has a large criminal backing, but if you want diversity... that's where you should go."
He paused. Wondering if he should say the most important bit. "It's within the human kingdom, and the sun will be an issue. If you're determined to attend, however, the entry procedure is next week. We as vampires have ways to offset the sun, although, not entirely."
Lia considered this for a moment. 'I see. It makes sense that humans would be the most diverse. The sun will be an issue, though.' Lia of course knew the issue the sun posed: it would make her extremely weak and sluggish. To vampires, the sun wasn't deadly, but being under its radiant rays would cause extreme discomfort.
Sarovitch interrupted her thoughts. 'The sun won't be an issue for you, consider yourself lucky to be born during a total solar eclipse.'
Lia mused to Sarovitch. 'I see, so being born during a total solar eclipse has made me immune to the sun?'
Sarovitch mentally nodded. 'Correct.'
Lia turned to her father. "I will attend this academy, and don't worry about the sun, I believe I am immune to the effects of its annoying radiance."
Yula and Julianne were stunned. It took them a bit to regain their composure. Yula was the first to speak. "You're immune? How do you know?"
Lia shrugged. "Just a feeling. If you have some way to test it, please do."
Julianne reached into his breast pocket and phished out a vial of golden energy. He opened it and dumped its contents over Lia's sitting figure.
The sunlight latched onto her skin. There was a slight whisper of noise followed by a soft sizzling. Moments later, the sunlight jerked violently and began shaking. As if it was alive, it floated from her skin and returned to the vial.
She smirked as the maids (June included) and her parents watched on with disbelief. Everyone was shell-shocked.
Lia spoke, breaking the strange tension. "Now then, what are the entry procedures?"
Julianne nodded. "Well, normally, one would have to acquire a voucher. These are typically given out by the upper echelon of 'Haven'. The voucher would be turned in and you'd enter into an event that acts as a tournament, of sorts. Only the top 100 students are admitted each year. However, since you're of royal blood, you can just be admitted. For a small fee, of course."
Lia shook her head. "Father, I will not take the easy route. It's much too simple, and frankly, unfair to those who worked as hard as they have. Royalty should not be given priority over commoners. It is idiotic to believe one's social bearing determines their strength. I will prove myself in this 'tournament'."
Julianne pulled a strange expression across his face. It was unreadable...almost unrecognizable. "I...I see...well, I can easily acquire a voucher for you. If that is what you wish.."
Lia nodded. "It is." She turned towards June. "Do you wish to accompany me as well?"
June had awaited this question. Her mind was swirling with various thoughts, ideas, and concerns. June was no fighter. Her magic aptitude had proven that. She wasn't capable of much fighting. "I...It's hard to say. Would I like to? Yes, more than anything, but I am more suited to the role of a healer. I will be much more adept at healing than war and fighting."
Lia nodded. She agreed, although, June's blood was delicious. Lia was reluctant to let her go, but ultimately decided to back whatever decision she made. Turning to her parents, she smiled. "I would like for you two to aide June in attending a healers school. She deserves to have a future that isn't just maid work."
So it was decided. Lia would attend Kedia, Institute for the Arcane while June would attend Luidh, The House of Healing.
.....
Three days passed, and Lia had the voucher in hand. She didn't bring much with her aside from a few spare changes of clothes. The voucher contained information about what to bring. Honestly, Lia was slightly confused. She couldn't bring anything aside from two changes of clothes.
She stepped onto the teleportation pad. Her family watched her with sad eyes. The first princess was leaving to journey the world. They expected her to return at some point, but seeing her go was still difficult to process. Watching your first child leave is difficult for any family.
Lia waved as the magic overtook her. The sensation felt odd, yet somehow familiar. Her vision began to darken as she felt something tugging her across the world. She watched as cities, lights, and people flew by beneath her. She had a strange feeling of Deja Vu.
Sarovitch spoke up. 'Ah, I've had this exact experience before, you needn't worry about it so much.'
Lia thought at her. 'I see, so that's why it feels strangely familiar. That makes much more sense.'
She continued flying through the sky at impressive speeds. She was being pulled somewhere else, and when she finally arrived, the sudden stopping almost made her sick. Being the regal princess she was, she was able to hold it in.
Lia stepped out of the teleportation circle and began to approach the guards standing nearby. They were wearing some form of blue crystalline armor.
'Probably Adamantine, or Mithril if I had to guess.' (Lia's guess was, of course, spot on.)
As Lia stepped off the platform, her long silver hair flowed elegantly behind her. It was now accented with highlights of deep crimson red that matched her eyes. Her nails were long and sharpened into points. They were colored the shade of blood, a natural effect of vampires consuming a steady supply of humanoid blood. She flashed the voucher at the guards, and they let her pass into the city.
The city itself was gorgeous. Buildings towered over the people and sidewalks. Various carriages and magical contraptions carried people to and from various locations. Everyone looked busy, and Lia stood dumbfounded at it all. It only took her half a second to regain her composure and hail a carriage.
A carriage, drawn by two pure white horses stopped near her. The driver was a man wearing a long flowing coat. He had shaggy brown hair. Lia climbed into the carriage.
The man's voice was firm and welcoming. "Where ya headed, Miss?"
Lia smiled as she responded. "Kedia, Institute for the Arcane."
The carriage driver nodded in response as the horses began to take off. Before long, they were flying over the heads of people as they passed underneath.