Chapter 2: We Must Prepare for the Fun to be Over

Chancellor Chadwick eschewed the traditional pointed hat for a close crop of pin-straight silver hair. She was just an inch or two over six feet tall, with a straight nose and handsome features. The Chancellor swept her dark gaze over the room, and then paused.

"To our first years, welcome. To our second and third years, welcome back. I'm going to keep this brief, so you can all start settling in for the new year. As always I have a few announcements.

First, brooms remain forbidden on campus, and the faculty will not entertain any further requests for reconsideration on this issue. We don't want another belltower incident--" Chancellor Chadwick paused for a wave of groans and other noises indicative of disappointment to settle down.

"--but after careful consideration, the faculty is--for the first time in two hundred years--opening the forest surrounding the school to students. This is on a probationary basis, and we will close the forest once more if you give us reason to. Don't make us regret this decision."

Most of the Chancellor's announcements went over club meeting locations for the sake of the first years. Yes, all students were expected to be in class first thing after breakfast tomorrow. No excuses. House points could and would be deducted for skipping class on the first day. At the very end, Chancellor Chadwick called the names of three students who were to report to the disciplinary tribunal directly after dinner. Apparently some students didn't screw around when it came to getting detention.

"Do you know what they do about any points first years gain?" Jacinth whispered.

"I have been informed that professors must tally any of our points by name, and they will be transferred to the corresponding houses after selection," Zell replied.

"I think I saw cake. I'm getting cake. Do you guys want cake?" Lilith asked, and then was gone.

Jacinth fiddled with the hem of her green dress. She knew Lilith hadn't meant to abandon her. But, she couldn't help but wonder. Would Lilith return at all? There were so many cooler people around. And while Lilith and Jacinth were old classmates from Primaschola, that didn't really mean anything. And even Zell looked way too cool in their own way to be hanging out with the likes of Jacinth.

When Lilith returned, she came with three plates. Each had a small slice of chocolate cake on it.

"Well well well. The Unsoiled Scion stoops to providing someone of soiled heritage with service and baked goods. I shall record this day in my diary for posterity for future generations. I'll treasure this memory until my dying day, and perhaps after," Zell said as they took one plate.

Jacinth wanted to say something about how Lilith was a nice person, but couldn't figure out of Zell was being serious or making some kind of joke. Instead, she picked up her fork and began to nibble on the cake. It was a good enough excuse to keep her from saying something stupid.

Silence fell over the table once more. This time, it wasn't related to conversation.

Gritty cake was a new experience. It was like trying to bite into a crumbly, dessicated sponge, and it just fell apart all over the place. Jacinth's mind reeled, trying to put together some way to describe the experience. Also, she was tearing up at the idea that she might have to eat this cake in front of everyone.

"This cake is...bad,"

"Most inadequate," Lilith and Zell pushed their nearly untouched plates forward.

Another pause.

"Jacinth? Is it still in your--you can spit it into a napkin or something. No one's going to be mad," Lilith said, and passed Jacinth a paper napkin.

Jacinth accepted the napkin, and then spit the cake into it before crumpling it up into a ball.

"I'm so sorry you had to see that," she whispered.

"I don't think anyone cares," Lilith replied.

"I'm infinitely more sorry about the existence of this wretched excuse for a confection. It vexes me," Zell said.

"How hard is it to make cake? I'm seriously asking because the kitchen was off limits in Primaschola and I have no idea. But I have never encountered something as disappointing in my life," Lilith asked.

Jacinth shook her head. She had never been allowed in the kitchen at home. That was an absolute order from her parents, and not something she would have dared to defy.

Zell nodded their head once, seeming lost in thought.

"If you wish to undertake the lessons, I could show you the ways of The Batter Witch. My mother instructed me in enough rudimentary skills that I could prepare something qualifying as at least par or average," Zell said.

Lilith laced her fingers together, giving the idea thought.

Jacinth wrung her hands together, picking at the napkin from earlier. She knew very well that Lilith's parents didn't like the idea of any of their children hanging around the lower classes. And they certainly didn't think anyone with either the Radcliffe or Forsythe names should be hanging around the kitchen. The only difference was that Lilith's father seemed to forget that she existed half the time, and her mother was usually galavanting around Paris and not in the house to lay down the law. But, that didn't mean it wouldn't land Lilith in trouble if they found out. And if the discipline levied out by the Radcliffe-Forsythes followed the general structure of other unsoiled families…

The pale woman shook her head, trying to plead at Lilith with her expressions. What? Don't, Jacinth mouthed to Lilith. Lilith looked from side to side, but Jacinth knew that Lilith knew exactly what she was referring to. After all, Jacinth was on the Astromancer Path, and she knew Lilith well enough and for long enough to know what was going through Lilith's head without the mind magic training. Maybe Cecil Radcliffe-Forsythe forgot about Lilith more often than he remembered his youngest daughter. But, there was always the chance that he would remember, and he wouldn't take kindly to this behavior. Lilith was always on thin ice with her parents, when she was remembered. And even if they never noticed on their own, Lilith's older sister would.

And Quorinth never forgot anything.

