Arthur sat with his wife Nambra in an extravagant office lounge. The walls were pristinely clean and white as ivory, with golden trim painted in patterns reminiscent of the Baroque period. They were seated on a plush couch that had embroidery along the arms and back styled in the many curling and flowing French designs tempered by elven traditions with trees and nature being their subject. An expertly made coffee table with similar aesthetics carved into its legs was positioned in front of them with a desk and chair of the same fashion beyond that. They were in one of the many Franco-Elven embassies in America, though how many there were, Arthur had forgotten. It wasn't important now anyway, he was only here for one thing– he needed to speak to Amon Desrosiers to exchange information. The elf had informed them both that he would be returning as soon as he was finished conducting his investigation, which by Arthur's estimates should be now. The wizard was correct in his assumption when the marbled floor rattled and a puff of lavender scented smoke filled the other side of the room behind the desk. When the smoke cleared there stood Lord Desrosiers. Without hesitation he took his seat, his eyes quickly finding their way to Arthur.
	"Well, it seems you are onto something," He spoke in French in a tone that hinted his displeasure at the discovery.
	"Then you see it too?" Arthur asked fluently.
Amon nodded, turning away for a moment, pondering everything that had transpired over his short stay in Fairgarland, "I will clear everything off my schedule. This is a delicate situation that we will need to collaborate on monitoring. There can be no mistakes, no setbacks, no surprises."
	"How will you go about this?" Nambra questioned him.
	Amon glanced at her before resting his eyes back on Arthur, "It is better that you don't know, lest you give me away," He answered.
	"Why do I get the feeling I've heard that before," The sorceress rolled her eyes.
	"We will continue our presence in Fairgarland as well," Said Arthur, "I'll give a few extra lessons here and there for the students. Perhaps I can find something within the student body and the boarding school this way."
	"Then I suppose I will do the same for the sorcerers, best to be thorough," Nambra agreed.
Amon sighed, "Then it is settled. I will take care to investigate the faculty and student body at Fairgarland. We shall report to each other every week should nothing be out of place. I needn't say what we should do if we discover anything, I assume?"
	Arthur's eyes darkened at what that might entail, "We know exactly what to do," He answered for them both.
	Amon nodded to each of them and stood up, Nambra and Arthur following suit, "Good. I will speak to you in a week, then," He gave them a short bow, which they returned promptly and left.

. . . . .

	Manus filed into the meeting room for the house presidents. The meetings had been back to normal after a time, but today as she entered it seemed more lively than the last. She saw several of the presidents crowding around someone, though who she could not yet tell. The room was filled with mirth as they said, "It's good to see you again," and "Welcome back!"
Harold entered behind Manus and gazed over the crowd, "Veruka Goldmoon? I thought you decided not to return to Fairgarland until next Spring," His surprise was genuine, though glad.
	"A lot has happened since then… I told myself I needed to be here, so here I am!" The owl-witch said, "I can't keep letting my house down…"
	"I'll admit, I was disappointed when you left, but I've come to understand why you did. Nobody blames you for leaving, Veruka," Sean said firmly, "If anything now I think a lot more people should have left until the crisis was over."
	"It is good to see you again," Manus chimed in, "We shall have to catch up on everything. Perhaps after our meeting?"
	"Yes that would be wonderful. What is today's meeting about?" Veruka asked. Everyone turned to Sean who shrugged and jabbed a thumb back at Harold, who was pulling at his collar, "You know… perhaps I should get us started," The prince said, taking a spot at the front of the meeting hall. Everyone else took their seats, Manus sat beside Rita who was no doubt giggling at the thought of pranking Veruka now that she was back on campus. Harold cleared his throat and looked at each of the house presidents.
	"Good day, everyone. I hope your houses are doing well. Why don't I get right into it. I have quite the undertaking in mind, one that may take us years to complete, depending on how it goes. I am coming up with a plan to end a foolish Fairgarland tradition: I want to fund and create pocket dimension laboratories for each and every house on campus so that we can cease our gambling on something so important for our studies."
