The Last Piece of the Key

I made my way toward the training grounds. Vance was supposed to meet me there before our final debriefing with Veldrin. For these last few days of school, the grounds had been open to outsiders, though mostly it was parents who cycled through. It was the Academy's chance to really show off the campus and the rarity of such an opportunity served as free advertising and brought flocks of potential new recruits flooding through the portal.

When I arrived, I found Vance already there, leaning against one of the stone pillars. His arms were crossed, and he was staring up at the sky with an expression that I sometimes had when I was lost in deep thought.

"You brooding too?" I asked, stepping up beside him.

Vance exhaled sharply. "Always."

I smirked. "I thought that was my thing, but it looks like you inherited it as well."

"Nah, you specialize in self-loathing and denial. I just think too much."