Alchanore~ School for Magically Gifted

Chapter 5.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chapter 5. - Folcai Dealers ⭐️⭐️⭐️

As I dressed for the second time that morning I couldn't help but admire my transformation. My pale green shirt, dark green tie and tartan school skirt were considerable more complimentary than the grey woollen dress which now hung in the wardrobe space set aside for me by Saskia and Ruby.

"Looks good on you." Saskia called over my shoulder, peering at our joint reflection in the large oval mirror as she pulled a pre-knotted tie over her head.

"Thanks" I smiled back, studiously re-lacing my black leather shoes. "You leave you tie already tied?"

"Yeah..." Saskia turned, smirking at me as she casually followed Ruby out the door.

"...I never did learn how to tie it myself."

-

Harlow joined us partway down the stairwell as we headed toward the dining hall for breakfast. We both lingered slightly behind as Ruby and Saskia lead the way, talking animatedly about something which was imperceptibly inaudible.

"Are you nervous?" Harlow asked me in a hushed whisper, brushing his blonde fringe away from his eyes.

"No, of course not." I laughed uncertainly. ".....Why? Should I be?!" I halted suddenly midway down the stairs, reconsidering.

"Uh huh, real convincing." Harlow laughed to himself, doubling back a few steps to my point of decease.

"You'll be fine." he smiled reassuringly, reaching out to offer me his hand.

As I stared into his dark brown eyes I couldn't help but admire his immense ascend in confidence from the scattered, scruffy-looking boy whom stumbled into my room only yesterday.

I accepted instinctively, without waiting to give it a second thought. Before I knew it Harlow was leading me the rest of the way down to the dining hall. It was strangely admissible how much comfort I procured from the warmth of his large fingers intertwining with mine.

As we reached the romanesque arch of the entrance to the dining room we soon spied Saskia and Ruby whom were awaiting patiently outside. As they turned to greet us Saskia's face contorted into a most disdainful expression at the sight of our embrace.

Needless to say, both Harlow and I released our grasp immediately.

Upon first glance entering the dining hall it was hard not to acknowledge that the space was exceedingly large- along the gray stone walls hung many more paintings, artworks and two prodigious textile banners.

One banner portrayed an image of a grand Martial Eagle; it's commanding, outstretched wings and brown spotted undersides glistened powerfully against the white, silken background. The other banner was also very nice, but lacked the grandeur of the eagle. It was a slightly smaller in scale and a little tatty around the edges from the ravages of time.

Embroidered upon it's emerald green fabric was a soulful portrait of a fawn. I stared at it entranced for several moments as it's black, yielding eyes seemed to rivet forcibly back into my own.

Around the room hundreds of students dressed in white and green uniforms lined rectangular oak tables in a some-what orderly fashion.

Ruby lead us toward an open table midway down the hall where we all silently took a seat. Harlow and I made a conscious effort not to sit next to each other after the awkwardness outside. Saskia continued to shoot Harlow the odd disapproving glance whenever their eyes met across the diminutive space.