Thread: The Heart of the World -[Haru::Ironic]-

As the headmaster called them all to attention the room stilled and murmuring ceased. Though a fair man, Headmaster Ryze was also known not to tolerate nonsense in his presence. Each cadet was expected to uphold a certain decorum, and especially in the presence of the Headmaster those standards were to be met. Clearing his throat Headmaster Ryze was handed a large piece of vellum by one of the teachers, and with a nod he began to read out the names of those that had been paired together. The names did not seem to be in any particular order, and Jaerth was one of the first names called, paired with an elven female named Feniira. A Bladedancer of considerable skill, the elven female seemed quite happy with her partner and as the names were read those assigned to one another naturally found each other in the crowd and were pulled to the side. Jaerth gave Amarok's arm a pat as he'd been called, but dared not speak, though as the comely elven Bladedancer gave hima nod, her emerald eyes bright, Jaerth beamed and shot Amarok a thumbs up. Name after name was called, each duo, and the rare trio, moved to the side. Finally, after nearly forty-five minutes, only two cadets remained standing unpaired. Amarok and Zara. There was no doubt now whom each wold be teamed with, yet as was expected and to make it official, Headmaster Ryze read their names. Amarok had been watching, listening, and as those around him were pared away like the layers of an onion, he soon realized who he would be teamed with. Not that he had any problem with Raza. In fact, he rather liked her. She was one of the few anthro females in the Academy, and her skill was well known. They'd met several times, and immediately found one another a little abrasive. Not that they could not work together, it was simply that they clashed a bit. Amarok could respect her, and he found her rather pretty. If only he could muzzle her then they'd get along much better and he might even hang around with her more. Amarok's style of battle was... destructive. Not that any way of killing was considered clean, but as a cadet with healing, and her bow as she attacked from a distance - Amarok's style with the blade and his evocation magic - might seema bit barbaric or uncouth. It played to his wolf instinct and love of the hunt. Of course, in his own mind, Zara was a pretentious bitch. Looking down her nose at others while she practiced filling enemies with holes from a distance. Not brave enough or skilled enough to get in the face of her enemy and watch the light die from their eyes. Amarok sighed and his yellow eyes, baleful to some and beautiful to others, easily found the young female standing alone not far away and Amarok walked to her, gave a perfunctory nod, and then walked to the end of the line, being the last called. Now they had little to do but wait. Amarok was of the mind that they saved the best for last, and he had to admit, albeit grudgingly, that Zara was a decent match for him. The problem was whether or not they could work together without trying to rip one another's throats out. The process to gain entry into the Headmaster's chambers was even longer. Calling names and watching cadets pair off was easy enough, yet giving the assignment and explaining what was expected took a little time, and Amarok leaned against the wall as each team was called and admitted. Finally, after over thirty minutes of waiting, Amarok spoke softly to Zara. What do you think they will have us do? he asked, starting a small conversation. Even as they spoke quietly, the line slowly dwindled and after a time Amarok and zara were called into the office, the last of the cadets. Headmaster Ryze was there, seated behind his desk, and yet an unexpected presence was there at well. A Magister. Not only that, but from the armor that was worn, a Judge Magister . These men and women were the pinnacle of their profession, Judges that presided over the other Magisters even, upholding the law and order of Prynh. Who watches the watchmen? The Judge Magisters. Law dictated that their armor cover their faces, so that nobody knew who was beneath it, and their voices were magically altered. The identities of the Judge Magisters was a mystery, and kept that way in a very purposeful manner. Ryze was as cheerful as ever as Amarok and Zara were ushered in, the door soon sht, leaving the two cadets with the Headmaster and the Judge Magister. Zara, Amarok, please have a seat. Ryze said, and would wait until they did so. When next he spoke, the Headmaster was full of praise. There is a reason that the two of you were picked last, and the saying of saving the best for last certainly applies. The teachers and myself have watched your progress with interest and see a foreshadowing in your potential, and even in your names. A and Z, the beginning and the end, Alpha and Omega. As such we took special and careful consideration on the Trial that you twomight undertake. We believe, as do the Magisters, that you are destined for great things. Ryze took a moment to let those words sink in, and soon continued. As you know, to the north of Marsippi lies the Tempest Peaks. So named due to the great storms that constantly ravage the mountains. Deep within the mountains you will find a series of caverns, and in the heart of the mountains resides a crystal. You will know it when you see it. We require that you retrieve this crystal and deliver it back here, to myself and the Judge Magister. the Headmaster told them. You will be given access to several items that you might find useful on your journey, and you have no time limit in which to complete your task. There is a small settlement at the base of the mountains, in the valley before you would begin your ascent. The village is called Ferndale, and they will be expecting you. Once there you will seek out a man named Hagen, and he will give you a map of the area. Without this map it is easy to become lost in the Tempest Peaks. Ryze went on to explain. It seemed that the assignment was straight forward and yet held so many variables. The Headmaster directed any other questions to be given to Hagen at Ferndale. Once dismissed and exiting the Headmaster's Chamber, Amarok turned to Zara. I suppose we should get moving. We should grab a few things to prepare and perhaps meet out in front of the Academy. The Headmaster said that we would be given access to a few things to help us along our journey, so one of us should go and talk to Beatrice about that. Amarok said. Beatrice being the older professor in charge of the Academy's warehouse of assets - from weapons to potions and various items both magical and mundane. Did you want me to go, or did you want to do it? Amarok asked, unsure about doing it together since they might argue about what to bring along.