He paused, waiting for a reaction from the other presidents. They shared some chatter at the thought, but no one was protesting the idea. Harold quickly decided to continue, "This should be an opportunity to further our studies, not stress over an already stressful education. It was hard enough for many of the students to even get into Fairgarland. A realization hit me when Karak-Albrac's duelist, Loxley, bested me in the ring: why should we make it harder for them to retain their grades? We should work together instead of against one another to increase the quality of life Fairgarland has to offer," He paused as a few presidents began to politely clap at the idea– started by Sean he realized. He ignored the thought and continued over their applause, "I came to this conclusion when I realized my own house was suffering from my own foolish ego. I cannot say that I am much better now, but I am trying to do something about it instead of continuing the cycle of facilities changing hands every year."
	"How will you accomplish this?" Asked the dwarf, Malagrim, who was combing his dark beard.
	"I come to you for help on this. I am open to discussing possible avenues for funding this, but I want to commission any and all members of House Karak-Albrac and House Maximillion. Any others who wish to help would be welcome, volunteers or otherwise."
	"Perhaps something could be worked out with the dean on extra credit for volunteers?" Said Mira Minsley, her eye glancing between the other presidents for their opinions on the matter.
	"That might be okay for some but a lot has to go into this, people will want compensation beyond just a small bump in their grades…" Rita groaned.
	"I agree. Perhaps some kind of fundraiser?" Edelgarde broke her silence, surprising a few of the others.
	Malagrim folded his arms and leaned back in his seat, staring at the ceiling, "Such as? We'd have to do a lot to raise the kind of money required for this job."
"Maybe we could do some kind of magic show in town?" Rita suggested half-heartedly.
	"Yeah, so long as you don't scam anyone out of their money," The dwarf snarked under his breath. Rita shot him a glare and he quickly piped down.
	"A magic show isn't a bad idea but what about a service? Mending things, from shoes to watches and jewelry. The transmutationists would be able to handle that," Suggested Mira.
	"I do not think it wise to have my house work twice for the money they will be owed," Manus retorted, "I would like to exclude my house from these fundraiser activities, as well as House Maxamillion."
	Harold nodded, "She has a point. Do any of you disagree?" The room was filled with nays, what the fey-witch said was sensible to them.
	"I may have a solution," Said Veruka. Everyone turned to her as she stood up and took a deep breath, "I know a lot of my own underclassmen have been taking transmutation classes, I'm guessing many of yours do as well, so what if every one of them who are non-members of Karak-Albrac pitch in to start crafting useful tools, nicknacks and baubles to sell in town? Something the mundane folks could want that would require little to no magic?"
	"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Veruka," Sean smiled, "Will you need help organizing that?"
	"No, no, I can handle it. Besides, you're not supposed to help with the fundraising, remember?" The owl-witch smiled wryly. Sean chuckled, "Alright, you've made your point. Perhaps Harold, multiple fundraisers need be in the works?"
	"Whatever you think is necessary, please, I will take all the help I can get to make this a reality."
	"So are you in charge of this then, Harold?" Asked Rita.
	The prince thought for a moment, looking to the others, wondering if they had enough respect left for him after the way he had been acting for all that time, "If… that is what is required of me, I will balance the books on this," He answered, unsure if they would agree to it or not.
	"Should you need help, I will be available," Veruka chimed in again.
	"Really? You have so much on your plate already." Said Sean.
	"I agree, you only just got back, Miss Goldmoon," Mira added.
	"Oh this is nothing, trust me." She replied with a smile, "If I wanna make changes around here, then I'm going to have to change, too, and take on more responsibility."
	"I… I'm glad you feel that way," Harold was astonished at the apparent change that had already taken place in the owl-witch, "I'll gladly accept your help, then. Everyone should start organizing within your houses to get volunteers, as many as you can. If any wish to make donations as well, please send them directly to Veruka or myself. Make sure they know what this is for, I'm certain they would appreciate working hard together to solve the lab issue. Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
	"What of the Seeker's House and House Faith?" Asked Malagrim, curious to hear Harold's answer.
	"We still have the campus lab available between the two, but I would like to think of our eight houses having labs as another incentive for Seekers to join a specific house," His reply seemed to satisfy the dwarf and the others. 
	"Anything else?" Everyone looked to one another before each shook their head, "Then we shall meet next week and discuss how things are coming along. I want to get started as soon as possible so that we may enjoy it before we all graduate. If anyone has other suggestions or questions before the next meeting, come find me," Harold smiled, relieved that his plan was taken well.
