[b]43.[/b]

The silence of the hallways was... easing, to say the least of it. Jade wandered through the twisting, turning corridors of the University, examining everything as he did. He was getting a feel for the layout. Drawing up a mental map. With a steel memory like his, he'd have little trouble remembering which way was which in the future. He just had to examine everything in one fell sweep.

[i]Someone who doesn't sleep will make every attempt to occupy themselves, won't they?[/i]

Sicini. Again.

"I want to make sure I know how this place works." Jade replied, "You'll forgive my apprehension of staying in an opulent palace such as this."

[i]Ever so cautious the outlaw. Hm.[/i]

Jade figured she said that last bit with a bit of a smirk. Suited her character.

[i]I will leave you to your devices. But after tonight, the more arduous quality of training to become a true Sage will commence.[/i]

"There's nothing I know about earth magic they can teach me." Jade replied, "They'll understand that."

[i]Indeed they will. But what causes you to believe your lessons will revolve solely around earth magic?[/i]

Jade ceased walking, genuinely curious as to what the necromancer meant.

[i]Oh, Jade... I wish you strength in the times ahead. Goodnight.[/i]

And then he was alone again.

...

He found himself in the library. Rows of bookshelves full of tomes, reaching for the cieling. Mahogany tables adorned with lamps lit by dim crystals. Almost no one was present save for the occasional student hard at work studying for... something. Jade made as little noise as possible as he proceed through the library, appreciating how the most sensible place would also be the most silent. Calm... dimly lit... rather peaceful, really. Cozy enough to call home even. Silent as a mou-

"Hey..."

An audible whisper. Jade turned his head to the right. There, tucked between two aisles, clinging to one of the bookshelves, was a female elven student. Studious clothing, shy voice, bright blond hair, green eyes... scar on her cheek... something seemed familiar about her...

"You... you're the real Jade Fist?"

Jade simply nodded in reply.

"Could you come with me for a moment?"

The student turned and proceeded further down the aisle. Jade, only slightly apprehensive, decided to follow her. They passed through two rows of bookshelves, made a few turns, and finally came upon another straight clearing, full of tables like the central aisle. The student led Jade to the only table with a lit crystal lamp on it, surrounded by a cluster of other students. As Jade approached the table, he noticed... they were all elves. They all had scars, burns... now he knew what this was about.

"This is him." The student said quietly to the group. "This is really him."

Jade looked around as all the students gazed at him. He recognized all of them... past excursions... boats, crates, cages... every one of them was an elf he'd freed in the past.

"We make up all the former slaves in the University." The student said, "When we learned you were here... we wanted to see you. Thank you. For everything."

Jade looked at the student and said, "I..." He was truly void of a coherent sentence, so he simply nodded again and sat down at the table, letting the elven students surround him. After a moment of silence, he said to them, "I never... I never got the chance to learn each of your names in the past. I think I owe you that now."

The student from before leaned in and said, "Inali."

And the student next to her said, "Tonnev."

"Nihsa."

"Ferric."

"Nemos."

And the rest went on and on. He learned each of their names. Talked with them. Shared in their comfort. Rejoiced in their freedom. He decided he would head back to his quarters once he was done conversing with his kin.

For now... he felt truly at home.