Settling In

When Melch and Leif were done unloading all their stuff into the room, they decided to see what the dormitory looked like. They were first excited to see what other rooms looked like, but soon that excitement was dampened because most of the rooms were locked. The warden explained that students were attending classes at the moment and that most of the academy's areas could only be accessed with personalized plaques that they would receive later.

Shrugging off their curiosity about the locked rooms, Leif stretched and grinned. "So much for thinking to sneak a peek inside the academy. Guess they really don't trust first years like us with anything interesting, huh?"

Melch chuckled softly. "It's not about trust, Leif. It's about order. Besides, we're not here to break into places."

"Speak for yourself" Leif quipped winking. "I'm here to dig up all the secrets of the academy. But okay, fine what's next? Wanna see the park I saw out behind the dorm?"

Without much else to do, the two of them stepped out through the back door of the dormitory and into the park behind the dormitory. What awaited them was absolutely breathtaking.

It looked more a mystic paradise than a small piece of grass. Old trees, great in height and venerable, wear their robes with pride-the leaves glistening vaguely with spell and enchantment. Soft hummings of sorcery filled the air with floating lights passing by, ethereal and vague, to imbue the setting with an unreal tinge. There was one single cobblestone path across the lush lawn into many crevices hidden inside the park. In the middle, sat a fountain calm and serene under sunlit light shining upon its silver-like liquid face.

Leif let out a soft whistle. "Wow. I'm not lying. This is quite a mountain view we've been having back home. Just look at that fountain there. Do you think it is drinkable?"

Melch arched an eyebrow. "I wouldn't even try. With this place around, it must be enchanted. You might start to sprout feathers when you drink from it."

Leif laughed the carefree sound echoing through the park. "Feathers, huh? Could be a good look for me. You'd be jealous of my wings."

As they wandered further, they came across a swing hanging from the sturdy branch of a giant oak tree. The ropes looked weathered but sturdy and the seat was polished smooth as if generations of students had used it.

Leif darted ahead and hopped onto the swing giving himself a strong push. "Melch, you've gotta try this. It feels like flying without all the magic nonsense."

Melch hesitated for a moment before giving in. Leif jumped off, landing with a dramatic roll on the grass and motioned for Melch to take his place.

"Alright, your turn Mr. Serious. Time to loosen up a little."

Melch slowly sat down gripping the ropes tight. He felt a slight nudge from Leif, as the swing started swinging him forward; the wind whipped through his hair. He felt a moment of small laughter surprising himself with such a small amusement.

"See? I said it was fun" said Leif beaming.

At other moments, though flashes of magic broke into the otherwise tranquil park scene as a few of the older students were flying about in mid-air, executing a flawless flip to cast some spell or another. Colored wisps streamed out of the ends.

"Do you think we'll ever be able to do that?" Leif asked wistfully as he watched another student do the same.

"Maybe" Melch replied thoughtfully. "If we try, I don't see why we can't."

Leif snorted. "Effort, huh? You know I'm allergic to that."

But they couldn't stay relaxed for too long because hunger set back in and they had to return inside to the dining hall. The hall was large and vibrant with long wooden tables and benches neatly placed. Plates of steaming food floated in through the air guided by unseen hands and landed very gracefully in front of them when they were waiting.

Leif's eyes lit up as he grabbed a loaf of warm bread from the serving counter. "Now this is what I'm talking about. Free food and no dishes to wash."

Melch chose a simpler meal, opting for bread and a small bowl of soup. They sat at a quiet corner table and ate in companionable silence, the sounds of chatter and laughter filling the air around them.

After dinner, they went back to Melch's room and finally had the time to think of what was in store for them. Melch sat at his small desk near the window staring out into the academy grounds with a deep reflection.

"I will join the Medicine Department" he said finally breaking the silence.

Leif, lying on the bed and tossing a small ball into the air rolled his head towards Melch. "Medicine, huh? You've mentioned that before. Still set on becoming an alchemist to cure Valkora?"

Melch nodded. "It's not just for that. I think alchemy has the potential to uncover truths about this world that we haven't even begun to imagine. The idea of creating something meaningful. that's what drives me."

Leif sat up straight, his face grave more than it normally ever is. "You know, I was thinking." He changed his voice and assumed an effortful tone. "Perhaps I should become a combat magic wielder. If I'm unable to join you into the Medicine Department because of school grades, then at least I can defend you, correct?"

Melch gave him a little smile. "You don't have to play bodyguard, Leif. But thanks for wanting to."

"Yeah, well, someone's got to keep you out of trouble" he joked smiling again.

In short, their plans and ideas would be thoroughly discussed their plans for a potential future or something that one or the other joked about might actually happen tomorrow and eventually the night fell so other students begin coming back. Melch and Leif even got out to say hello.

They were a mixed lot, faces and accents speaking of origins far beyond Viria. Some of them stood tall and towering, while others were petite and seemed almost fragile. And then there were those with non-human features scales, horns or faintly glowing eyes.

Leif, being the social butterfly that he was started conversations with several students asking about their homelands and what brought them to Theoder Academy. Melch kept quiet, observing more than participating but he couldn't deny the curiosity sparked by the stories he overheard.

As night passed, they returned to their room both excitement and trepidation over the next few days coursing through their veins. Melch lay awake for a little while, gazing at the ceiling and pondering on the path he had chosen. It was going to be difficult; he knew that but for the first time in this world, he felt that he can cure his disease in Melch Vasti's body.

Leif was softly snoring before long and Melch closed his eyes, letting sleep carry him off.