	"I'll get started right away, then," Said Veruka, who stood and took her leave immediately. Everyone else shuffled out of the room but for Sean and Manus.
	"Well done, Harold," Sean smiled proudly for his friend, "I didn't think everyone would be on board if I'm being honest."
	"Neither did I," Harold admitted, "Did you need something, Miss Manus?"
	The fey shook her head and allowed herself a small smile, "I just wanted to say you seem to be changing for the better, Prince Harold. I think the others noticed as well, that's why they all agreed for once. Please keep working hard, we will all support your efforts."
	"It gladdens me to hear you say that," replied the prince, "With all of us working together we are going to change Fairgarland for the better,” He paused for a moment, “This is a tad unrelated, but I have a favor to ask of you."
	“What is it?” The fey inquired.
	Harold willed up his courage and nodded, “I would like to speak with Loxley privately, if you will allow it.”
	“Galahad? I can relay a message to him but I warn you, contrary to how it may seem, I am not his keeper, so whether he comes or goes is purely up to him,” She answered. Harold nodded, undeterred by this.
“Tell him I would wait for him at the arena tonight around eight, don't worry, I don't mean to duel him.”
	Miss Manus nodded, “Understood. I cannot guarantee he will come unprepared.”
	“As expected of your duelist. Thank you, have a good day,” Harold gave a small bow, fixed his cloak, and stepped away, leaving Manus and Sean in the room.
	Sean smirked, “I do not think he is trying anything, President Manus.”
	The fey-woman smiled, “I think so too. Galahad may think otherwise.”
	“Understandable. Their relationship has been rocky at best, though now I pray they can be friends. Anywho, it is late and you have a meeting to get to, correct? You usually meet with your council for lunch.”
	“Correct. I suppose I should be off, then. Good day, Sean,” Miss Manus bowed and left quickly.

. . . . .

	Tan walls decorated with colorful paintings lined the restaurant. To one side was a bar where chefs prepared meals for the patrons. The other side of the thin building had been lined wall-to-wall with booth seats, two person tables, and chairs. It was getting into the afternoon, only a few patrons sat in the restaurant, despite it being only a little after lunch time. Most of them sat at the bar where they glanced at menus and drink lists covered in Japanese katakana. Sushi was the main offering, with various exotic wines, beers, and soft drinks to go along with it.
	The council of Karak-Albrac sat together at three tables all pushed together for the five of them to sit comfortably. Master dwarf Holmit, without the aid of his assistant, was dumbfounded by the offerings on display, especially since most of the menu lacked pictures to show what he was ordering. He seemed to be the only one who wasn’t sure what to order. Although similarly unsure, Galahad seemed to be going along with what the others were talking about ordering. His eyes peeked over the laminated spiral book of a menu, then at his council mates, “A sushi platter should do us well,” Fredrik explained. Instead of his usual golden and shimmering robes, he was in a silky orange and yellow pearlescent button up shirt– with golden buttons– and black slacks. As usual, he was still adorned with a golden mask depicting a gold dragon’s scowling face, “A wide assortment for us all, you should find something you like, Galahad.”
	“I’ve never eaten sushi before,” The duelist mused, “Is it really raw fish?”
	“Correct,” Suzie was giddily browsing the choices of appetizers.
	“Eugh, they’re tryin’ to poison us, are they?” Holmit scowled.
	The gnomish woman rolled her eyes as she pulled off her brown, wool coat to reveal the purple dress she wore, “Holmit. It's safe to eat.”
	“Doubtful. My cousin in the Drolong-Eriel keep ate a raw fish once! He died in three days! A horrible, awful death!”
	"What on earth did he do, eat it with the scales and bones?" Said Suzie, the corner of her mouth crooked downward.
	"No, he wasn't stupid! But the fish led a narwhal to jump right out of the water and skewer him!" He snapped back.	
	The gnome rubbed her eyes in frustration, "Holmit… that's not because of the raw fish…"
	"Of course it was! 'Swhat attracted the narwhal!"
	"Is a narwhal going to burst through the floor and skewer us?"
	"...It could happen."
