Heir of the Sword

32 | Ignis

Ignis {fire}

As Arya neared the academy doors, she saw a figuring standing there. Based on the flowing golden locks and emerald green gown, Arya knew that it was Lady Zelie. However, she didn't know why she was outside of the academy. As Eclipse drew near, Lady Zelie's gaze snapped to meet Arya's.

"You're back," she said a small smile flickering on her face.

"Yes," Arya replied before dismounting Eclipse. She could see the bags under Lady Zelie's seafoam eyes. She clearly wasn't getting enough sleep.

"How was the trip?" She asked.

Arya thought of the elders, the festival, Aaron before replying. "It was refreshing. I feel much better after visiting Evenna. It's as though a burden has been lifted off of me."

There was a twinkle in Lady Zelie's eyes as she spoke. "Are you sure it wasn't the fact that a certain someone was with you."

Arya shook her head. "Speaking of which," she trailed off, "why didn't you tell me he would be accompanying me to Evenna?"

"I knew you would protest which is why I thought it was better for you to be kept in the dark."

Arya begrudgingly agree. If Lady Zelie had told her someone else would be accompanying her, would have made sure that they didn't come with her on the trip.

Arya turned the conversation around to ask Lady Zelie a question, "My Lady why are you standing outside? Is it not almost dinner time?"

Lady Zelie looked up at the darken sky. The sun had set almost half an hour ago but some of the beautiful colours were still present. "I just needed fresh air."

Arya nodded she understood the feeling. The academy could get a bit claustrophobic at times.

"Why don't you go and prepare for dinner inside. I'm sure there are two lovely ladies who are waiting to hear about your experience." The way Lady Zelie said it was casually enough but Arya knew the Silvia and Yasmin must have been asking her where she had gone. After all, she had left without telling anyone around her.

"I'll see you later My Lady."

Lady Zelie smiled in acknowledgement and Arya couldn't help but let a soft smile of her own appear as well. This was the woman who had changed her life for the better. This was the woman who had believed in her when the world had not. If Lady Zelie looked shocked to see her smile she hid it well. She waved at her until she made her way into the academy, her true home.

The academy seemed a little less crowded as Arya walked through the halls. She assumed it was due to the fact that it was almost dinner time so most of the students would be in the great hall. Arya opened her room door and emptied out the contents of her bag. She placed the ocarina on her bedside alongside a thick brown envelope.

Aaron had given it to her and told her to read it once she got back to the academy. He had also told her to reply to his letter and not leave him hanging. Arya was tempted to open the envelope and read its contents but she held back. She wanted to read it slowly and right now, she simply didn't have the time. Dinner would begin in a few minutes.

Arya slipped back into her academy uniform and then went to the bathroom in order to make herself look as presentable as she could. Her hair was all over the place due to her trip but she couldn't do anything about it so she simply tied it into a straight bun and began walking towards the great hall.

Once the doors were opened, Arya was shocked to see how little students actually remained behind. Half of the academies tables were empty and many girls were huddled in a corner. They all looked on edge. Arya saw Yasmin and Silvia waving at her frantically from a table in the corner.