The Prodigies: The Return of Equinox

Chapter Nine - Shells

It had been a week since all of year-group eleven had arrived at the Hall of Vera. Most of year-group eleven, Core was still a no show. The year-mates had stuck to the groups they made on arrival, even abandoning their own Aspect members. Voleria and Alegna studied each other, learning and pinpointing their differences. Garvhoz, Noromac, and Jasper stood near each other. They competed at every opportunity, whether it was eating food, running far or fast, strength testing, or fighting prowess. Seilana followed Nano and Celesta, trying to gather all the information she could about who she was. The pair wouldn't let up, but they would give the poor girl tidbits of useless information that she had already figured out herself. Tora stuck to Winter, trying to ease her out of antisocial behaviors. They had turned into friends by the end of that week.

Yet, there was a person that was left out of the loop. Svetra had finished with her healing with out any visits from anybody. Only the nurses and healers of the Hall would come in to check on her. Thankfully, not even the bastard Aath had came into her room again. She had finally stepped off of her bed without the aid of a nurse or healer. She felt empowered, she felt like she gained her independence back. She was eager to find her assailant and bring an end to his life. Making it as painful as possible. When she rushed to the door of her room she felt lightheaded.

"Damn it" she said under her breath. She still needed to take it slow.

She opened the door and a place of ivory, gold, and silver appeared before her. The white walls were adorned with half columns, with wreaths of stark dark green olive branches in between each. The window frames were shining silver, and the large panes of glass were held together by what looked like gold. There was a long velvety red rug that ran down the whole length of the hall. Paintings of various lords, ladies, and heroes were strewn across the walls as well.

"Whoever this Vera was or is," gawked Svetra, "she must have been very wealthy." She almost stepped out of her room before she remember that she was dressed in the all white patients gown. While the outfit could have passed for something that could be worn everyday, she felt naked without at least some protection. She closed the door and started looking around her room. She looked under her bed, in the closet, and the drawers of the dressers in there. She found nothing except the clothes that were provided by the people who were running the tournament. She grudgingly decided that the clothes given to her were better than nothing. She decided to wear to the long white skirt they had and a flowing top with sleeves that stopped at her forearms.

She thought that she looked only a bit better than a clown wearing the outfit. She started making her way to the door before she realized that she was barefoot. She quickly looked for something to put on her feet. It was of the highest offense for people to be barefoot while a guest. All she could find were some sandals that went up to just below the knee. She stomped in place for a bit, almost throwing a fit that these were all they had in terms of footwear. No sort of protection from the elements! No thick sole in case there were sharp objects on the ground! No protection of the shins! What was this madness? She hurriedly put on the sandals and stormed out of her room.

After a while of roaming the long winding halls of the place she found the cafeteria. It was much better than the mess hall she was accustomed to and much better than the dining room back where she came from. There wasn't anybody eating at the time. The only people actively out and about was the cleaning staff. When she went to the window of the kitchen to ask for something the people only pointed her to the tables where the food was served. She turned and saw that only scraps were left.

"Look, I'm one of the war heroes. I'm Svetra, I'm sure at least one of you have seen or heard of me."

"Sorry, nothing I can do about that!" yelled a fat, red cheeked man that was chopping vegetables. "We can't serve new food until the new eating time or until all of that food is gone."