	"I can assure you, friend, that we are safe from unsavory cetaceans," Fredrik chuckled behind his mask. Galahad stifled a laugh of his own.
	Manus shook her head, "I do not understand, is this one of your dwarven proverbs? Is there danger to eating fish?"
	"No, my cousin died, that's what I'm saying!" Holmit tapped his stubby finger on the table to emphasize each word.
	"Did you not go to see your cousin earlier this year?" The fey-witch recalled.
	"You're just scared to try something new, admit it!" Suzie said, standing up in her chair to lean over the table.
	"Sit down, you're makin' a scene," The dwarf grumbled, "Fine, I'll try some."
	Manus took a deep breath and sat upright, "So, Sean insisted that we talk about our council vacation this year," She began, "With the addition of Galahad as our duelist I thought it prudent that we discuss the possibility that we do more than simply stay on campus."
Suzie’s eyes lit up with excitement, "Oh my goodness, you mean we're gonna go out and see the world?"
	"Well, I have been meaning to take a break from Fairgarland for a short time," Holmit conceded.
"Although we do not go far, Miss President, we've gone on a few trips to restaurants in town," Reminded Fredrik as he put his menu down. 
	Miss Manus nodded, “That barbeque restaurant is a bit of a drive but is quite tasty, but what I mean now is an actual vacation away from Fairgarland.”
	Suzie's smile widened, “Like, out of state?”
	Manus nodded, “If you wish. This is an opportunity for Galahad as much as it is for ourselves, being that we have not gone out on a trip before. A real trip, I mean.” 
	"We could go on a cruise and see Hawaii!" Suzie suggested with a little more force than the others were expecting.
	"I don't think Manus would like hot and humid climates," Galahad pointed out.
	"If that is where you would like to go, I will find a way to adapt," Their president replied.
	"No way, if you don't enjoy yourself then what's the point?" Suzie relented, "Maybe we can go see some landmarks in Europe?"
	"I would like that very much," Said Manus, "Seeing the pre-cracking historical monuments would be like stepping into my books," She sighed deeply, "But alas, I do not believe we have the budget for such a thing."
	"We could always find a way to make it work," Galahad pressed, but the fey-witch shook her head.
	"We will have to do something else."
	"I have an idea, what would you all say to a trip west?" Fredrik asked, "I have always liked cooler climates, and found skiing rather exhilarating."
"Skiing? I’ve never done that before,” Galahad replied.
	“Aye, to the mountains?” Holmit mused with a smirk on his face, “I’d love ta taste that thinner air again.”
	“All that thin air must be why you dwarves are so… dwarvish,” Suzie snickered.
	Miss Manus cleared her throat before the dwarf could say anything snarky back, “I am willing to visit a resort for skiing. Shall we find a hotel?”
	“If I may,” Fredrik piped up after handing the waitress a slip with their order on it, “We should go to the Rhewbuck Shire! It’s in Oregon at the base of Mount Hood. There is a small resort, but more importantly, we could rent a cabin not too far from the actual mountain.”
	“Sounds expensive,” Holmit grumbled.
	Suzie nodded, “It’s a bit spendy, but, I know someone!” She grinned and held up a paper she had printed out earlier, “A friend’s family works in the industry there and she hooked me up with a discount for us!”
	"And I'm familiar with the area myself," Fredrik added. "I have been to this place quite a few times and so I know of things we can do beyond skiing that may interest you all."
	"Were you two expecting this or something? Ya sure did yar homework," Holmit smirked.
	"Something like that," Fredrik smiled back behind his mask. Suzie smiled wide, her face flush with excitement.
	"Sounds like we already have a plan, then," Said Galahad before the waitstaff returned with their food. 
There were assorted rolls of sushi, salmon sashimi, eel nigiri, rolls with seaweed, rolls fried in tempura, rolls with crab sliced into thin cuts on top with sauces and breading. The spread of food was tantalizing even for Holmit, who was beginning to salivate at their dinner, "Dig in everyone," Manus invited her council. After everyone had grabbed what they liked they began to eat the sushi happily. Suzie laughed at Holmit who had eaten half a roll and the rest fell apart in his hands.
"You have to eat it whole, ya big oaf," she giggled before demonstrating with a tuna roll.