"I will give due consideration to your generous offer, Zell. Allow me to think on it," Lilith replied.

This seemed to satisfy Masyga, who nodded. Thank goodness. Jacinth didn't want Zell to hate either her or Lilith. But, the fact of the matter was that Lilith's parents were far easier to anger, and had far more influence over anything that might happen in Lilith's life.

Jacinth followed behind when Lilith and Zell got up. All three of them deposited their dishes on the conveyer belt that took them back to the kitchen and the golems. While Zell and Lilith chatted, Jacinth was content to remain a step behind. It was enough for her.

While she would never begrudge Lilith making other friends, or friends--were they even friends? Jacinth wasn't entirely sure that she understood the entire thing in the first place. Other people smiled a lot and seemed to have fun. But, Jacinth never seemed to be able to make the 'right' acquaintances to satisfy her parents. Of course, she received invitations to various social occasions, but Jacinth knew she wasn't really wanted. And, again, she didn't need the mind magic for that.

Lilith wasn't as socially unwanted as Jacinth, but she came close. That, plus Lilith's physical delicacy landed the Radcliffe-Forsythe scion in isolation in the healing bay nearly as often as people overtly snubbed Jacinth. Lilith let Jacinth sit with her at meals. Sometimes they studied together. They might have been friends.

Jacinth could know for sure if she did use her mind magic.

But, Jacinth was too afraid that it was an act.

And, please, let her just have even the fantasy of friendship. She had to let herself have that.

And in return, Jacinth would make sure Lilith never really stepped over that line she toed on a daily basis. Someone had to. Otherwise, something might happen to Lilith. And then where would Jacinth be?

"I feel like house selection happens too quickly. Two days isn't enough time to know anyone. They're running on first impressions only," Lilith said.

Jacinth began paying attention to the conversation once more.

"Is there perhaps a particular house you have set your hopes on, or one you have set your nightmares upon?" Zell asked.

"My sister wants me in Croatan. She's house president. But, other than that I don't want to be in Casa Calisayla," Lilith said.

"Intriguing."

"I mean, they seem fine on paper. But, every time I hear about someone taking a prank too far, it's Casa Cali. I guess that's cool for some people, but I'm not about the prank life."

"It is true that pranks require a certain dedication and expenditure of mental and physical resources for the purpose of introducing chaos that can be admirable in the aspect of scale. However, I might also consider myself the sort who would prefer to allocate my resources otherwise," Zell answered.

"You're not really that type either, are you Jacinth?" Lilith asked.

"Oh no. No, no. I would never," Jacinth worried for a moment that she had somehow given off the impression that she would indulge in that type of behavior. Absolutely not. Her parents would never stand for it.

"Exactly. So Casa is a no-go for me. I don't think I'd fit into Maison DuBois, either. Part of me isn't excited by the idea of being around Quorinth's clique all the time, either. So that leaves either Dan Obeah or Lakay Laveau as my preferences," Lilith said.

"I suppose it is possible I could find belonging to Casa Calisayla a tolerable arrangement. However, the residents of Maison DuBois have a reputation for a sort of social conservatism that I find stifling and inhibitory towards progress--despite what the original founder might have intended. I find it doubtful that anyone from Croatan would deign to recruit me, given the importance that is placed upon blood status in that house. Otherwise, I am at near 70% certainty that I could make any other circumstances within tolerable parameters," Zell added.

"And what are your preferences, Jacinth?" Zell asked.

Jacinth nearly jumped.

She hadn't expected Zell to also bother speaking to her. Her heart hammered in her chest for a moment. What if she said something dumb?

"D-dan Obeah is my first choice," Jacinth choked out.

A round of nods went around as the trio continued walking.

Oh no. Maybe that was the wrong thing to say. Jacinth wrung her hands. The dorms came into view, and Jacinth considered just running for her room and staying in there.

"It's cool that you have a first choice. I feel kind of bad only having a list of houses I don't want to be in," Lilith said, forcing out a laugh towards the end.

"Yes, you will be able to focus your attention on the object of certain desire to the exclusion of all ruled-out options. Most efficient. An enviable position," Zell said.

Jacinth's heart hammered so fast, she was certain the others could hear it. Never mind if it was fake praise, Jacinth didn't want to know at that moment. She just wanted to bask in it. To just pretend.

The cool air from inside the building washed over Jacinth, and she realized just how much she had been sweating outside. At least she wouldn't have to leave the building until the next day. Thinking about that small luxury, Jacinth didn't realize that she followed Lilith and Zell back to their suite until she was already in the front door.

"Doesn't look like our third--oh, a note!" Lilith said, taking a closed envelope from the inside of the door.

Zell pulled a mug from their desk and filled it with cold water from the sink as Jacinth and Lilith moved back into the room. If Jacinth was also to become a comrade, or friend, then more seating would be necessary in the room. And more cups. Imagine. What a wealth of 'friends' that would be indeed, a veritable bumper crop. If the anomalous luck involved in producing that sort of result could even be trusted, Zell could only imagine that their fortunes would have to reverse all semester long to pay for such a high expenditure of luck-currency. Just imagine.

