THAIKALY: Tales of the Etheri

Chapter 3- Books

Finally, the school is starting but before the students go to their first class, they still need to attend the introduction ceremony happening in the school's practice court, where the professors will introduce themselves and explain how things will work from that point on. Everyone was already at the location that they were supposed to be at, but not even a single professor was there, and the students were starting to get impatient.... when, out of nowhere a man's loud, but dry voice shouted.

<< Good morning young students! I hope you've already settled your things and met your new roommates. Now, we will be explaining how things work here, at The Etheri School. It will be given to you a map of the school's campus, alongside with the scholar schedule, including your weakly classes and the events programmed for this school's year>>. After hearing these words, a letter magically appeared in front of each student, with the exact things the man spoke on. << I'm your principal, professor Alatar Hanson and you can count on me for anything you will eventually need. I hope the best year for you, my children.>> Alatar was an old man, he was bald, his skin almost as light as snow and he was also wearing a small pair of glasses. His eyes were grey and seemed tired, like they've seen a lot of evil, sad and disturbing things, and they were looking straight at Iris, which made her a little confused. << why would he look at me when there are so many other students around?>> she thought.

A few moments after Alatar's speech, a younger, assertive, and this time, female voice spoke << Welcome, I'm going to be one of your teachers that will help you control your specific abilities, unfortunately the other professors weren't able to attend this ceremony, but you'll have the chance to meet them through this week. My name is Agatha CrowFeather and I sense this year will be... interesting...>> she said also looking straight at Iris. This other professor seemed more friendly and pleasant compared to Alatar, yet mysterious. The woman was tall, she had a dark skin, her hair was also dark, short, curly and had a white stripe on the front. Her eyes were interesting, one was a beautiful emerald green, but the other was white, it looked like she got blinded from an injury probably caused during a battle. << Her eyes are so cool!!>> said Bella to the other girls which to Lydia replied, in a low voice hoping the others would ignore her << I actually agree with you.>> << Same! I wonder what happened though...>> said Iris << You wonder a lot don't you?>> said Julia which made the four girls smile, even Lydia.

Their first classes wouldn't start until one hour from that moment, so the young girls decided to go pick up their books from the library. This book selection varies from student to student, depending on their special ability. In the library, the young Etheri would say their name out loud and magically a variable number of books would start flying in direction of that student. The line was long, apparently everyone decided to go pick up their books at the same time.

As the four girls waited for their turns, a young boy passed by, already with his books. That boy was Alan Fangs, a redhead, with an undercut and curly hair, pastel green eyes, with his face covered in freckles and  around his lips and fingertips  the skin was lighter compared to his normal dark  skin tone. Julia seemed particularly interested in him. << He's cute, isn't he?>> Bella noticed and commented. Without thinking Julia replied << Yes... "cough" hm I mean yeah sure. >> they all laughed at Julia's face turning red. Iris then said << well, he seemed fun, not to mention he is a Metal Etheri, one of the strongest types of magic!>> << And how would you know that hm?>> Lydia questioned Iris with a moody attitude. << The emblem on his Shawl duh! It's there for a reason don't you think??>> Iris retaliated.

It was finally the girls turn to receive their books. Bella went first, and after saying her name, four books flew in her direction. They were all about Water magic, one was about the magic's concepts, the other about the different ways to use that magic and so on... the strange thing was that the pages were all empty, no words.... nothing. At least for everyone except for Bella, only the owner of the book could read it, however, the books weren't complete, there are still pages to be filled, and that would only happen when the owner is strong enough to master new skills. Another aspect about these books is that the owner can never change, there is no magic, spell or potion that allows that, and, even if you are an Etheri of the same type, your skill's book will always be different. Always personal.

After Bella it was Julia's turn, the process was similar however, instead of four books flying, six arrived. Everyone was shocked, four seemed like a lot already and, to make things harder, the books were huge.
Lydia went next and she collected three books. And so, it was Iris turn, and so she did exactly what everyone else did but, nothing happened.

<< Iris Zenix!>> she resaid but no books came flying. She had no other option but to just leave the line and go meet her friends. << Where are your books?>> asked Julia having some difficulties holding hers. << Nothing happened when I said my name.... here let me help you, that seems heavy.>> << Oh, thank you!>> << Wait what do you mean by "nothing happened" that's weird..>> Bella spoke. << Its because you're a Dark Etheri, not even this school wants you here. >> Lydia commented in a joking way but that clearly affected Iris. << Hey shut it!>> Julia said to Lydia.
<< Its okay, she is probably right..>> Iris agreed in a sad tone.