After the excitement of the morning's Elemental Magic class, Lumi found herself needing a moment of calm. The academy's bustling energy, while invigorating, was also slightly overwhelming for someone as laidback as she was. As June and Heath chatted animatedly about their next class, Lumi's thoughts drifted to the idea of finding a quiet spot to relax before her schedule picked up again.
As they walked through the academy's sprawling grounds, Lumi's gaze wandered, searching for a place that called to her, a spot where she could sit and enjoy a few peaceful moments. She didn't have long to search before her eyes landed on a small, secluded garden tucked away behind one of the older buildings. The entrance was marked by a simple archway entwined with ivy and frost-touched roses.
"Hey, I think I'll catch up with you guys later," Lumi said, slowing her pace as they passed the garden. "I'm going to check something out."
June glanced over and smiled knowingly. "Need a little break already? I get it! We'll see you at the next class, then."
Heath gave her a curt nod, his usual gruff demeanor unchanged. "Just don't be late," he advised. "They don't take kindly to slackers here."
Lumi nodded, appreciating the concern hidden in his blunt words. "I'll be there," she assured them before turning to head toward the garden.
As she stepped through the archway, Lumi felt an immediate sense of peace wash over her. The garden was small but beautifully maintained, with a variety of winter-blooming flowers and delicate frost patterns etched into the leaves. A narrow stone path wound through the space, leading to a small bench positioned beneath a large, ancient oak tree. The tree's branches were heavy with snow, but its presence felt warm and protective, as if it had stood watch over the academy for centuries.
Lumi made her way to the bench and sat down, sighing softly as she took in her surroundings. The garden was quiet, with only the soft rustle of the wind and the occasional chirp of a winter bird breaking the silence. It was the perfect place to rest, away from the noise and bustle of the academy. Lumi leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment as she allowed herself to relax fully.
As she sat there, her thoughts drifted back to the morning's lesson. The simplicity of the water spell had intrigued her, not because of its ease, but because of the potential it held for more complex applications. Lumi had always been fascinated by the mechanics of magic, by the way different elements interacted and combined to create something new. Even now, as she rested, her mind couldn't help but wander through the possibilities, imagining different ways to manipulate the elements she had been introduced to.
The peaceful atmosphere of the garden only seemed to enhance her focus. Despite her love for relaxation, Lumi had always found that her best ideas came to her when she was calm and at ease. It was as if the quiet allowed her mind to expand, to explore ideas and concepts she might not have considered in a more structured setting.
As she mulled over these thoughts, Lumi became aware of a presence nearby. She opened her eyes and turned her head slightly to see a figure standing at the edge of the garden, watching her with curious eyes. The figure stepped forward, revealing a slender, androgynous appearance with soft, fox-like features. The person's hair was a striking black, cut short in a way that framed their face, and their eyes were a vibrant shade of gold.
"Hello," the stranger said, their voice melodic and neutral, neither clearly masculine nor feminine. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
Lumi shook her head, her expression calm and welcoming. "Not at all. You're welcome to join me if you'd like."
The stranger smiled and took a seat on the bench beside Lumi, though they maintained a respectful distance. "My name is Kite," they introduced themselves. "I saw you in the Elemental Magic class earlier. You were really impressive."
Lumi nodded in acknowledgment. "Thanks. It's nice to meet you, Kite. I'm Lumi."
"I know," Kite replied with a small grin. "Everyone's talking about you. It's not every day someone blessed by the Ice Element queen shows up at Oberon Academy."
Lumi shrugged, not particularly interested in the attention. "I'm just here to learn."
Kite studied her for a moment, their golden eyes thoughtful. "You don't seem like the type who's easily rattled," they observed. "That's a good thing in a place like this. The academy can be intense, and not everyone handles it well."
Lumi met Kite's gaze, her expression calm. "I've always been pretty laidback," she admitted. "I figure things will work out one way or another."
Kite nodded slowly, as if considering her words. "That's a good attitude to have. I like it." They leaned back against the bench, gazing up at the snow-covered branches above. "You're different from most of the other students. I think you'll do well here."
Lumi appreciated the compliment, though she didn't put much stock in it. She was content to take things as they came, focusing on her own path rather than worrying about how she compared to others.
After a moment of comfortable silence, Kite spoke again. "This garden is one of my favorite places on campus. It's quiet and out of the way—perfect for when you need to get away from everything."
"I can see why," Lumi agreed, glancing around the peaceful space. "It's nice here. I'll probably come back often."
Kite smiled, their fox-like features softening. "You're welcome anytime. I'm usually around if you ever want company."
Lumi gave a small nod of thanks. "I appreciate that."
They sat in silence for a while longer, each content in their own thoughts. Lumi found herself appreciating Kite's quiet presence, the way they seemed to understand her need for peace without demanding anything in return. It was a rare quality, one that Lumi valued more than she might have expected.
Eventually, the time came for Lumi to head to her next class. She stood up, stretching slightly as she prepared to leave. Kite remained seated, but they gave Lumi a small wave as she turned to go.
"I'll see you around, Lumi," Kite said, their tone friendly.
"See you, Kite," Lumi replied with a faint smile. "Thanks for the company."
With that, Lumi made her way out of the garden, feeling refreshed and ready to face the rest of the day. The quiet moment had been exactly what she needed, a chance to recharge before diving back into the challenges of the academy. As she walked toward her next class, Lumi couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment.
Oberon Academy might be full of excitement and intensity, but Lumi knew that she could always find a moment of peace when she needed it. And with new friends like June, Heath, and Kite by her side, she was confident that she would find her place in this new world—one step at a time.