Galahad had just finished downing a tempura roll, the shrimp inside pleasing his taste buds with a warm, fried shellfish flavor, "What kind of things are there to do at this Rhewbuck Shire? Besides skiing, I mean," He asked, grabbing another one.
	"Well for one, being that our president is interested in pre-cracking history there is a train ride that takes us into the heart of an old goldmine."
	"Goldmine?" The four parroted, looking at one another.
	"Yes. Something I think Holmit and myself can appreciate, as well as Miss President for its historical value."
	"I'm not a big fan of dark, nasty old mines…" Suzie couldn't help but shudder thinking about it. "Especially when they're cold.”
	"Most of it is well lit, and taken care of. The cold will be no issue for wizards like us," Fredrik explained, "And quite a bit is outdoors. I will be there to comfort you should you be afraid, or get cold."
The gnome hid her face in her hands, embarrassed by the golden wizard, "O-okay, fine. What do you think, Galahad?"
	"I think as long as everyone else is having a good time I will, too." He replied before scarfing down an eel roll, "We should go! It sounds fun, and like I said, I’ve never been skiing either."
	"Ya shouldn't talk with yar mouth full, lad," Holmit said, his hand reaching for a small green dollop resting on one of their side dishes. Suzie put a hand over it and shook her head but the dwarf nudged her aside and took some of it on one of his rolls. The gnome shrugged and prodded Fredrik to watch for his reaction.
	"Uh, Holmit, friend, I wouldn't–"
	It was too late. The dwarf had already downed the tainted sushi, a full smear of wasabi washing through his mouth. In an instant the dwarf's expression changed from satisfaction to horror as his tongue was scorched by the spicy green paste. His face turned red, sweat began pouring down his face and tears formed in his eyes. He looked around for anything to help quell the burning pain in his mouth, first going for the water. When that didn't work he tried eating other rolls in the hopes it would soak up the spiciness. Fredrik chuckled at the display, as did Suzie and Galahad. Manus held a hand out for him, the dwarf sticking his tongue out while she gave him a small burst of magic ice to cool his mouth. He sighed, relief and a numbness coming over his mouth.
	"So, about Prince Harold's laboratory solution, what do you all think?" Asked the fey. 
	"What, the fundraiser? I think it could work as long as everyone works together," replied Galahad. 
Holmit groaned, still waving air toward his tongue, "I'm not so sure, it all sounds like a pipe dream to me," He grumbled.
	"I actually prefer his solution to our current predicament," Said Fredrik, "I was considering donating some funds of my own to the cause."
	"Fredrik, you shouldn't, Karak-Albrac isn't supposed to work for free," Suzie argued. 
	The golden wonder chuckled, "I will do what I will, this is an easy sacrifice for me to make, do not worry yourself."
	Suzie sighed and relented, going back to eating her food. "What do you think, Galahad? If not for the house squabbling you may not have been able to join our ranks," Fredrik asked.
	"That's a pretty good point, but I think there will be plenty of other opportunities for others to prove themselves within and out of the arena. Just because we remove the labs from the equation doesn't mean other facilities aren't on the block."
	"That's true, I believe the labs are most important considering their ties to our work. Perhaps something similar could be done for the forge…" He mused.
	"Absolutely not," Holmit spat, "It is not up for dueling, debating or otherwise donating time to other houses, the forge is a Karak-Albrac amenity and it will stay that way!"
	"Relax, Holmit, I doubt anyone would want to take away your precious forge. It smells of filth and dwarf sweat anyway," Suzie japed. The dwarf was not pleased with her remark but he remained silent, satisfied that he had made his point.
	“Oh, there is something else,” Manus turned to the duelist, “Galahad, I have a request for you from Harold,” She cleared her throat, “He wishes to meet you tonight at eight. In the arena.”
“For a duel?” Suzie wondered aloud.
	She shook her head, “Just a chat, I suppose.”
	Galahad nodded, “I’ll see what he wants. Thank you, but don’t let him use you as a messenger fairy, Manus,” He chuckled.
	She smiled, “I will try to avoid doing so in the future.”

. . . . .

