In no time, we arrive to the cafeteria. Separated from the rest of the buildings, the place is bustling with people. There is a stream of students entering through double doors, all eager to get some food in their stomachs.

I think I spot some teachers too. Older people separated from the swarm of students. “Is it always this busy?” I peer up at Jordynn.

He nods. “Recently the academy has had an influx of students coming in. I think this year the numbers have gone down, but still, there’s a lot of people here”

That’s really interesting. Before leaving home I did some research on the academy. It’s really well known, not a surprise there. However, I noticed a few negative articles, speaking about unsatisfied students, bad classes, training being too harsh and such.

My parents did not pay them any mind though, seeing as I’m already here. My train of thought is lost when we enter the cafeteria and the smell of food hits my nostril. All of my worries are simply carried away, replaced by my unkempt cravings. I’m basically floating towards the line in front of us.

Will there be any good salads? I hope they can accommodate for each culture. I don’t think my stomach can appreciate greasy food and hard meets. I might barf it all out if that’s the case.

I’m tempted to ask the guys for their recommendations, but I’m already squished in between the line and they are nowhere to be seen – in other words, I’m alone again.

A sudden chill runs through me. My heart accelerates and sweat begins forming in my palms. Why am I nervous? I’m just getting food, get it together Yuidan.

My nervousness reaches critical levels when I reach the end of the line. There is no green in sight, only meat and more meat.

What- what is this? I cannot digest all of this! Sure, some meat is okay from time to time. But where’s the salad? Where is the fish? Where are the fruits? I feel a slight push from behind. I’m almost too mortified to move.

A tap on the shoulder finally spins me around face to face with a wide, well-built person. Why do I have déjà vu? “Are you planning to move?” he asks.

Nervously, I nod and pick up a tray, sliding it across the counter while passing all the cooked and seared meet. The dishes look extremely appetizing, even though they are not for my stomach’s liking. Steaming dishes of meats and some vegetables on the side, people in line are ogling and probably even salivating. Just thinking about it puts a nasty picture in my mind.

Once I’m at the end of the line and I’ve been stared at by everyone, I leave with the tray almost empty, having snatched a few chicken wings on the fly. A hand grips my shoulder and I’m forced to turn around to the same guy, a Boulnae.

“Yes?” I peer up at him. He says nothing but points to somewhere beyond the tables. He must have realized my look of confusion, for he says, “there’s a vegetarian section over there” and turns back around to mind his business.

A vegetarian section… why did nobody tell me that! Thank the Gods. Smiling, I make my way towards the general direction the Boulnae pointed at and Lord behold! There is a vegan section.

It takes me no time to indulge in fresh salads and steamed vegetables. Now I’m left wondering if there’s a pescatarian section. Anyways, I’m lucky to find my roommates through all the commotion, Tables upon tables filled with people, It’s honestly tiring.

“I thought you’d never find us,” says Taillon, with a spoonful of broth in his mouth. I sit at the table and immediately start eating my salad. All of this stressing and worrying has only caused me hunger. Now I can finally relax and not worry about what is to come.

Munching on broccoli has never felt so relieving. It doesn’t last though as Taillon asks a particular question which makes my toes curl. “You’re from Yiondelienne, right?” I stop mid chew.

“Y-yes… Is it that obvious?”

He shrugs “Your complexion is quite telling” I let myself breathe again. I might just be too paranoid, but I don’t want to take any chances. Not when I’m so far away from home. Not when I have a bounty for my head.

The chances of me actually being in trouble are seriously low; even so, I do not want to let my guard down. I slowly return to eating again but with much less gusto. The food tastes bland and looks unappealing; suddenly I don’t have an appetite anymore.

 Living in stress and worry is never healthy, even if the situation calls for it, we must always try to balance ourselves out.