1 - Daughter Of The Storm

07 - The Archlan Academy

1st day of the scythe season 2447

The waitress brought breakfast, which consisted of multiple colorful fruits, vegetables, and tree bark to the group. Accustomed to eggs, bread, and ham by this time of day, Azéna wasn't sure what to make of this meal, but ate anyway, leaving the bark aside. Eyes glistening, Fayne seemed quite content.

"You don't want to eat your bark?" asked Vigoth, staring at the Kindirah curiously. "It comes straight from the Strangled Forest in the heart of the territory of the sylvan elves. It's a rare treat."

"Umm... No thanks," she replied, smiling stupidly. "I'm not the type to eat tree bark."

"Right. I forgot again that you've never been to Nëowalds. In fact, all elves eat bark, because it is very nutritious for us. Humans generally stray from it, but some just eat it for pleasure."

"Is it pleasant to eat?"

She raised an eyebrow and imagined herself trying to chew through the bark. She grimaced.

"I'll do without," she continued, finishing her green apple.

"Fussy lady," Fayne scoffed.

She finished her friend's plate for her, leaving only crumbs. Meanwhile, the waitress returned and seemed surprised.

"My word, you were hungry," she said as she filled their glasses with water.

"Thank you very much," Leith smiled and took a sip.

The worker offered her a smile and then picked up the empty plates. When it was Vigoth's turn, she couldn't help but show interest in his attire.

"Are you a Guardian of Aerinda?"

"Oh, yes, I am. You have nothing to fear with me around," chuckled the lunar elf, ever so charming with the ladies, as usual.

The waitress laughed, thanked him for his work and went back into the kitchen.

"You know I'm one too, right?" Leith asked impatiently. "And soon, so will Azéna."

"I'm sorry," Vigoth replied. "I stole all the glory from you."

"What kind of title is that?" the Kindirah asked, raising an eyebrow. "And... honestly, I think I have enough titles, thank you very much. I don't need another one."

His interlocutor laughed and gave her a friendly pat on the back.

"Don't worry, kid. It's just a fancy title to indicate that you're a dragon rider and dedicated to protecting Aerinda."

Azéna wasn't sure how she felt about this. It seemed like a big task, but she loved being part of an adventure. Fayne gave her a subtle glance of encouragement. She was always there to support her, valiant Fayne. Her friend silently appreciated her gesture.

After breakfast, Vigoth helped her get ready for the academy. He carefully packed all the equipment into her backpack. Then they installed the saddle on Tyrath's back. He snorted impatiently, but didn't object.

"Now you can fly with him without getting hurt on his scales," the grandmaster informed.

Azéna blinked, unsure of what to say.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked. "Go ahead and try. Try it! You'll have a head start on the others during the flight course."

"Flying lessons?" she asked.

The moon elf picked her up and placed her on the back of the silver drake who was fidgeting in excitement.

"Wait! No, no! By Elysia! This is sudden! It's too early for me!" the teenager shouted in panic.