Why So Complicated?

Year: 2,734. Month: Harvestmoon. Day: 2nd Earthday. Time: morning.

Location: Sperado's apartment.

Sha'andris woke up feeling slightly disoriented. The ceiling looked unfamiliar, a glance at the room told her she wasn't in her bedroom.Then yesterday's news slowly caught up as she woke up. A knock interrupted her musings.

- Miss Folnier are you awake? –

She stifled a yawn to answer.

- Yes. –

- Breakfast will be ready in 30 minutes. –

- Thank you. –

She sighed and got up. Sha'andris padded to the window to open the curtains. The view was nice. Overlooking Shura's park, Sha'andris took the time to gather her thoughts. 'This will be my home for the foreseeable future do I or do I not look for answers.' Not having a clear answer in mind Sha'andris turned to face the room that was now her, no matter how temporary. She had not really looked before to many things were happening at once for her to really care to look at her room. A shame really as the room was beautiful. Simply furnished, queen size bed with two side tables, a dressing table and chair and the divan she was currently sat on made the furniture of the room. But the room itself was beautiful. The walls where painted a gradual sun yellow on the floor to white on the ceiling and dark green vines twisted and curled starting from the furniture in the room and going outwards. The wood of the furniture was a pale green probably Lorax wood, and the floor was half wood and half carpet but the pattern of the two surfaces matched and only walking barefoot would show the difference.

Sha'andris whistled impressed. – that is a very nice room. – she got up and headed towards the door that led to her walk in closet and bathroom when she noticed another door. "Later" and simply opted to explore at a later time.

She entered her bathroom and took the opulence with envy. The room was tiled in white and lilac and what stood out was the porcelain white toe clubbed bathtub in the middle of the room. Venturing in Sha'andris observed that there was also a stand in shower was on her far left. She noted with pleasure despite the floor being marbled it was warm and comfortable to walk on barefoot. Looking at the bathtub with envy Sha'andris took a shower instead and finished her morning ablutions by brushing her teeth. She wiped the fog from the glass and stared at her slitted golden eyes. Another aspect of her that her father, or bearer did not mention. Frowning sightly she looked to the chocker on the sink and glanced back to her reflections. After a few more minutes of staring at her reflection she took her choker and placed it on her neck. The moment the clasp snapped in place her eyes turned brown and her pupils lost their slit.

After a quick shower Sha'andris elected to wear night blue jeans, a red top with flared sleeves and orange flower pattern on the left side and a black corset. Her usual handful of bracelets on her right hand. Looking in the mirror Sha'andris hesitated with her choker and eventually put it on. Glancing in the mirror at her golden eyes she eventually decided to wear it. As soon as it clicked into place her eyes turned brown. she strode to her bed to put on her black heeled boots.

Once ready Sha'andris headed to the dining room to have breakfast with Ash'vley. The latter was already sitting down enjoying a cup of tea.

- Morning Senator Sperado, sorry for the wait and thank you for hosting me. – She greeted her mentor and took a seat.

- Morning Miss Folnier. Don't worry about it, please call me Ash'vley or Ash. What would you like to eat? –

- Call me Sha'andris. I'll have an orange, a bowl of cereal with yogurt. A plate of scrambled egg with mushroom and tomatoes and a cup of amber tea please. You won't be eating Ash? –

- Don't worry Mah'ret knows what I have for breakfast so that is being prepared. And while we wait let me be the first one to congratulate you and officially welcome you to Cephiead Academy. –

- Thanks. – Sha'andris chirped, very hyper that she'd finally passed the entrance exam of the academy. The rest as they said was history.

Ash'vley smiled at his mentee's excitement. He absently thanked his butler for the food and started eating waiting for Sha'andris to get down from her high.

While they ate Sha'andris got a real look on her mentor. What had caught her attention the first time was his pale pink hair with the stands of blonde. As she drank her tea, Sha'andris quietly swore to herself that she'd seen horns on his head the other day. Sensing eyes on him he turned dark blue eyes speckled this red and silver towards her and raised a questioning eyebrow.

- Nothing. – she answered the unasked question and went back to eating.

They eventually finished having breakfast.

- So what is the plan for today? – Sha'andris inquired.

