The Children of When (Complete)

Chapter 7: Madame Persimmons

Madame Penelope Persimmons sighed. She always felt sorry for these new kids on their first day. The three sitting in front of her had the usual dumbfounded looks on their faces, and she hadn't even begun to explain how much their lives were about to change.

"Right, so now all the secret-squirrel business about your past is dealt with, how about we talk about what happens next?" She chuckled at her own joke. Standing up, she moved around to the front of the desk and rested against it. She always hated having a huge desk between herself and those she was talking to. It felt so... impersonal.

"I understand how confused you must be feeling right now, but trust me when I say it will get easier. Fey Academy will be your home for the next few years, and we're all here to help you ease into your new life. You may notice changes in your physical appearance over the next few weeks, depending on what race related qualities you were born with. You can expect anything from a change in skin colour, or elongated ear tips, to extensive facial hair growth, or wings sprouting. You will find handbooks on each of the races living in Florisia in your rooms. I would advise taking the time to read them, as they contain specific details regarding the standard characteristics, and associated known Gifts, you can expect to develop."

Penelope cleared her throat, trying to resist the urge to laugh. She should be used to the looks of astonishment on the 'newbies' faces by now, but the boy, Raff, looked like a goldfish struggling for air. She could feel Leah, the petite little blonde with the stunning eyes, staring at her as if she had completely lost her mind. The most astonishing one though was the little dark skinned girl, Belle. Her soft brown eyes were shining with joy, as if the prospect of transforming into someone else was the greatest thing she could ever have imagined. It was a reaction she'd never seen before. She wondered sadly what could possibly have happened in the poor child's past to make the changes being described appear like a dream come true.

"No questions?" Penelope asked into the silence. "Right then, we'll move on to your teachers, and what you can expect to learn from your lessons here at Fey Academy. Mr Kafoops is our history/geography teacher. His classes will include the history of Florisia, how the government and laws of this land work, and details of the cities, forests and mountain ranges that make up Florisia." The boy, Raff, was rolling his eyes and looking bored at the mention of lessons, the usual response she got from the adventure-seeking types.

"To help you develop and understand your Gifts, Miss Poppycock teaches Gift Control. Because we are currently unaware of what Gifts you may develop, Miss Poppycock will concentrate on the safe practice, and control, of Gifts in general."

"And last but not least, is the elective class. You may have noticed the horses grazing in the meadow outside my window. Mr Trotter's Equine Knowledge class is open to any students wishing to learn how to ride, and care for, their own horse. The other options available are Metallurgy with Mr Wizenhart, or Forest Lore with Mistress Evaline. You will need to choose which of these areas interests you, and let one of your teachers know."

"Classes are held from Monday to Friday, and on weekends you are free to spend your time as you please. It is important you attend all classes," she looked pointedly at Raff, who blushed guiltily, and looked down at his hands. "You never know when you might need the information learned from a particular lesson."

"Well, I think that just about covers everything. I understand you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment. I'll arrange for someone to show you around, and take you to your rooms, so you can settle in and digest what you've learned. If you think of any questions, which I'm sure you will once this all sinks in, I'll be here in my office after morning lessons tomorrow. And now, I'm afraid I have to run. Dominic will be here shortly. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, and please be at lessons tomorrow morning."

She knew they'd need time to absorb the details of their new lives. They were lucky to have each other to talk to; it helped to have someone else around who was going through the same thing. She always felt particularly sorry for the ones who arrived on their own.

With what she hoped was an encouraging smile at the three faces, which were still wearing the familiar stunned looks, she pushed away from the desk and headed for the door. Now that she thought about it, it was unusual to have three new students arrive on the same day. She couldn't remember the last time it had happened, in fact, she couldn't remember it ever happening while she had been there, and that was an extremely long time.

The number three struck a chord in her mind, as if it was important for some reason. She shrugged impatiently. I'm sure it'll come to me, when I have the time to think about it. She turned her mind to the long list of jobs she needed to get done before the end of the day. She sighed, opening the door and hurrying off to tell Dominic they were ready.