The Tragedy of Mark's Van

Classic Making of New Friendies

A blaring alarm woke up Saphira and Crystal. Crystal bolted from her bed while Saphira yawned and made no move to get up. "Sarphira! Get up! I have to give you a tour and walk through all your class with you. Breakfast starts at 7 A.M. And classes begin at 8 A.M. We don't to be late on your first day."

Saphira moaned and got up. She quickly did her morning routine after Crystal kept bugging her. After they were both ready, Crystal took Saphira on a quick tour and ended at the cafeteria. "Here it is. The place where glorious food resides."

Saphira laughed at Crystal's enthusiasm. She noticed a girl sitting alone at a table and poked Crystal. "Hey, there's someone sitting alone. Maybe we should sit by her."

Crystal nodded. "Sure, but let's get our food first." Saphira's stomach growled in agreement and Saphira blushed furiously. Crystal snickered and led the way.

"Hi there. I'm Saphira and this is Crystal. What's your name?" Saphira said warmly. Crystal stood beside her at the table.

The dark-haired girl smiled. "I'm Talia. I'm new around here. What about you? Hey, do you want to sit?"

Crystal and Saphira quickly took a seat. Crystal grinned. "Cool. I grew up here. But Saphira is new too. Where are you from?"

"I'm from Nidus," Talia said simply.

Saphira shrugged. "Oh well, I'm from Griffae. What's it like in Nidus? I've never been there before."

"I haven't either."

"Well, it's certainly not like Mordreath," Talia said. She poked her food uncomfortably. Nidus had a bad reputation compared to the other districts. It was infamous for being infested with criminals, gangs, and drugs. Most people believed that that was where all the Rebels hid. Now that was a lie.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want too," Saphira said kindly. Talia relaxed a bit and gave a shy smile.

"Where's your guide? Your roommate?" Crystal asked.

"Oh her? She dumped me. It was something about how Chosens are all idiots and me being Nidus trash," Talia replied. She shrugged indifferently. "Not like i care what people think of me."

Crystal gasped. "What? That's so prejudiced of her. You know what? I'll be your guide now. You have any questions or problems, you come to me. I'll help you."

Talia grinned. "That's really nice of you. I thought all Mordreath people were mean robots or something."

Saphria exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, me too!" Talia and Saphira exchanged a fist bump. Crystal feigned hurt and ate her food sadly like a droopy mushroom.

Saphira elbowed Crystal. "That is until I meant Crystal. She's probably the nicest Mordreathian around here." Crystal blushed and Talia nodded in agreement.

"Hey, do you know what your Gift is?" Talia asked curiously. Saphira shook her head, but Crystal excitedly began explaining everything about Mordreath, the Choosings, Gifts, and the rules.

Saphira listened and smiled. Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all.