The final trial is now concluded, as the applause fades, Isolde turns to Elias, her heart pounding with adrenaline and gratitude for his support.
"Elias, I can't thank you enough for believing in me. You were right all along - we make a good team."
Elias ducks his head slightly, a faint blush rising to his face, clearly pleased by the praise. "I just saw what I already knew - that you have incredible potential, Isolde."
"Maybe you're right." before they could continue, Mage Esmeralda's voice boomed overhead,
"Okay, Alright, I understand the excitement, but please get back in your place in line, the ceremony is still a time honored tradition we must act accordingly ." As the echoes of Esmeralda's voice resonate through the chamber, Isolde and Elias exchange a glance, their shared triumph momentarily interrupted by the harsh reality of their surroundings. They turn to face the assembly, "See you around?" Elias asked quietly a knowing smile displayed brightly on his face.
"See you around," Isolde replied, a smaller grin matching his, finding their places once more in the line of initiates. The once boisterous chamber now hums with subdued energy, the crowd awaiting the conclusion of the ceremony.
Isolde's thoughts drift to her grandmother, imagining her watching proudly from afar. The words she spoke, her encouragement, and her confidence in Isolde's abilities echo in her mind. She feels a rush of pride and gratitude for the woman who raised her and taught her everything she knows. The room quiets as Head Mage Alric steps forward, his voice booming with authority.
"Initiates, the trials are now concluded." Mage Alric's gaze sweeps across the room, his eyes lingering briefly on Isolde. "The skills and abilities you have demonstrated today are truly remarkable. I have never seen such a display of raw talent in my many years as a mage." He pauses, allowing his words to sink in,"But magic is not merely about potential - it is about control, discipline, and wisdom."
"Going forth, I hope you all use your time at the academy wisely and unlock your true potential whatever that may be." Alric bowed deeply signaling the end of the trial.
The students applauded respectfully, Isolde breathed in deeply, her mind finally at peace, she had passed. Mages Alric, Esmeralda and Royal Mage Natalia now approached the center stage. Head Mage Alric clears his throat to address the group once again, "It is time to announce the top 10 students of our academy based on their performances in today's trials."
Isolde's breath catches as the announcement of the top students begins, each name echoing through the chamber as Head Mage Alric calls it out.
"The tenth place goes to..." Alric's voice resonates, his eyes scanning the crowd. The tension is palpable as all the initiates hold their breath. "Lorren of the northern clans." A young woman with braided silver hair steps forward, her face alight with pride and surprise.
She curtsies elegantly, the silver bells in her hair chiming softly. As Lorren takes her place among the top initiates, the chamber seems to hold its breath once more, the anticipation building like a tide. Isolde's heart flutters in her chest; her hands clasped tightly in front of her, knuckles white with tension. She had performed well; she knew that much, but she had also seen the incredible feats her fellow initiates had accomplished. The third name is called, and Isolde's heart skips a beat as she hears it.
"The eighth place goes to..." Alric pauses dramatically, his eyes scanning the room. "Isolde of the southern villages." Isolde's mouth falls open in shock as she processes the announcement. She hadn't expected to rank so highly, especially after her earlier mishap. Her eyes scan the room as they fall on Elias, he nods his mouth with the words, "I told you."
Isolde steps forward, her heart pounding as she makes her way to the platform. She curtsies before the assembled mages, her simple dress seeming almost out of place among the rich, flowing robes of the top-ranked initiates. As she stands there, surrounded by the other top students, she can't help but feel a mix of pride and disbelief. The chamber erupts into applause once more, but this time, it feels different - it's for her. Scoring in the top ten was more than just a place it was a chance to reside in the royal palace under the tutelage of mage Natalia, she held back her tears as she thought of her grandmother, would she be capable of leaving her behind?
As the ceremony reaches its climax, the royal mages take center stage once more. The chamber falls silent, and all eyes turn to the platform. Mage Esmeralda's voice cuts through the air, rich with authority: "It is now time to announce our top five initiates, and to recognize the true stars of today's trials. These are the students who have not only showcased remarkable potential but also demonstrated exceptional control and teamwork - qualities that are essential for a true mage."
As Mage Esmeralda begins calling out the names of the top five initiates, Isolde's heart pounds in her chest. The first name is Marcus, a tall and muscular young man from the eastern lands, known for his impressive physical prowess as much as his magical ability. Next is Helena, a quiet yet powerful young woman from the northern forests, whose connection to nature's magic has been unmatched throughout the trials. Isolde watches as Marcus and Helena are called, each receiving thunderous applause for their achievements. She feels a flutter of nerves in her stomach as Mage Esmeralda continues, announcing the third and fourth place initiates.
