Completed The Goblin, the Horse, and the Hair

[Avery]

Avery cleared her throat, sliding another morsel of food. "Pay them no mind. Even once they start to talk about you, do not give them anything to fuel their stupid fires." Was all she said before eating.

She only responded to one or two Initiates that needled her with commentary. Vittoria and King were the sort that demanded to be acknowledged, and luckily for her, were easy to antagonise in return.

Once swallowed her food, Avery let out an exhale. "At least we don't have to put up with those types after graduation."

 

[Kael]

Kael continued to eat his food and watch Avery recover. A thought flashed in his mind that extending it any longer would be cruel.

“There are much worse things to be suspected of.” He said honestly. “I can handle a few wandering eyes. Or the odd jealous sparring match, should it come.” Kael continued as Avery ate. The girl finally swallowed, and Kael hoped the tension would lull.

“You’re a bit more optimistic about it than I am.” Kael responded. “But there should be some ability to shape a bit more of our lives.”

 

[Avery]

Avery frowned.

"It's just a job, Kael. We're training for a job... unless you want to go into the reserves, which I will not judge you for, but even then, you are free to travel the rest of the cities in our territories. Or even yet... the third option."

The third option being exile. That was a choice given to to them all at the end of their Academy education. If chosen, you would not be hunted down at least.

"If I don't like the job the Vigilite give me, then I am free to choose where I shall serve. I would like to see the Western cities. There is an old city called Vel Redynne that has buildings preserved over centuries. Some of the ruins are even part of the everyday life, such as one of their famous gardens... It would be nice to be stationed there." And it had a ferry service from Redynne to Vel Odren, the island where wealthy Anirians traveled to.

 

[Kael]

Kael ate his food, but resisted the urge to return Avery’s frown.

“Anir is investing much in us. Each of us at this stage have cultivated some amount of talent, and those of us who make it the next year will have some inner understanding of the Guard.” Kael took a drink.

“I think there are plans forming for all of us. I expect some flexibility, but only some. The stakes are just too high." Kael continued, and took a bite of the fish. It was too good to waste his mind on such thoughts.

"I hope you can get there. See a part of history."

 

[Avery]

She was quiet for a moment, eating her meal that no longer excited her tastebuds when her mind was busy with thoughts of the future. It was prevalent now more than ever, that graduation loomed ahead and there was a war brewing slowly on the Cortosi side. There had been talks that perhaps graduation may be held off, perhaps rushed, or worse, sooner than they all were prepared for.

"Well, you were not raised here at the Academy, so there was less time for anyone to plan something for you. I was, and I was brought up with a Dreadlord family that stood on the wrong side of history." It was a strange time, the days after Revolution. She remembered Proctors speaking to her, appealing to her, learning about her, all so they could begin to alter her mind and have her allegiance with the Academy. Therefore, Avery would be theirs to command.

All they did was raise a coward afraid of her own magical capabilities.

 

[Kael]

The goblin thought for a moment at the girl's words. The more he learned of her the more he realized they were both prisoners. And he had rubbed it in.

"I did not mean to salt a wound." Kael said in an indirect apology. He held some sympathy, but the goblin's pride was reluctant to share it with the human. Instinctively he was judging the merits of their pain, with considerable bias.

"I should go." Kael said, and began to stand.

 

[Avery]

She did not try to stop him from getting up, but Avery's face softened a fraction.

"Practice your posture when holding the bow. Should we... meet up again end of this week for more training?"

It felt too stiff to offer up an apology. She wasn't sorry for what she said, nor was she sorry for failing at these interactions. Avery never claimed she was personable, but at least with Kael she had determination to at least try. He didn't look too hurt or anything, and so she did not feel compelled to say anything else.

 

[Kael]

While Avery did not try to stop him from leaving, the extension of another meeting was a middle path in itself.

“Should you still have the time I would appreciate the company.” The Goblin looked at Avery. “The aid, I should say.” He corrected.

“Take care of yourself till then.” He added finally and then left the girl to her meal.