Ever jumps off the bench and gives a small wave to the Coachman. She comes to a stop beside her brother and takes in the bustling mass of people. Everyone who's a student wears their uniforms. All the girls are in maroon and pleated skirts, white button up shirts with a red coat and tie. Same as the guys only they wear pants.
"All these people came here to become hunters?" She asks, glancing up at her brother. The awe and curiosity is obvious. A third year student passes by with a weapon strapped to his back. The sword is sharp, and while she would have guessed it to be a sword, the hilt isn't a hilt at all. It's attached to a mechanical handle with a trigger. Before she can open an information window on it, the person disappears into the crowd.
Woah.
She scans the other students with renewed interest, does everyone have custom made weapons? Ideas of what she could create just for herself swarms her mind. This is so cool.
"Not just to become hunters." He chuckles at her reaction, his blue eyes bright. "There are engineering classes, blacksmithing." He tilts his head as he thinks, his white hair swaying with the action. "A sector over there," Elias points to the left, where in the distance, a tower looms over them, "Is reserved for the healers, and other supportive types."
She hums, blocking the sun from her gaze as she looks up at the tall structure.
"It's exciting, right?" He asks with a chuckle. "During my first year, I was so eager to start training."
"Mm, yeah." She nods and smiles up at him. Ever since she got fresh air from outside the carriage she felt a buzzing beneath her skin. She wanted to fight someone, not just because she craves the violence, but because there are so many blessings that has been gifted to different people. It's exciting to see how they use them. Elias chuckles and leads the way through the ever growing crowd, holding her wrist so they don't get separated.
There's a fountain in the center of the courtyard, a three headed dragon – a statue of Azrael the Dragon God of Death and Decay - spouts water from all three heads. She finds the choice of dragon god to use as a water fountain is just a sign of bad luck. There are six stalls lined around the yard, and Elias leads her to one of them.
After checking herself in, she's given the academy pamphlet, guide, and schedule, along with her dorm room information. Then Elias gives her a basic tour of the castle, such as everything needed for first years will always be on the first floor. The east wing is reserved for combat and field related lessons. The west wing is for general classes, such as history and languages. Those who are in engineering, healing, or tech-advance, will be in different halls that Ever shouldn't worry about because she'll be in the hunters department.
"It'll take me months to memorize all this." Everscent mutters as Elias leads her back out to the front courtyard. It's still packed, however the majority of the crowd has moved on to the back courtyard, where the upper years have started the New Year Festival. It's a way to motivate the new students to the academy, and also gives the parents a good time.
"You better memorize it sooner rather than later. It'll be crucial to get to your classes on time." Elias advises. "You can be in one class in the furthest room in the east wing, and then your next class will be on the farthest side of the west wing. Which is a half hours walk, by the way."
"But the breaks between are ten. How is that fair?" She mutters. "How is that possible?"
"That's the point." Elias chuckles. "Life isn't fair. Ever. It prepares you for that. Sometimes to get something done, you have to figure out the best way to do it." He winks at her and taps on his temple. He drops his hand at his side and continues to lead her around. "It's also a method of weeding out the weak. Becoming a hunter, or any part of the militia, requires strong will and discipline. If you can't get to classes on time simply because of a little distance, then how dependable can you be out in some town where a dragon is attacking?"
"That makes sense." She nods her head in thought.
"Elias!"
The two siblings glance back and find their childhood friends walking towards them. The shout that caught their attention also caught those around them. A path appears between the crowd and walking past are two young Lords.
Since Versance and Lord Byron are close, Elias and Everscent grew up with the two boys. Pharon and Elias have such a close bond that they do everything together. And Phoenix is Everscents closest friend.
Pharon and Phoenix are often mistaken for twins, but Pharon is three years older, same as Elias to Ever. Pharon is three inches taller than his younger brother. His uniform is ironed to perfection, his collar straight, his cufflinks on. He wears the uniform like it was made just for him. His black hair is loose, his locks falling down to his mid waist.
Phoenix on the other hand, while still regal, has unbuttoned his coat, loosened the top button of his shirt, and doesn't wear his cuff links. His long, black hair is pulled into a ponytail that falls down his right shoulder. His left ear is pierced, one on the top and one on his lobe.
"I thought you both wouldn't be here till later?" Elias asks, turning to face him. He gives them both a hand shake while Ever gives Pharon a hug.
"Heard you got into trouble, little Eve." Pharon teases her before ruffling up her platinum hair. She clenches her jaw and he grunts when she elbows him in the gut. She stands up straight and fixes the stray hair that Pharon has caused.
"I told you to never call me Eve." She glares at him, her blue eyes cold as ice. She turns to his younger brother Phoenix, and gives him a hug.
"I took you for bravery, but now I think you're down right foolish." Phoenix murmurs as he wraps his arms around her. She takes a deep breath, inhaling his usual scent of burning fire wood and polish. "How dare you not invite me to your thieft heist."