92 The School of Wind (1/2)

Livia: ”Come on in, Steven.”

This is it.

My new class for the rest of the school year. I took a deep breath and made my first step inside.

Once I was inside, I saw that the class was small. It was no different than remedial! At most, there are at least 15 students all sitting in the front and 30 more empty desks neatly pushed to the side, creating an empty area in the middle.

Alvina: ”Welcome, I am Mistress Alvina, you can address me as Miss Alvina if you so wish.”

My new teacher wasn't young either. She looked more serious and intimidating than any elf I've met. She had to be in her mid-40's, tall, and well-built. As in, she works out a lot. She kept her hair in a tight bun and wore dark clothes and pants unlike most of the female staff who wear skirts. Her most noticeable feature would be a scar that ran alongside the left side of her jaw and the calm look in her eyes.

Alvina: ”Please, introduce yourself to the rest of the class.”

Steven: ”My name is Steven Omeo of Feles Isle.”

Alvina: ”The same one that has been kidnapped and nearly became a carrier to the Witch's Burning?”

Not even a couple of minutes in and I'm already put on the spot!

Steven: ”Unfortunately.”

Alvina: ”I see good things from you, Steven. Please, sit anywhere you'd like.”

The back is no longer an option for me. My preference was near the door so I could be the first out of the classroom. If things get bad, I can just leave real fast.

Livia: ”Pardon me, mistress.”

As soon as Livia leaves, I start to feel the eyes of everyone staring me down. I normally wouldn't mind the attention but I could feel the malice coming from several of the other students. Maybe it's coming from the women; it makes sense. Unless the boys want to be stupid and play the hero.

Maybe it isn't too late to get transferred back to Independent Studies, or even remedial.

Alvina: ”Steven… what is your affinity towards Wind?”

Alvina is the only one I know that appears unfazed by my presence. Pretty ironic how the scariest looking one in the room turns out to be the friendliest.

Steven: ”Natural.”

Alvina: ”Fantastic, are there other elements you know of?”

Really…

I might actually be able to get along with Mistress Alvina!

Steven: ”Earth, Fire, Water, and Holy, mistress.”

Alvina: ”Do you know them as well as Wind?”

Steven: ”No, mistress.”

Alvina: ”Don't worry, you won't be learning those here. Class, we are heading to the auditorium, G-block.”

The School of Wind wasn't like any other classroom. On our way to the arena, Mistress Alvina was breaking down how she runs her class. Her manner of teaching is hands-on but structured. It's rigorous, to say the least.

Alvina: ”What do you think of the class? Were there any good first impressions?”

Alvina: ”I understand; don't let it get to you. Everhand isn't used to people that are different.”

She moves her hair and reveals her ears. They were short and roundish but still had a point to them.

Alvina: ”Understood?”

Wow, she's emitting an aura of friendliness!

Steven: ”Yes, mistress.”

Alvina: ”Good, now go back to the rest of the class. I'm sure at least one of them wants to talk to you.”

I slowed my pace and fell back in with the rest of the students. Some of them were eyeing me and others were avoiding me as if we were the same poles of a magnet.

Oh well, I came to learn magic, not make new friends.

As I was about to set my path and begin isolating myself from the rest of the class, one of the students behind me nudged the back of my shoulder. I turned around to see that it was one of the students I've never spoken to before.

Arlen: ”Hello, I'm Arlen.”

A high elf…

He was tall but average. Dark brown hair, brown eyes, clean-shaven, and in the common vest and necktie. Nothing about him stood out and I wondered why someone like him would want to talk to me.

Steven: ”Steven. Nice to meet you.”

Arlen: ”Likewise. How did you get into the School of Wind this late in the year?”

Steven: ”I was behind on credits and the Headmaster offered a few solutions.”

Girl: ”And one of those was joining the School of Wind.”

And behind Arlen was another high elf. This time, she stood out. Blonde hair, blue eyes, and ears as long as my hand, from my wrist to the tip of my middle finger. She was the stereotype of what everyone thinks is attractive.

Her outfit consisted of a brown skirt that flowed down to her shins, a cream blouse, dark blue overdress that's laced up tight and a black leather belt cinched around her waist for the added detail. Simple clothes but were masterfully crafted. She's a noble.

Her boots were black, laced and double buckled mid calves. They look like they were meant for war but she's wearing them because they look good. It has to be common too because Cynthia and Madelyn wear similar ones.

Steven: ”Who are you?”

Victoria: ”My name is Victoria. I've wanted to meet you since the incident, Steven.”

”The odd round-eared elf slew a witch!” is probably what she's thinking. I'd wager that she thinks of me as nothing more than a curiosity but she doesn't sound condescending. Maybe she's being genuine?

Steven: ”It's nice to meet you, Victoria.”

She smiles and walks closer beside me.

Victoria: ”The Headmaster dropped you into the School of Wind? You know a lot of people drop out of this class for a reason.”