Esmeralda's voice booms out once more, "And in second place, we have Elias of the western provinces." Isolde's hand snapped up in surprise, Elias! Her heart swelled with pride for her friend and partner. She watched as Elias strode forward, his head held high, a confident smile on his face. He bowed deeply to the assembled mages, his robes swirling around him. As he took his place among the top initiates, Isolde couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness for him. They had worked so well together, and it was clear that his skills had been recognized. Elias' eyes sparkled with pride as he stood on the platform, basking in the applause that washed over him. His gaze found Isolde's in the crowd, and he flashed her a brilliant smile, a silent thank you for their successful partnership. As the cheers died down, Mage Esmeralda stepped forward once more, her voice ringing out with authority. "And now, for the moment we've all been waiting for - the announcement of our top initiate."
"Rose of the city center of Elynor."
"First Place," As Esmeralda calls out the winner, Isolde's eyes scan the crowd for Rose. Her gaze settles on a young woman with golden curls and an ornate silver wand. Rose's face shows pride as she approaches the platform, her dress shimmering with threads of gold and silver that catch the light. As Rose takes her place, the chamber erupts in a crescendo of applause. She must be popular, Isolde thought to herself she studied the way the student's faces flushed with fever, even mage Esmeralda's face beamed with pride. Glancing at Elias, they shared a knowing look they both were curious about what kind of person Rose was.
As the ceremony wound down, Isolde's thoughts turned to the future. She had done it - she had passed the trials and earned a place at the Royal Magic Academy. She wondered how her grandmother would react to the news, she was sure to make her favorite supper to celebrate. As students began to leave the hall, Isolde collected her satchel and began to prepare for her trek back to her home. As Isolde prepares to leave the hall, she notices Elias making his way over to her, a wide grin on his face.
"Isolde, wait up!" he calls out, his voice carrying through the now mostly empty chamber. Isolde pauses, turning to face her friend and partner. Elias bounds up to her, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I can't believe we did it," he says, his voice barely above a whisper. "Top ten!"
"And you're in second place that's amazing, Elias!" Isolde grins back at Elias, her heart swelling with pride and camaraderie, her voice warm with genuine affection. Elias chuckles, running a hand through his hair.
"I knew it from the moment I saw you," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You had that look about you - like you were ready to take on the world." Isolde waved his words away as they exited the chamber, "Oh stop, the same could be said for the other students." She concluded, "We're all just trying to make something of ourselves don't you think?"
Elias nods in agreement. "You're right about that. But still, we were something special out there." They walked together through the hallways of the academy. As they pass, a group of initiates cast disapproving glances at Isolde's plain clothes, their whispers audible, "Did you see who made it into the top ten? That villager with the commoner clothes."
Isolde's face flushes with anger, but she holds her head high, refusing to be cowed by the small-minded comments. Elias, noticing her discomfort, moves a bit closer, speaking quietly, "Don't pay attention to them. Your abilities speak for themselves. Let them talk - you earned your place here, regardless of what they say about your clothes."
He was right but....maybe so were they.
As they near the academy's exit, Elias stops and turns to Isolde, his gaze intense. "Isolde, before you go, I just wanted to say... I meant what I said earlier. We really do make a good team. I hope we can stay in touch while we're here at the academy."
Isolde meets his gaze, touched by his sincerity. "I'd like that, Elias. We'll need all the friends we can get in this place."
After sharing goodbyes, Isolde turned her heels and began her journey back, perhaps she would stop at a bakery and purchase a pastry, one to share with her grandmother after all she had earned it. Isolde's journey back to her village was a blur of swirling emotions. Pride and accomplishment warred with the sting of the other initiates' judgmental whispers. She clutched her satchel tightly as if it could anchor her to the reality of her achievement amidst the doubts that still lingered.
As she walked, the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant oranges and pinks. She passed through the town square maybe she could find a nearby carriage to take her back, her eyes landed on a small shop, the smell of baked goods wafting around her. Salivating she made her way over, "Wouldn't hurt to look."
Isolde entered the bakery, the aroma of freshly baked goods enveloping her. She approached the counter, where a kind-looking woman with flour dusted across her apron smiled at her.
"Welcome to my shop, dear. What can I get for you today?"
Isolde's eyes roamed over the array of pastries, finally settling on a beautifully glazed cinnamon roll.