For today and for the next two weeks I'll be making sure that you become acquainted with the academy's life. So let's move? –

- Sure let me grab my bag. –

All the while they talked they continued walking and Ash'vley had taken them off the main street and into a maze of smaller ones to come to a stop in front of an unassuming store. If Ash'vley had not pointed it out Sha'andris would probably never have known that it was a café. Monochrome was its name and it was tucked away from the milling of the main street.

- Welcome to Monochrome! How may I help you? Oh! Ash, it's been a while. –

The waiter exclaimed as he surged forward and hugged Ash'vley. When he moved back Sha'andris got a good look at him. He was wearing a black dress shirt with the sleeves half rolled up and a dark grey apron with an M stitched in silver. His hair was dark purple and rather long tied in a low ponytail. And Sha'andris did a double take. He had horns. Sleek dark purple ridged horns that twisted inwards. He had grey green eyes and a warm smile that gave him a welcoming appearance.

- Vyni, unfortunately this is not a social call. Meet my mentee Sha'andris Folnier. –

Ash'vley motioned to the teal haired girl, who had been staring, gave a brief bow to the now named Vyni.

"A mentee? Another one. This year is going to be very interesting." Vyni thought as he eyed Sha'andris with clear interest. He smiled

- Interesting. –

Sha'andris raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Interesting? What could possibly be so interesting in having a mentor? What is more interesting is those two things on your head." she thought, eyeing the horns on Vyni's head.

What she didn't know was that students are not allocated members of the student council unless they have done extremely well in their placement or end of year examination. It was even rarer for a new student to have a member of the ruling council as a mentor. Ash'vley cleared his throat.

- This way please. –

Vyni lead them upstairs to the rooftop to a large and beautiful covered gazebo. Sha'andris was shocked. Despite the size of the rooftop terrace there only 5 tables and Vyni lead them to the one on the far left.

- May I take your coats? –

Startled Sha'andris looked up, she hadn't expected the question. She looked over to her mentor who smiled and handed his jacket signaling her to do the same. Vyni collected them and then pulled out Sha'andris chair out for her. He gave them menus and finished with a final statement.

- Once you are ready to order please press on the bell and I will momentarily arrive-

He bowed and left.

- Wow! That is really impressive service! –

Ash'vley chuckled at Sha'andris' exclamation.

- Yes, this shop is renowned for their service and food. –

- I see this is why it is full. I wondered if we would have space. –

She looked around the empty rooftop.

- The shop has three floors, four if we count the rooftop. On the ground floor we have the café . It is open all day long. On the 1st and 2nd floor are the restaurants. On the 1st it opens from 11h – 15h and then from 17h – 23h. The 2nd floor opens only from 17h and on reservation only. –

Ash'vley explained.

- What of the rooftop? –

- It is open all day long. –

- I call bullshit. There were two people before us and a waitress was telling them that they were full. So a better explanation if you would. –

Sha'andris snarked at Ash'vley.

- I didn't lie that the rooftop is open all day. –

Sha'andris pointedly looked at Ash'vley.

- The tables just have a permanent reservation. –

- Permanent reservation? –

- Yes imagine you own a restaurant, as the owner there's always going to be a table available for you at any given day and time. The same principle applies here.

She mulled over the information. Looking up at Ash'vley she asked.

- Who are you? –

- I am Ash'vley and this table is reserved for the ruling members of the student council. Also I recommend the strawberry shortcake or the raspberry tart. The evelery cake is also quite delicious. The hot chocolate or the chai chocolate are simply divine. – he said pointing it out on the menu.

- Fine, keep deflecting. I'll go with whatever you suggest, I am not picky about what I eat. – she shrugged.

- Alright them. –

- Ash'vley pressed on the bell on his left and they waited for a short while for Vyni to come back. –

- Are you ready to order? –

- Yes. Sha'andris will have the evelery cake with the chai hot chocolate and a glass of chilled lemon water and I will take the obelian mousse with the orange and bergamot tea and a glass of sparkling water. –

- The food will arrive shortly. –

Vyni said as he collected the menus back from Sha'andris and Ash'vley.

- So while we wait let's get started shall we? –

Ash'vley flicked his wrist while surging his prana and a Card appeared. It hovered above his palm for a few seconds before he reached for it. Pressing on some buttons a book appeared above a summoning magicks circle.

- How? – Sha'andris was shocked.

Summoning magicks was not easy and here was this person using it to summon a book! A book of all things! Her thoughts were cut short by Vyni coming back with the food and drinks.

