Placed

Chapter Four

               

The next morning, Nymira woke up with the same nerves as last night. Ansley was still sleeping peacefully beside her; in an attempt to not wake her up, Nymira snuck out of bed and into the bathroom to snag first shower again. The water does little to ease her, but the warmth is a comfort.

            After her shower, she doesn't reenter the bedroom. Instead she sits in the makeshift living space between the two bedrooms. Neither of the other two roommates have emerged, and Nymira hadn't seen either of them since yesterday morning.

            It's another hour before Ansley woke up and another fourty-five minutes before the twins emerged. With a small smile from each of them, they quickly get ready and leave the room. Only Nymira and Ansley are left.

            They leave soon after, anxious to get today's assessments over with. When they make it to the dinning hall, there is a quiet buzz among the other Magicks. This is the first time their performance actually means something. Despite only being here for a few days, and not having these contests as hyped as they could be, none of her fellow Magicks want to be the first sent home.

            Both girls cautiously pick their way through a small breakfast. It is evident that nerves have ensnared both of them. Even Elias keeps his distance. In a quick glance around the room, Nymira spotted him at a corner table with his bent over a small bowl. From this distance, he looked smaller and weaker than he was. Nymira had no doubts he'd place remarkably high, seeing as he kicked her ass yesterday.

            Too soon the same trainers filed into the room. The six who had trained with the Magicks yesterday all held clipboards. The remainder stood in a straight line, their arms crossed in front of them. Nymira spotted Neil with his clipboard. He was standing at the end of the line, focused on the clapping trainer from yesterday.

            "Good morning, Magicks! Today we will begin with your individual assessments to see where you rank so far. You will all return to the rooms you were in yesterday. One by one, you will be called out for your assessment. You and one human will be combating. My fellow trainers standing behind me will be judging you based on skill, technique, and time. The faster and more correct your attacks, the higher you will score. Good luck!" He clapped his hands and smiled as the Magicks filed out of the hall to their designated rooms in the hallway.

            Nymira and Ansley walked together until the two reached Ansley's door. With a quick squeeze on the shoulder and a whispered "good luck," she entered the room. Alone now, Nymira made her way the short distance to her room. Inside, she noticed Shayla sitting on the table, twirling her hair around one finger. She gave a small but wicked smile to Nymira as she made her way past. She stopped at the wall opposite the door she walked in and sank to the floor. Crossing her legs, she folded her hands in her lap and studied her fingers. In her head, she was chanting a mantra about how she would do her best, no matter what. However, she was rudely interrupted by Elias sliding to the floor next to her.

            "I thought I told you not to get nervous," he whispered, leaning in close.

            "You said no such thing, asshole. Now get out of my face, your breath smells like eggs," Nymira didn't have to look up to see the soft sneer on his face. It wasn't as wicked today as he usually made it. "Anyway, why are you nervous? I'm obviously one of the better people here and you kicked my ass twice yesterday."

            "I can assure you I've never even touched your ass, let alone kicked it," he replied with only a slight falter. After a pause and a scoff from Nymira, he continued, "No, but going in front of people has never been my forte. I'm too quiet for a lot of people's tastes."