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Karya swayed through the courtyard, a little more drunk than she'd intended to get.

In part, it was because she'd gone and chugged wine out of a big mug rather than a goblet, but she hadn't known it would be that strong. A container was a container, and a drink was a drink wasn't it? The other reason had been Hoseforn's warning, that they must all stay vigilant in the coming days. She'd asked around at the table, heard rumours of disappearances. Like the ones Xanthe had been investigating before vanishing herself.

The wine hadn't taken the edge off of the anxiety roiling in her stomach, as she'd hoped it would, but she'd kept up a cheery act, so as not to bring down the mood for everyone. She gripped the map tighter, silently resolving to become the best adventurer she could, and track down her sister. She'd give her all in class tomorrow, no matter how bad a headache she was likely to wake up with. It would be a good idea, despite her worries, to at least try to get a good night's sleep.

Crystals, lit up like fireflies, floated along the path's sides. They illuminated an immense, towering building, utterly unlike the small huts she was used to. She didn't get the point of such large and closed structures, but she wasn't going to complain. A glance at the map confirmed this was the right building. Buzzed as she was, her dryad-typical sturdiness meant she still had some of her wits about her at least. She staggered inside, heading up the stairs to where the map's route ended - door 415. As soon as she reached out to open it, a tingle of magic spread up her fingers, and she heard a click. The door swung open on its own, causing her to stumble. Steadying herself, she stared and recoiled at the sight it revealed.

The first thing that drew her attention was an orange blaze on one side of the room. Crackling noises. The smell of smoke sticking in her suddenly tight throat. [color=76c429]"Oh crap no no no..."[/color] Ribs clenching as panic spiked, she turned and hurried down the hallway. [color=76c429]"Fire! This place is on FREAKING FIRE!!"[/color]

[color=FFC0CB]"There is no need for concern,"[/color] came an oddly calm voice from inside the room. A voice she recognised - Athena, the giant talking crystal who'd greeted her earlier. Karya stopped, her breathing harsh and rapid as she looked over her shoulder. How had Athena gotten in there? [color=FFC0CB]"The fire is safely contained within the hearth."[/color]

Taking deep breaths, Karya inched back into the room. The flickering flames in the alcove still set her on edge. So this really was how most of Ealinata did things - since the Brackenglade tribe used runestones for heat and light, only ever using fire under heavily controlled conditions, it wasn't a sight she was accustomed to. [color=76c429]"Whew, just a bit of culture shock. Hope I didn't freak anyone out."[/color] With a shaky laugh, she turned her attention to the glowing crystal on the opposite wall, a smaller version of the one she'd spoken to in the hall. [color=76c429]"Nice to see you again though! Didn't expect I'd get two roommates! The more the merrier. And neat, everything's already set up, that's pretty convenient! Ahahaha!"[/color]

Chatting served as a distraction as she forced her gaze everywhere except the fire. Someone had set up a workbench, and several potted plants in the corner. On each side of the room was a large bed, with rather more covers than necessary in Karya's opinion - mosses were good enough for her, but at least these plush beds looked comfortable. Her eyes settled on a water glass on one of the bedside tables. Heading right over, she grabbed it and flung the contents into the hearth. With a hiss and a billow of smoke that made Karya cough, the flames died down to embers, plunging the room into darkness. The only light came from Athena, soft and pulsing.

Although the fire had posed no danger, Karya exhaled in relief. Her hands still trembled as she shrugged the leather backpack from her shoulders, took out a runestone and dropped into the ashes. As soon as she spoke the words to activate it, the stone glowed orange, radiating warmth. There, that was better.

[color=FFC0CB]"Welcome, Karya of Brackenglade,"[/color] Athena spoke up. [color=FFC0CB]"This will be your dorm room for the foreseeable future. There is a bathroom in the door to your right that you and your roommate may share if you do not wish to use the public baths. While sleeping in the dorm room is not strictly required, sleeping in any non sanctioned area of the school is forbidden and may result in disciplinary action."[/color]

[color=76c429]"Bathroom?"[/color] Karya glanced to her right, eyebrows furrowed. [color=76c429]"There's one of those artificial lakes in here?"[/color] She'd already visited the public bath house earlier at Athena's request. While it had been plenty soothing, surely setting up places like that was more trouble than it was worth when there were perfectly good ponds outside? And why have one meant for just two people, considering there was already a public one?

[color=FFC0CB]"All students at Hoseforn's are provided with bathrooms,"[/color] Athena continued. [color=FFC0CB]"If you desire privacy, we will accommodate your wishes."[/color]

Well, now this was getting weirder. What was so bad about bathing that it had to be done in private? Still, for all the confusing talk, she appreciated Athena's company. After Hoseforn's ominous speech, she didn't want to be alone with her thoughts. Head still buzzing from the wine, she flopped onto one of the beds, taking in the spacious room. [color=76c429]"Do you know who the other roommate's going to be?"[/color] she asked Athena. [color=76c429]"I can't wait to meet them!"[/color]