[i]Across the Academy[/i]

Out of nowhere a strange voice spoke. It was kindly, authoritative and was everywhere; as if it were in the very minds of those who heard it.

"Good afternoon, students of the Academy. This is an important announcement: tonight's banquet has been brought forwards and will instead take place two hours from now. Please ensure that you prepare adequately and attend on time. That is all."

----------------------

Elaeria sat on one of the ornately carved benches in the pavilion, retreating into the tranquil place to be with her thoughts. The Academy announcement had irritated her at first; the intrusion upon her thoughts less than welcome however she now had something to occupy her time. It came as a slight shock that apart from the Elianst nobles, embroiled in events that did not concern her, and the elder Anstarnian noble, who was nowhere to be found, she had no real acquaintances to pass the time with.

[i]Fighting alone with only your own Household guard for company leaves you with few friends of one's own age, I suppose.[/i]

She quashed the thought quickly - she was a princess and heir to a throne upon which a young and frail boy say; her position didn't give her the chance or need to make 'friends.'

[i]We must all be children sometime. You've been neglected it all your life so perhaps you should take that time back?[/i]

She didn't answer her familiar's suggestion and instead headed back to her rooms to prepare for the banquet.