- One Evelery cake, a chai hot chocolate and lemon ice water. –

He placed a black plate with a slice of red cake and cream in front of Sha'andris. The drink was in a long also black cup.

- And one obelian mousse, the orange and bergamot tea and sparkling water. –

And in front of the student council member a white ramequin with obellian chocolate mousse, a tea set and a glass of sparkling water.

- Please enjoy, if you need anything else ring the bell. –

- Thanks Vyni. –

Vyni winked at the two and left. Ash'vley simply rolled his eyes at Vyni's actions and turned his attention back to Sha'andris. The latter had started eating and was visibly enjoying her cake. He smiled at her actions.

- Delicious? –

- Yes!! I knew evelery was one of the Empire's specialties but it's so expensive!! It is the first time I had some. –

Realizing that she was gushing over cake Sha'andris picked up her cup hot chai hot chocolate in order to hide her blush

- So what are the Suits available? You spoke of... –

- Yes but there are other documents that need to be done first. Let's finish our tea first. Alright? – Ash'vley interrupted her.

Sha'andris grudgingly agreed. Some time later when both had finished and relaxed it was time to get to business. Ash'vley pushed forward a rather thick booklet.

- This contains all the information on the Minor Arkanna commonly called the Suits offered at Cephiead. –

Sha'andris stared dubiously at the booklet. 'It can't be, there are thousands of courses and classes. No way that booklet contains all the information'. She looked back at Ash'vley who simply smiled at her. So Sha'andris picked up the booklet and started flipping through it. The more pages she turned the more surprised she got as it seemed. There were more pages than expected. Seeing her confused look Ash='vley explained.

- The book is enchanted to be self updating, never run out of pages and be light as a feather. A truly popular item courtesy of the enchanting department. –

- Impressive. – Sha'andris whistled as she turned over the small book. Flipping through the pages and weighing it.

- Yes. Lets focus back on the topic at hand. There are 4 Suits, Amethyst Sword, Sapphire Wands, Emerald Coins and Ruby Cups. Each has a class. Amethysts is Nobility and Military as well as Justice. Sapphire's Artisans. Emerald for Merchants. Finally Ruby for the Clergy and magicks. –

Ash'vley paused and took a drink.

- In addition each minor Arkanna has a faculty and corresponding element. Sapphire Wands would be creativity and elements fire and ice. Emerald Coin, material and or bodily possession, in other words wealth, and the element is dual earth and metal. Ruby Cups' faculty are emotion and love. It is the only Suit represented with three elements, water, dark and light. Amethyst swords is reason. It is the final dual element air and thunder. –

Ash'vley let Sha'andris mull over the information and scribbled a few words on a piece of paper.

- So if I understand it is like this? –

She showed what she had written.

Color/Stone Arkanna/Suits Class Faculty Elements

Sapphire Wands Artisans Creativity Fire & Ice

Emerald Coins Merchants Material & body possessions Earth & Metal

Ruby Cups Clergy & magicks Emotions, love & health Water, Light & Dark

Amethyst Swords Nobility & Military Reason Air & Thunder

Ash'vley looked over the chart and made a few additions of his own.

- Yes essentially. The selection is fluid. When you choose your suit you do so by selecting the faculty that comes close to your goal. Example you want to go into healing, that is faculty magicks & clergy as a majority of healers are associated with the Ministry. So by default your suit would be Ruby Cups. Then you would be free to choose whatever courses or classes related to the type of healing you wish to do and according to your magicks type. –

- What about the element? How does that affect the selection? –

- Nowadays there is no true effect. It was in the earlier days when a trend of people's affinity and their selection was noticed and to ease the choice. Using the previous example it was noticed that those with a water, dark or light affinity had an easier time healing. Also it just helps you pick your classes. You wouldn't attend a class on light healing when your affinity is dark. –

- So with your example I can have an earth affinity and still go into healing and still be a Ruby Cups? –

- Yes. Magicks affinity no longer has any power over the Suit selection. –

- Alright. – Sha'andris accepted the explanation and continued to look through the Minor Arkanna booklet. - What division allows more mobility? –

- Cups, it offers more general courses that makes it easier to transfer to other divisions. As within the other divisions some of the courses have requirements. Cups won't really have.

Sha'andris sighed and looked over the booklet again running through the division and some offered courses.

