[right]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/hhWXgO1.png[/img]
[/right]
As she stared at the ring of light beneath her feet, Yvaine frowned. Her hands anxiously clutched a fistful of her dress as she teetered between relief and guilt over the outcome of Professor Nyx's harsh culling of the class. It had slipped her mind that there had been stakes involved, that they were put into these matches for a certain purpose. But to expel more than half the class on the first day… was this the way in Avalice? From the headmaster's rousing speech, she had envisioned a wonderful school that fostered hope, valor, and a sense of togetherness against the darkness in the world. It didn't occur to her that the school was prestigious for a reason, or that the academy's rumored graduate rate of 5% wasn't an exaggeration after all.
 
Yvaine felt the panic and anguish of the other students as they protested their expulsion, and it was all she could do to reach out helplessly when their own shadows swallowed them whole, removing them from the courtyard. It became more apparent to her now that Professor Nyx could be ruthless, though she still held out hope that his motivations come from a place of caring. Perhaps this was done to protect the other students? Yvaine nodded to herself at the thought. Professor Nyx may seem unforgiving and rough, and his words can be hurtful at times, but deep inside, he was doing what he thought was best for his students. Yes, it must be that.

With only the passing students remaining, Yvaine took the chance to take a proper look at everyone else selected. She was grateful that her friends were among them. Mandi, Sophiel, Kress, Misaiya; it would have hurt her heart all the more if they had been expelled while she was allowed to stay. There were those whose names she still must learn, and others more familiar. Argumentative Ty and his lovely debate partner. Ah, and there was Caelum with his hard head and infectious smile—although it wasn't there right now, replaced instead by a pained one. Yvaine gave him an apologetic look; if she'd had more energy, she would have healed him right away.

After the professor dismissed the class, Yvaine took a moment to bid her sparring partners farewell. Misaiya had thanked her for healing him when it was really the least she could do. [color=#fcd17d]"It was no trouble, Misa,"[/color] She smiled softly up at him, then at Kress. Although the time they'd spent together had been in battle, Yvaine was glad for the chance to get to know them. [color=#fcd17d]"Today has been quite eventful, hasn't it?"[/color]

From the distance, she heard both Sophiel and Mandi calling out to her. [color=#fcd17d]"It seems it's time to head back. I wish you both a good night!"[/color] Yvaine bowed her head before once again taking hold of their hands, her face alight with unbridled enthusiasm. [color=#fcd17d]"I shall make you both desserts tomorrow, as thanks for a wonderful battle. I hope you will like it."[/color]

And with that she left to join her roommates. 

Yvaine found both of them waiting for her before returning back to the dorm. Just the mere gesture had made her heart full. It has been less than a day since she's met Mandi and Sophiel, but already she felt at home in their company. Upon approaching them, she all but flung herself into their arms in greeting. [color=#fcd17d]"Hello again! I am so happy we all passed!"[/color] She settled in between them and they walked back to their dorms, arm-in-arm-in-arm. While she wanted to hear all about their fights, she knew what was more important at the moment: a warm meal to soothe the body as well as the soul. [color=#fcd17d]"To celebrate, I would like to make dinner! What would either of you like?"[/color]

At some point during their walk back, a curious frog bounded by their path. Yvaine patiently waited for it to cross and waved goodbye as it leapt into a bush, idly wondering if Mr. Frog had lost its way home.

[right][sub]☆═━━ ━ [@Dezuel][@AThousandCurses][/sub][/right]