Sedrais Academy

Chapter 12

   Zaxshen took another look at the elf. He really couldn't get over the shock of meeting someone who was part of an extinct species. Even weirder was his scent. It was earthy, with a hint of jasmine. Did all elves smell like that?
And had he really lost his memories? How horrible that would be—to be stranded was bad enough. But to be stranded without the barest idea who you were?
   Zaxshen shuddered at the thought. He took yet another look at him. Only this time, the elf looked up at him as well.
"You're a werewolf, right?" He asked quietly.
   "Yeah, why?" Zaxshen winced as the elf ducked down. That had come out harsher than he intended. "I mean, why do you ask?"
   He glanced up at Zaxshen under dark lashes. "I don't think I was born like this. I have a few memories that seem so vivid. And yet, when I try to visualize my ears, or my brothers' ears... My mind goes blank."
   Zaxshen blinked, trying to comprehend what he was saying. He wasn't born an elf? Then how...? Was it even possible to be turned into one? Surely elves weren't similar to werewolves and vampires in that respect.. "Why does that make you think you weren't born an elf?"
   The... elf? blew out a breath, running a hand through his hair. Zaxshen was startled to realized how closely the color resembled blood. "Surely I would know more about it? I don't have a clue what you're all talking about when you mean for me to 'hide' my ears, or cover my eye. I don't even know what an elf can do.. Why would I live in town if I was some mystical creature? I don't even know what words Masheri—What words the Headmaster is using half the time.."
   Zaxshen frowned. "I don't know what you were, or what happened to you."
   The redhead looked away entirely, his shoulders bunching up. No, that's not quite what he meant either...
   "But I'll help you figure it out," he finished.
   Just as soon as it appeared, the tension left the elf. He met his eyes.
   "Thank you. Really, thank you.."
   He shook his head. "Don't thank me. It's what anyone would do."
   "Zaxshen, right?"
   Zaxshen paused. "...Marin?"
   Marin nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face.
   Zaxshen met his smile, and then nodded to a bench. "Take a seat. Before we get back to the dorms, we're gonna figure out your ear issue together."

~~~~~

   Aster woke the next morning to way too much light pouring in past the blinds. She turned over, and tried to close her eyes again.
"Aster!~"
Aster groaned. Moments later, her door swung open, and Caliza peered in, grinning. "Classes were cancelled today!"
"That's nice." She pulled a pillow over her head, snuggling into the mattress.
Caliza was quick to steal that comfort. She tossed the pillow aside, marching over to further disturb her rest.
Aster sighed, and sat up. She was already awake anyways. However... Now she was curious. "How come?"
"The Headmaster said we could all use a break. Though, I figure it's more because all the teachers want a vacation," she mused. "Either way, you gotta get up! Since it's a Friday, he's letting us go into Brandel early!"
"What's so special about a town?"
Caliza groaned. "We always go on the weekends, Aster. Come on, it's a tradition!"
Aster rolled her eyes. "Fine," she relented. She could use a day off, she supposed.
But.... No, no she would go. She needed to get her mind off things.. Maybe she could sleep straight through the night then.
"I promise it'll be worth it," the naga said.
Aster got up. "Alright, Alright, just get out so I can get ready."
"Okay!" Caliza smirked at her and left the room.
What had she gotten herself into..

~~~~~

   Caliza slowed the car to a stop. With a grin, she glanced back at Akelox and Aster in the backseats. Kaeris, sitting next to her, did the same.
   "I'm never getting in a car with you again," Aster muttered. She snickered.
   Akelox nodded his sentiments.
   Caliza got out, followed by the other three. She had to stop and wonder though. Zaxshen was usually the first to want to visit Brandel, though he'd never admit it. But instead, he said he'd come later. It was very unusual.
   "Alright, so where to first?" She asked. Normally she'd go straight to the sweet shop. But normally Aster and Akelox weren't with her. She wasn't sure if they even liked sweets, actually.
   Aster shrugged. "I'm following you."
   "Oooh, sure that's a good idea?"
   "Don't make me regret it," she answered.
   Caliza thought she already sounded very regretful.
   "Where do you wanna go?" Akelox asked. She realized quickly as to which shop he was looking. Kaeris met her eyes with a slight grin, and nodded.
   "Sweet store it is!" She pumped her first in the air. "Best place if you ask me," she said to Aster.
Said witch gave her an odd look in return. Caliza blinked. Akelox whispered something she didn't quite catch.
   Caliza offered a little smile, turning away. She could've that Aster had seemed upset in that moment. Did she really not want to be here?
   For a brief moment, Caliza contemplated apologizing. But, she wasn't so sure Aster would accept that.
   She turned her eyes back to the store with a decisive huff. "Onwards, troops!"
  
   ~~~~~

   "Ma'am, the subject is alert, and moving. His heart rate has returned to normal."
   "Wonderful news. Where is he heading? And is he on foot?"
   "I don't believe so. He's moving too fast and at too low a heart rate for him to be on foot. As for where—he appears to be on route to Brandel."
   "So he remembers.."
   "Did you say something, ma'am?"
   "No. Cover for me if Carinex comes by. I believe it's time for me to investigate."