- It is very complex and also very diversified. Cephiead lives up to its reputation and its competitiveness. –

- You also need to understand that 85% of the students who applied for the high-school sector attended middle school at Cephiead. They have the bases already. At high-school it is simply cutting down on numbers and creating an elite force. When applying for middle school it is compulsory to attend Cups for a year and two cycles, 2 years, before selecting another division. That is not the case for high-school. Also the Academy is tailored for us, Draconiems who have long lives and our long lived allies. So as a first timer I would recommend you attend Cups for a year and two cycles. –

- Even if I am a human? –

- Especially because you are a human. Your core will be given the care it needs to stabilize and eventually grow. –

She sighed and rubbed her face and tugged on her bangs.

- Well it's decided I need a shit more time to sort through this. – she placed the book down and put her forehead on it.

- Take your time. You have two weeks until you have to make a choice. Well a bit more than that, but the sooner the better. – Ash'vley called Vyni for the bill while Sha'andris mumbled about.

He stood up and accepted his coat from Vyni. He eventually poked sha'andris.

- Time for me to show you around Cilphen. –

Once Sha'andris got her jacket from Vyni and glanced at his horns as they left. Once outside they headed to the monorail. They took the central line, it went through Cilphen and had in view the main sites of the Town.

- You see that building? – Ash'vley pointed to a tall tower shaped building. – That is Vesper Tower, the main administration building. It is located in the center of the town and can be seen from all around campus. Each side has a unique face to it. It can be used to give directions, so if you are lost one day look at Vesper Tower and what side you are facing .

They continued their journey and Ash'vley pointed out his apartment located in the White Lotus District.

- My apartment is on the Lotus Line on the Alma stop and from there it is a 5 minutes walk. Also Vesper Tower's south side faces the front of the building. – Ash'vley grabbed Sha'andris and exited the monorail to grab a bus. Sha'andris head was swiveling about trying to catch all the wonders of the academy,

- Wait where are all the students? – Sha'andris noted the lack of uniforms around.

Ash'vley looked at her with a shocked expression. And burst out laughing. He was bent in half laughing and had tears streaming down his face. Sha'andris flushed and lightly hit him on the arm.

- Stop laughing. It's not funny. –

- Sorry sorry! I didn't mean to make fun of you. – He grabbed Sha'andris and got on the next bus. – we passed by quite a few students. It is the holidays so there is no need to wear a uniform. Casual appearance like you and me. –

Sha'andris just huffed and looked out the window still red in the face. She looked at her reflection. Her eyes briefly turned glowed gold. She quickly shut them.

- Not funny Ash. How was I supposed to know? Stop laughing. –

- Okay okay. – He wiped the tears out of his eyes and let you a chuckle here and there. – let's head to the top of the openbus. This one line, V3, is the line that mainly leads to the highschool buildings. This one here is the music building. A large portion of the rehearsal rooms are located.-

- Are the rooms open to everyone? -

Ash'vey shot her a quizzical look?

- Can I use a room to rehearse? –

He looked thoughtful as he mulled over her question. He snapped his Card out. He got up and pressed the halt button.

- What are you doing? – Sha'andris asked bewildered.

- Come on let's go. –

He got off and Sha'andris scrambled to follow him off the bus.

- So what was that about? – She exclaimed.

- Well, since I don't actually know the answer to your question. I thought instead of asking Vyni why not just head to the Music center and ask them directly. –

He walked in the direction of the auditorium. Sha'andris quickly checked her eyes in the stores windows and followed after Ash'vley. Or tried to as she'd lost Ash'vley from view. So Sha'andris followed the bus line back to the previous stop. After 15 minutes Sha'andris decided to ask a passerby for directions. And wasn't really shocked to learn she was in the opposite direction of the music auditorium. After another 20 minutes she decided to change tactic.

- Excuse me, miss. – Sha'andris asked a woman reading on a bench. – I am in need of a bit of help. –

- Of course, how can I help? – she closed her book.

- I am totally lost and … –

- Oh you need help going somewhere? –

- Yes. No. Yes. No. –

The woman raised an eyebrow and waited for the Sha'andris to continue.

- Yes I am lost. I need help making a phone call. –

- Who? –

- Ah sorry my name is Sha'andris Folnier. –

She laughed as she took off her sunglasses and her hat revealing blonde hair and red eyes.