	Xavos patiently waited outside Professor Sh’Lak's class, resting on a bench in the hallway. His otherwise peaceful mid-morning was interrupted by the occasional thump, bang and boom billowing out from the elf's classroom, causing him to jump in his seat. He had heard her classes had a penchant for alchemical eruptions but he had never actually heard it himself, and so often. Just what on Earth was she doing in there, was she trying to kill her students? He shook off the feeling when the applause came from the students and he leaned back on the bench again, only to repeat the cycle twice more. Finally the class was over and the door swung open, several students filing out of the room. Whatever they were doing they smelled of sulfur and many had soot covering their faces, but for their eyes where, presumably, they had worn goggles. Xavos shook his head and waited for the right student to exit. Soon enough, Galahad Loxley and his goblin friend walked through the door, likewise their faces dirtied from their experiments.
	“Looks like we'll have to go get washed off before next class,” The goblin grumbled. Galahad took his staff and waved it over himself, wiping clean the soot from his body immediately.
	“No, just you, Blud,” He smirked. at the goblin.
	“Oh, come on, ya can’t just leave me lookin’ like this,” Blud pleaded.
	“What’s got you all worried now, normally you wouldn’t care about– ooh!” Galahad’s smile widened, “You’re gonna go hang out with Reccoa, aren’t you?”
“Find, I’m gonna go find her. I haven’t seen her in weeks…” Said Blud. The duelist waved his staff and cleaned him in but a few moments.
	“You better go look then, let me know if you find her. I’m getting worried with how she’s been holing up in her dorm,” He urged the goblin in a more serious tone. Blud nodded and took his leave, heading outside. 
Xavos cleared his throat as he left, now was the time for him to interject, “Galahad Loxley?”
	The duelist turned to look at the red wizard, “Yes? Headmaster Xavos, I wasn’t sure if you were here for me or someone else.”
	“I came here to see you and to apologize for the way some of my students have treated you,” He began, standing to his feet, “I understand you wanted to broaden your studies of evocation? In order to make up for your class I offer you a chance to study under my tutelage, if you shall accept.”
	Galahad’s eyes went wide as saucers, “Study under you?” He asked, the disbelief plain in his voice. 
Xavos smiled and held out his hand, a wreath of flame engulfing it from his palm outward, “I can deepen your understanding of evocation much more effectively than an impersonal class, and in a much shorter time as well. It would be like a temporary apprenticeship. I cannot say that it will give you credits for Fairgarland, but I hear you are far more interested in actually learning magicks instead of studying for accolades.”
	“I am, but… I have all my classes, I’m not so sure–”
	“Nonsense. Your next course isn’t for another hour. That is plenty of time, look, I’ll even chauffeur you around campus,” The red wizard placed a hand on Galahad’s shoulder and within moments they were transported into the arena, the sandy floors of the dueling grounds billowing around them. Galahad felt his insides turning for only a moment before he composed himself.
	“I could use a warning before you teleport me,” He frowned, wiping the dust off his cloak. Xavos smiled, “Where would the fun be in that? Besides, you handled it well enough. You must have experience with teleportation.”
	Galahad rolled his eyes, “More than I could ever want.” 
Xavos raised a brow, “Interesting. But for now, let us determine where you are on the levels of evocation.”
	“What do you want me to do?” Asked Galahad.
	“Attack me. Hit me with your strongest spell.” Said Xavos.
	“What?”
	“Don't be fooled, I am well acquainted with abjuration and being a master in evocation I understand better than most how to defend from it. So, throw your spell,” The red wizard smiled.
	Galahad seemed to take a few moments to pick a spell, which was odd to Xavos. He even pulled a tome from his bag to check for spells, “Where’s my evocation spells…?” He muttered.
	“You need to look for them?”
	“I don’t keep my strongest spells ready to go anymore. I’m a student, not an adventurer,” He smirked, “Even if I am beset by students, as seems to keep happening, I don’t intend to kill them.”
	“I heard you cast one of Master Maximillion’s signature spells during your Butcher encounter,” Xavos began to make small talk, “Quite the feat.”
	“That’s the kind of spell that’s useful to have prepared. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the mana for it,” Galahad shrugged, “My Lightning Strike should do the trick. Unless…?”
