Nasia

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

NASIA has decided to ignore the jittery nerves flowing down her bloodstream and proceeds to class, head down and her nose buried in a book. She managed to get to class safe and with no bumping into anyone on the way. "Is that book so interesting that you want to dive into it?" A peppy voice sounded behind her. A little hop on her feet, Piper tip toes to peek at the book she's holding.

"Good morning, Piper." She faces the petite girl and shows her the book. "And, yes, it is. It really makes you lost in its pages, turning them one after the other, losing track of the time - it's just wonderful." Nasia continues her way to her seat when an obnoxious cough echoes through the room. A man with his black shirt tucked under a long black coat, his fraying jeans and dusty black shoes has his arms crossed and sits by the edge of the wooden desk. "Good morning, Professor Alrudor." Her eyes roam the class noticing she is the only one inside with the exception of the man.

The man stands with his hands inside his jean pockets. The smell of chlorine wafts through the air, getting stronger and stronger as the man comes closer to her. He glides his hand across the air and a sword appears. "This will be our weapon."

Nasia gawks at his nonchalance, then stares at the sword. "Where do I get my own?" she asks. Professor Alrudor stares at her incredulously and hands over the sword to her.

"I thought you would have prepared your own after Headmistress Mildred informed you about your new classes."

"I'm sorry, Professor Alrudor, but she didn't tell meI'll be in need of a sword. I'll be more prepared next time." The professor nods at her. She diverts her attention back to the sword brushes the hard, cold, and shiny steel.

"Now then, let's start with the basics."

***

When the professor said they'll start with the basics, she didn't expect to have their swords clashing in a flash, and she was struggling to defend. "Professor---" She blocks with her sword, her feet planted on the ground. She grits her teeth and clenches the sword's hilt tight. "Is this really the basics for this class?" she asks.

They jump away from each other. Nasia lands on the ground with her wobbly feet. Professor Alrudor skids through the rough ground. "Experience is the best mentor there is, young witch. Now, once more. Come at me with all your might." Only the clashing of the swords rang out through the vicinity. The fluttering green grasses now lay flat at each stomp of their feet as they find their balance - Nasia still struggling to keep up with her professor.

Like a snap of a finger, they're broken out of that adrenaline filled battle. The bustle of the students envelop the school grounds along with the heavy ringing of the bell. "That is all for today. I will see you tomorrow." She bows before the professor. The glistening silver in her hands brings her attention to the sword she holds. Opening her mouth to speak, but only a squeak escapes for her professor is already too far away. With a sigh, she looks at the sword again, and leaves for her room.

***

On her way to her room. She remembers the headmistress' words earlier about her getting a new room. She fishes out the golden key with the wings of the phoenix encasing the handle. Nasia holds it up and its golden glow glistens against the setting sun. The headmistress told her that her room can be opened by this magical item. Thank goodness she's been given this room because she can't possibly always always ask Xena to open the door for her.

However, the only thing that's frustrating her is her room's distance to all her classrooms. She has reminded herself to wake up an hour earlier than usual in order to have ample time walking from her room to her classes. After a few more minutes of walking, she arrives in front of a huge bronze-colored door. Entering the room, it's too spacious for one person. She could probably line two or three shelves in the middle of the room, in addition to the ones lined up on the wall. Wouldn't that be a dream, she thinks.