- Nai'ed Elstow. Nice to meet you miss Folnier. – The girls shook hands. – no what I meant is who is it that you want to call?-

- Oh sorry. – Sha'andris blushed and coughed to hide her embarrassment. – I need to call Senator Ash'vley Sperado. He's my mentor. –

Elstow looked at Sha'andris with interest. The latter miss took the look for one of curiosity. And started babbling. Elstow took this as an opportunity to make the call.

- Elstow? I am sort of busy right now. –

- Ash! It's Sha'andris! – said girl got in Elstow's face in her attempt to communicate with her mentor.

Considering how close she was, Elstow just rolled her eyes and handed over her deck Card. Sha'andris shot her a grateful look as she accepted the Card.

- Where are you? One moment we were heading for the highschool's music auditorium and the next you were gone!

- Yeah about that… I may have forgotten to tell you that I may or may not have a shitty sense of direction?

There was a silence at the end of the line. Even Elstow, who had gone back to reading her book, looked back up at Sha'andris.

- What the fuck! – both simultaneously exclaimed. Both had incredulous looks.

- Could you say that again? – Ash'vley hazarded.

- I may or may not have a bad sense of direction? –

- May or may not? – asked Elstow

- You are asking me? – asked Ash'vley.

Both asked at the same time. Sha'andris pulled at the hem of her t-shirt. The other two simply couldn't help it. She was very far from where she was supposed to be. In fact she was in the opposite direction and a good hour on foot and 35 minute by public transport. Elstow face palmed, Ash'vley pinched the bridge of his nose.

- Anything else you might have forgotten to tell me? – he asked with a sigh.

Sha'andris had this very guilty look about her face. The other two present sighed.

- Look never mind, just give Elstow back her deck Card and DON'T MOVE! – he insisted on the last part.

Elstow snorted at the last part and took back her Card. She moved away from Ash'vley and switched telecommunication from video call to sound call. She turned back to Sha'andris.

- Sit! – and turned back to continue her call.

Sha'andris however was just outraged. She got up to say something but without even turning Elstow gestured for Sha'andris to sit down. She pouted but did sit down. She grabbed the book the Elstow was reading and started reading. She was so in the book that she didn't notice that the owner of the book had finished her conversation and sat down next to her grabbing another book to read. Sha'andris only looked up because someone kneeled in front of her.

- Ash! – she exclaimed at Ash'vley's smiling face.

- You are hard to find. Give the nice lady back her book and let's go. – he pulled her out of her seat.

- Hello to you too Sperado. You are welcome by the way. – Elstow snarked from her seat. Not looking up from her book.

- Elstow. –

- Sperado. –

- Folnier. – Sha'andris added to the conversation.

Elstow snorted but got up and pushed her sunglasses up on her head.

- Did you enjoy the book? – she asked Sha'andris

- Yes it was rather interesting. – she answered. – thank you for letting me read it. –

She added realizing she hadn't asked for the owner's permission. Elstow smiled and held out her deck Card to Sha'andris. The latter looked at her questioningly.

- Place the book on it. –

Sha'andris did as told. This time she looked at the Card in more details and saw the insignia Kn and a sword.

- Kn? – she asked Elstow.

- Knight of Swords. – Ash'vley answered.

- Oh! On Alde'inor be damned. You are actually giving away information for free. Who are you and what have you done to Senator Sperado. – she mocked, clapping her hands.

- Sha'andris met Nai'ed Elstow, a member of the Flush. Knight of Swords. And it's time to head back our ride is here. – He talked to Sha'andris completely ignoring Elstow's words.

he grabbed Sha'andris and dragged her to the car that was parked on the curb. She waved back at the blonde.

- Thank you for everything. – She shouted back at the red eyed blonde.

- Call me if you wish to finish the book. – she shouted back.

She got in the car at Ash'vley's constant prodding. She prodded back once settled.

- So what's your story? Ex girlfriend? –

- Says the girl with the bigger story and the shitty sense of directions. – he retorted.

- Hey not fair. –

- Fair. –

- Not fair. –

- Fair. –

- Young master we have arrived. – The butler interjected, cutting the pissing contest short.

- Thank you Mah'ret. –

- Young master? – Ash'vley just ignored Sha'andris. – Fine , fine be that way. – She sauntered by Ash'vley and headed to her room. Halfway up the stairs she stopped and turned back to face Ash'vley. – hey Ash?-

- Yeah? –

- Thank you? –

Ash'vley looked up but she'd already left.

- You're welcome. – he answered to no one in particular a small smile on his face.