	“No, no,” Xavos grinned and rubbed his hands together, “That is the second most iconic evocation spell, arguably. Whenever you are ready.”
Galahad readied the spell, committing it to memory as he used up a bit of a lightning bug’s carapace. Xavos watched intently as the boy got down in a wide stance. The evocation headmaster knit his brow, this was an odd stance for a caster, but not for a duelist or another kind of fighting magic user who would need to avoid an attack or move quickly. Xavos held a staff similarly to Galahad, one hand in front with the staff held a bit behind. He was a fighter for sure, and the stance seemed familiar. The evocation headmaster held his staff in front of him to cast an abjuration spell, prepared to absorb Galahad’s attack to gauge the mana and power of it. A chill ran through the headmaster’s spine as Galahad’s blank stare turned to a fiery glare, a powerful warrior’s gaze. Was this a fear or intimidation spell? No, he would have known, but danger was sounding the alarm in Xavos’ mind all the same.The spell was let off with little more than the flick of Galahad’s wrist. An arc of blue lighting flew right over Xavos’ shoulder. It sparked against the walls of the arena and was absorbed by the runes. The boy’s eyes went wide, “W-were you not ready?”
	“No, I was!” Xavos insisted as he gathered himself, “I knew you weren’t aiming for me! Do it properly this time!”
	Swallowing nervously, Galahad nodded, “Okay. I’m going for it,” He took a deep breath and clenched his fist. With the uttering of his incantation, Galahad’s cloak blew back and the sand kicked up as the spell was unleashed. The lightning bolt arced directly toward Xavos who simply held up a hand, easily absorbing the electricity with a powerful abjuration spell. He brought up his staff next to his hand to help stabilize the shielding spell. The lightning bolt was a constant stream of magical energies that put the scent of ozone in the air. 
	“More! Stop holding back!” Xavos hollered.
	Galahad huffed but did as he was told. The lightning spell grew in strength, pushing Xavos back slightly. With a nod, Galahad broke it off. He panted, “How was that?”
	“It was a good first session. I think this was a great show of your power and I have an idea of what to teach you. For now, rest and we can reconvene next week,” Xavos decided, stroking his beard slowly, “Do you wish me to ferry you to your next class?”
	“No, I think I have time. I’m gonna run back to my dorm, see you next week,” Galahad gave a smile and a nod.
	Xavos frowned as Galahad went out the door. That wasn’t his full strength. The wavering of the strength of that spell tells me that much. He was hardly winded too, it seemed more like a show when he panted. He thought to himself, The boy’s mana runs deep. I can see why the dean has taken a vested interest in his learning. He shook his head and decided to return to his study. He had lessons to prepare now that he would be back teaching soon, on top of the few private tutoring sessions he needed to plan.

. . . . .

	Blud made for House Faith, the home for Fairgarland's sorcerers. He had been there a few times now over the last few weeks and each time he had not found his sectare friend, Reccoa. She had either been gone for ‘studying' or wished not to be disturbed. Was she really avoiding him? She must be really mad, he slumped his shoulders. What was he going to do if she no longer liked him? Were they even still friends? He dragged his feet going towards the tower, yet still he went. His legs felt heavy with each stair he took up to the door. With a moment's hesitation he pulled on the door knocker and hit it on the door twice. It wasn't long before the door swung open and he was greeted by the bored expression of one of the house members.
She was taller than him, as most races were, though he didn't mind as she was a griffonite which made her taller than most other races, too. Her wings were folded neatly behind her and she wore a pristinely white robe that covered her from head to toe.
	“Blud,” She inferred.
	“Miss Darson,” The goblin greeted back. 
	She eyed him for a moment before stiffly stepping back to hold the door open for him, “Here to see Reccoa again, I presume.”
	“Y-yeah, is she here?” He stammered, entering quickly.
	“I have not seen her myself, but then again, I have not seen her leave,” She turned and made for a chair set in the corner where she had a small stack of books set out.
	“So… is that a yes?” Blud asked sheepishly.
	“It is a maybe. I have been practicing and so I have not been very attentive,” She explained, her voice a monotonous drone. Blud looked to the table beside her chair where an enchanted book lay– a copy of ‘Wordsmith Versus Ghost Writer.’
