Saber had sank gratefully into the middle of the three main pools. It’s temperature a constant warmth around her small body. For the past few moments, she dropped the “proper” attitude and allowed herself to giggle softly as the pool’s constant current tugged at her hair. Angel had taken her clothes to wash and pack away. Now she returned, a sparkle in her eye at seeing the unmasked girl. In her arms she carried soft white tunics that were knee length and a white cape for the evening chill. “As much as I know you want to rest in there, let’s get you dry quickly so I can show you outside before it gets dark. The sun just set.”
Quickly rising, Saber tried gracefully to make her way to the edge. However there is no graceful way out of a pool and she instead clamored out, careful to not slip on the tile floor. Angel handed her a soft towel to dry off with, then pulled the tunic dress over her head. “These are what the students wear. Similar in cut and style to my own wardrobe though I have multiple colors to choose from.” She winked at Saber and turned the child around so she could wrap her hair into a messy bun. “Ready?”
Falling into step beside her, Saber grinned. The atmosphere seemed more relaxed here than home. And Angel reminded her a lot of her friend Misty. Trustingly placing her hand into the Leurna’s hand, they left the wash room. The first two rooms outside the washroom was slightly different from the other rooms. Doorknobs slightly fancier. So subtle one almost wouldn’t have noticed. Saber paused, “Why are these rooms different?”
Angel glanced at them as they passed, “Oh those rooms are single occupancy and have inside only a single bed, single desk, and single shelf unit instead of the double your room has. In addition it has a wash basin on a magic nightstand that keeps the water constantly warm and fresh. If we have visitors or circumstances where a student needs privacy then they are given one of the two rooms. Come along now,” she ended as they continued to follow the hall around to the entrance.
Reaching the entrance, Angel paused. “Miss Trena mentioned this area is for morning exercise. When you hear the bell in the morning, you have 30 minutes to arrive here. Students are required to do the Beginners 24, a series of 24 slow and deliberate movements. It is a group bonding moment. Then you do whatever your morning chore is, go break the fast, and prepare for classes.”
“I saw the learning room. There was a lot of stuff in there.” Saber said with a hint of curiosity.
Laughing, Angel turned to the doors leading outside. “Yes and you will be more acquainted with them tomorrow.” Leading her outside, Angel began walking her around the smooth circular building. As they passed out of sight of the front courtyard, Saber gasped in surprise. Angel grinned, “My herb garden. I grow it against the building and main garden.” Sure enough, on the far side was the main garden. Continuing to the backside, Saber quietly noted the outhouses their flowers that grew over them. Angel supplied, “Even in winter those outhouses are warm and smell of flowers. Miss Trena’s magic.”
As they started around the other side, Saber grinned in delight. There was a decent, small stable and across from it a rock formation that could only be a gryphon dwelling. “Can we meet them?” She was excited at the thought of meeting real gryphons, even if they weren’t Companions. “I saw some in Gryphon Heights but never got to talk to any of them.”
Angel gave a small smile. “Not today, it is getting past dusk. Give the family a few days though. It is only been a couple days since she lost most her family. Myra has a gryphlet still, but some bandits killed her husband and other gryphlets while they were traveling back here after a vacation.” At Saber’s wide eyes, Angel explained, “Not near here. It is a good weeks journey to the wild areas that the borderholds protect. They couldn’t fly because of the gryphlets. They were almost to the first hold with some semblance of civilization when they were attacked.” Angel stopped. It was enough of an explanation. Walking slowly, it was but a moment before the graves on the other side of the gryphon’s cave came into view. Saber turned her head in sadness, and saw the forge on the opposite side against the school. It probably was the biggest reason her scrub down in the hot pool had been so - hot. She kinda felt like taking another bath just because she felt so sad for Myra the Gryphon.
Coming back around to the front, Angel gently opened the main entrance doors. Saber, out of habit, resumed the poise and posture of a proper lady making an entrance, and stepped inside. The sight that greeted her was beautiful. Magic lights hovered along the walls, their glow creating a warmth that eased away the sadness. Angel saw her relax and felt relieved. Steering the young child to the right, she suggested, “Let’s go to the dining hall. I’m sure there is plenty of food you will like.”
Walking around until they came to an open door, Saber glanced in. Inside was three students and another Leura. Angel whispered, “Follow my example,” and led the way to the kitchen window where the cook had placed platters and bowls of food. Angel took a wooden plate and bowl, Saber copying her. Angel ladled soup into her bowl and placed bread and pastries on her plate. Saber dutifully copied her. Then Angel led Saber to the table next to the occupied table and sat down. Saber sat beside her.
Talking ceased as the others looked over curiously. One of them piped up, “Are you my new roommate? I’m Dia,” she got up and came over to hug Saber. Saber, surprised, returned the embrace and looked at Angel flustered. Angel winked, then saved her, “Yes, you and her both are my charges so I will be looking after you both.” Turning to gesture to the others, she introduced them, “The other two students are Jena and Jewel. Bree is their caretaker.” They nodded politely, before returning to their discussion.
Dia went and grabbed her food and came to sit with Saber and Angel. “I’m so glad you are here. What’s your age?”
“Seven?” Saber answered curiously.
“Great! I’m seven too! And now I am not the youngest! Well, at least not alone in being the youngest. Jena and Jewel are twins and they are 14 years old. And they are so amazing. You will love watching their lessons. Are you excited to start lessons here?”
“Yes. Though I don’t know what my lessons will be on. I’m not Gifted nor do I have the ability to produce/use Mana.”
“Oh we will find something.” Dia looked at her with a odd look. “Are you always so prim and proper? You will never eat your food at this rate. Here, watch.” Dia broke off some bread and soaked it in the soup, then popped it in her mouth. “It’s good and we don’t have to worry about proper placement for the table.”
Saber kept a polite face but inside she felt a spark of irritation. Proper placement of silverware and dishes was important and she was very good at it. To know how to do something perfect and precise was a good reason to feel accomplished. Angel reached over and rubbed her back. Saber glanced at her politely and saw that look in Angel’s eyes. She knew! Fighting down the feelings and striving to feel something more genuinely kind, she turned back to Dia, “Is that why we were these simple white tunics?”
Dia clapped her hands, “Yes! No more struggling with all those extra clothes. And it is so much easier to ride a horse in these too.” Saber gaped at her in astonishment.
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