"I'd like that cinnamon roll, please." Isolde thanked the baker and paid for her purchase, the warm cinnamon roll nestled in its paper bag. She exited the shop, the scent of the pastry filling the air. As she stepped back onto the cobblestone street, a carriage came into view, drawn by two magnificent white horses. The carriage slowed to a stop in front of the bakery.
The driver, a tall man with piercing blue eyes, turned his head to look at Isolde. "Going to the outer villages?" he asked, his tone friendly. "I'll be heading that way myself if you'd like to share the ride."
Isolde hesitated for a moment, weighing the opportunity against the risks of travel. The driver's easy smile and the comfort of the well-appointed carriage swayed her decision.
"How much?" Isolde asked, not wanting to assume her ride would be free The driver's eyes twinkled with amusement at Isolde's question. "For a lovely lady like yourself, the ride is on me," he said with a wink. "Besides, it's not often I get to escort one of the top mages from the Royal Academy." He hopped down from his seat and opened the carriage door for her. "Shall we?"
Isolde hesitated for a moment, then accepted the driver's offer. Isolde settled into the plush velvet seat of the carriage, the warm cinnamon roll still clutched in her hand.
"I'm sorry, but I don't believe we've met before," she said, eyeing the driver suspiciously. "How do you know about my placement at the academy?"
The driver chuckled, guiding the horses through the cobblestone streets. "Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner, my lady." The driver tipped his hat to Isolde with a charming smile. "The name's Jasper. I've been driving this route for years, and word travels fast in Elynor. Especially when it comes to the magic trials." He winked at her. "You must be Isolde of the southern villages. Congratulations on your impressive showing. Eighth place is nothing to scoff at."
"So, does that mean you know about the other student's placements as well..right?" she asked with a hint of intrigue. Jasper's eyes twinkled with amusement as he guided the horses through the cobblestone streets. "Indeed, I do. Word travels fast, especially when it comes to the magic trials. Elias of the western provinces took second place, didn't he? Quite an impressive showing for a pair of village mages."
Isolde nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yes, Elias did exceptionally well. We worked well together during the trials."
"Ahhhh, that must've been quite a showing," Jasper replied brightly, Isolde looked away, her eyes landing on the scenery, the passing shops and the bustling of townspeople making their way hurriedly. Her mind wandered back to Rose, what was her story?
She wanted to know, a little desperately, actually she had never seen an idol before in the flesh but she imagined that Rose would be the closest to one. Eyeing the back of Jaspers's head, but she mustered the courage to ask it wouldn't be odd, right? Jasper glanced back over his shoulder, a mischievous glint in his eye
"I knew you might ask that, I couldn't help but overhear your thoughts, Isolde. Rose is quite the enigma, isn't she? The talk of the town, really." He guided the horses around a bend in the road, the carriage swaying gently.
"Rose hails from the city center of Elynor, a place of privilege and power." He spoke with a hint of awe and caution in his voice. "She's been groomed for greatness since childhood, her every move carefully orchestrated by the city's elite." Jasper's face grew more somber. "But there are whispers, Isolde. Whispers of something darker, of secrets that could unravel her perfect image."
Isoldeleaned forward in her seat, intrigued by the cryptic information. "What kind of secrets?"
Jasper glanced at Isolde, his blue eyes glinting with an unreadable emotion. "The kind that could shake the very foundations of the academy," he said mysteriously. "But those are just rumors, my lady. Nothing more."
Isolde frowned slightly, not fully satisfied with his answer. She settled back against the plush velvet cushion, her mind churning with questions.
"Although I do know her parents are desperately attempting to wed her to the crown prince Elynor." Jasper clicked his tongue, "It is a shame such a pretty young woman but, that man refuses to be tied down."
Jasper chuckled, shaking his head. "Ah, well to be honest the the crown prince. He's a wild one, that's for sure. Rumor has it he's not interested in settling down anytime soon, especially not with a bride chosen for him."
He glanced back at Isolde, a knowing look in his eye. "But who knows? Maybe Rose will be the one to change his mind. She certainly has the looks and the pedigree to catch any man's eye."
Isolde laughed, "You are a gossip aren't you?" Jasper grinned, unabashed. "Guilty as charged, my lady. When you spend as much time on the road as I do, you pick up a thing or two. Especially when it comes to the comings and goings of the nobility."
He winked at Isolde playfully. "But enough about the high and mighty. Tell me, what's a bright young mage like yourself planning to do now that you've made it into the top ten?"