	“Are you reading comics?” The goblin was a little shocked. Miss Darson turned on him, a scowl on her face, “It is a NOVEL, and I am using it to practice control over my emotions!” Lightning sparked from her wings and coursed through her for only a moment.
Blud backed away and grimaced, “So, uh, how's that workin’ out for ya?”
	After composing herself, Miss Darson shook her head, “It seems to be improving but progress is slow. Forgive my outburst. You may knock on her door. We have not tried recently. She never answered.”
	“Mind if I, y’know,” The mischievous goblin flashed a small magical device. Numerous lock picking tools hung from the Swiss army knife-like shape. 
	Darson frowned and looked at their door to the dorm area. She nodded, “We need to know if she is well. I will go with you.”
	Darson followed the goblin through the halls. He had been here many times and knew exactly where he was going. Blud quickly arrived at his friend's dorm, looking over his tools for a moment before hazarding a knock on the door first, “San? You there? Everyone is worried about ya!” He called through the door. He waited several moments, turning to look at Darson who shrugged at him. He shook his head and went for his tools, “San, I'm sorry but we gotta know if you're okay so I'm comin’ in!”
	He quickly began working on the lock, being careful not to trigger any magical countermeasures. Panic began to set in when he felt something move, had he messed up? Soon enough the door swung inward, and Blud came face-to-face with the sectare woman.
	His face ran flush under her gaze, “San!”
	“Blaad,” She answered, her eyes turning from him to the lockpick stuck in the keyhole, “Breaking in?”
	“W-well, we were all worried about you, right Miss Darson?” He turned to the sorceress who nodded, her face lacking in emotion.
	“Why worried? Am fine.” Reccoa answered, crossing her arms and leaning against her door frame. 
	Blud frowned, “Look… I know you're mad at me, but you can't just lock yourself away like this. We haven't seen each other for weeks, NO ONE has seen you for weeks!”
	“I have been studying hard,” The sectare announced proudly, standing tall with her hands on her hips. 
	The goblin creased his brow, “Studying? But you hate studying.”
	“Yes, but this easy. Was studying whole time!”
	“Really…?”
	Reccoa nodded, “Come, I will show,” She said, taking his hand and leading him out of the dorm. Blud looked to Miss Darson who sighed and went back to her own studies. The sectare pulled Blud along until they left House Faith, venturing out into the day where she took him into the woods.
	“Where are we going?” Blud asked, his voice shaky with anxiousness. 
	Reccoa laughed, “It’s a secret, Blaad! I want to show you studying!” She smiled. Soon they were deep in the woods and Blud could smell a strong scent of burnt wood. But there was no smoke, where was it coming from? His answer came in the form of a clearing in the woods. It was an unnatural clearing, that much was evident given the blackened grass and smoldering charcoal of the trees that had been there before. Blud’s eyes went wide, “You did all this?” He asked, seeing how wide the area had been, “How long did this take you?”
	“Only a night,” She answered, pleased with her own handiwork. “I show you?” She said, letting the goblin go for a moment to run over to a tree on the edge of the clearing. Before he could say anything she turned back to him with a smile and snapped her finger before placing her hand on the trunk. The tree went up in flames in an instant, the bark hissing violently before it shot off away from her like fireworks. The leaves burned up in a smokeless fire, instantly vanishing into ash on the wind while the limbs tumbled down onto the burnt grass. Reccoa gave the trunk a shove and it toppled over like a stack of books given a small poke. Blud couldn’t find it in his heart to stop her, she looked happy.
	He sighed and couldn’t help but smile too, “Well, I’m glad you’re practicing.”
	“Studying,” She corrected with a grin.
	“Yeah, yeah, whatever. How about we catch a movie or make something to eat? I’m sure you’re tired, San.”
	“Mmmmh,” She scratched her head for a moment, “Duel?”
	The suggestion caught Blud off guard for a moment, but he quickly relented and nodded, “We can do that, too. The arena isn’t open till eight or so since the sports clubs have it rented out today. Anything we can do until then?”
	Reccoa thought for a moment longer before smiling, “We cook?”
	Blud stopped himself from blurting out how much he'd love that, more than anything else, and instead coughed, “Yeah, sounds good. I’ve got an idea or two. Come on.”

Chapter 25