Perhaps they would bomb any pop quizzes within the next day just to grease the wheels of mathematics and probability.

"Looks like the third in our suite is going to be late," Lilith scanned the note for a few more seconds before adding, "seems like some kind of emergency thing."

"Ah. So this was not an additional situation of our reputations proceeding us to drive our third suitemate from our presence," Zell rubbed at their chin.

It was unclear if Zell felt relief or disappointment.

"I guess they're missing the first day of class, then. Probably going to show up when whatever this thing is gets figured out," Lilith shrugged.

"Might there be any forthcoming details on this most mysterious third suitemate?" Zell asked.

"Arista Lafayette. Path of the Marshal," Lilith replied.

Zell flopped onto their bed and crossed their arms.

"Then we must prepare for the fun to be over. No youthful shenanigans or tomfoolery shall occur within these hallowed walls. Narry a single adolescent escapade or hijink will be tolerated. All of the contraband must now be transferred to Jacinth's dorm with the utmost secrecy we can muster, under the cover of dark," they said.

All three mages looked around the room, nearly certain that there wasn't any contraband that needed hiding in the first place. Jacinth knew she would most certainly never bring in anything of the sort. Lilith wasn't interested in any of the items forbidden on campus. And Zell knew exactly what was and what was not permitted on campus to the exact letter of the law. Good thing they weren't dumb enough to use such items for foolish pastimes like pranks. If they would ever have access to such items. That is. Which they did not.

Jacinth peered about the room, while trying her best to not look like she was doing just that. Everyone's belongings were in plain view, and it was easy to see the differences between Zell's side and Lilith's side of the room--even if the furniture was the same. Neither had decorated much. But, Jacinth found herself wondering what the room would look like later.

Visiting a friend's dorm. Wasn't that the type of experience Jacinth had been wishing for in Magischola? It was a chance for her life to change from the way things had been in Primaschola. She'd fantasized about just this sort of thing: spending time frivolously in a friend's dorm. Maybe they would share snacks, or study, or discuss something else entirely. Jacinth's mother had been clear that Jacinth was supposed to socialize with the right type of people, supposed to network. It was important.

And this was a good first step, right? Jacinth offered herself that encouragement.

Lilith moved to her trunks and began looking around inside. She brought out another box and placed it on the desk.

"Do you want to play checkers, Jacinth? How about you, Zell?" Lilith asked.

Zell paused, staring at the ceiling.

"Perhaps in a short amount of time. I have come to the conclusion that I wish to discern whether or not the student store is still open. Upon reflection, I believe I may be missing a few key supplies," they said, before sitting up.

"Will you let us know what the hours are, if they're posted, yet?" Lilith asked.

Zell nodded an affirmative before turning to leave the room.

"Jacinth, I will permit you to make use of my chair while I am absent," they said, and then walked out.

Oh man. It was just friendship all over the place. Jacinth wasn't sure if she should be as excited as she was. In Primaschola, some of the other students refused to use anything Jacinth had touched--saying she had cursed everything. So even if this was supposed to be a joke, Jacinth couldn't help but feel excited. She dragged over the chair to Lilith's desk.

Lilith pulled out several types of pieces--dark wooden circles, small bottles filled with scales, small bottles filled with minerals, and small jars filled with some kind of moss. Each jar was barely as tall as a single knuckle. She explained the basic rules of the game, showing Jacinth each of the pieces and examples. It was strange. Normally if anyone let Jacinth play a game with them, they didn't bother showing her how to improve. She was there to be a losing opponent, and, at the time, Jacinth had been satisfied with that little bit of happiness.

Jacinth lost the first game, but wasn't bothered. Lilith ended up showing her a few examples of what she could do differently, and took her through a second game by the time Zell returned.

They came back with a few bags of snacks, and a set of glass vials.

"The student store is open until eight. However, it appears that it does not open until after breakfast. So if you are missing any essential accouterment for classes tomorrow, I would highly suggest that you make haste. There should be fifteen minutes remaining," Zell said.

"It's already that late?" Jacinth turned from Lilith's desk.

"I should go back to my room," Jacinth added, thinking that she'd have to leave a good time to do it.

"Fair enough. See you at breakfast?" Lilith asked.

Jacinth nodded, now not so loathe to leave. She walked out of the room, and then down the hall and up a flight of stairs before going to her own room. Other students passed by, chatting. They didn't seem to notice her. It was like, once again, Jacinth Akeldama was invisible.

In the end, though, Jacinth's curiosity overruled her previous decision. It was too tempting. Of course, she had hope that maybe, just maybe, Lilith actually liked her. So while Jacinth might have gone to bed fully prepared to never know that particular truth, her even mentally unvoiced desire ended up vetoing her conscious choice.

Dream walking wasn't entirely new to Jacinth. On more than one occasion, she observed the dreams of someone else as an outsider. She was like a ghost, then. There was no way to effect anything or even gain the attention of the dreamer. But, this time it was different. Jacinth could feel her feet on the ground, the texture of stone and the damp. The air was cold and smelled like pond scum. Or like grass. Or like something else green and damp that Jacinth couldn't identify.