The crowd of twenty first-years came crashing through the door and scattered out into the common room. The winds pushed them further, carrying them all into a different spot of room with their things. The room inside echoed the school colors of yellow and dark brown. Without even touching the ground, Emery felt the rugged softness of the area wrap around her.
Beautiful, lavish carpets lined the ground; each contributing to a grand picturesque image of some divine peacock. The windows twisted light across a wide spectrum, coloring the white bird with a variety of hues. The ceiling was high above their heads and mirrored an outline of the feathered creature below. A familiar sunburst symbol was engraved at the center of the ceiling.
Mr. Potts entered the room. "Now that, students, was a demonstration. The locks to your rooms and effects will be opened by a wind magic. Consider it your first lesson in Harness. Some of our second years will be by to help as well.”
Mr. Potts stood at the center of the room, his gloves firmly over his wrists. “The key to magic lies in understanding certain philosophies. As Harness is the manipulation of natural elements; the method of control relates differently to each element. To control water is to remain fluid and flexible. Earth; staunch and stubborn.” Their green-haired teacher made circular motions and created a small twister. “Whereas wind requires a certain… free-spiritedness. Don’t focus on what you can see but what you can feel. Guide the wind, don’t command it.”
Emery hadn’t had much practice with any spells, not on purpose, at least. She copied the teacher’s stance and closed her eyes. Emery recalled what Professor Aster said outside the rail station; how her knowledge could direct her magic. What she lacked in knowledge; Emery tried to make up with a memory.
For most of her life, she felt different and inhibited. The secret buried in her blood gnawed away at her being, even if she didn’t know it. While she couldn’t bring herself to stay mad at her dad, there was a feeling more profound deeper within. It wasn’t anger or sadness at the part of herself she didn’t know. It was relief. To know that she wasn’t steadily losing her mind. That some part of her made some semblance of sense and could take flight without fear of dying from the leap of faith.
Emery opened her eyes to see the tattooed center of her palm contain a small twister blustering wind.
“Emery Lamb, right? Nicely done.” Mr. Potts informed her as he passed by. He continued addressing the other students. “There will be two sets of rooms for the boys and girls, each with room enough for about five of you. Group up and the second years will show you the wind key to your rooms."
Emery’s moment of triumph passed as she wandered here and there, trying to fumble into one of two possible groups.
By proximity, Emery found herself grouped with Alice and the girl still wearing her headphones. A blond girl stepped into the group as well, her hair flustered from the wind exercise. None said the first word, either out of unease or disinterest.
"Room for one more?" A raven-hair teenage girl said loudly. A wild smirk adorned her face as she held her backpack over one shoulder. "Other group got a good look at my back and suddenly there wasn’t enough room."
Emery craned her neck to see what the big deal was. Eager to get the reveal over with the girl dropped her bag, swept back her hair, and turned around. Around her neck and down her shoulders, the teenager's tank top barely covered an array of black thorns tattooed onto her.
"Whoa, your tattoos are cool." Emery said with excitement, trying to trade looks with a disinterested Alice.
"Not so bad yourself." The girl said with a relieved smile. She offered a hand after lifting her bag. "The name's Raven Amora."
"Emery Lamb." Emery said as she accepted the hand. Before letting go, she leaned in close and whispered, "The quiet one's Alice."
"I don't need you to introduce me." Alice argued.
"We're going to room together and no one is saying anything." Emery clarified.
The dark-skinned girl raised one headphone off her ear, suddenly aware of the conversation. "Oh, we're doing names. I'm Sonia." She signaled with a peace sign. "Anybody here into Punk Mage Wave?"
The group shared silence as their collective response.
"Just me then..." Sonia realized, "That's cool. We've got the year for you guys to learn."
"I doubt it..." The blond girl said out loud. "Oh— I mean... I'm Bailey." She told them, keeping some distance from Raven after her introduction.
The group's second year helper arrived already dressed in her school uniform. She flattened her skirt and put on her best smile, "Hello ladies, I'm Darcy." She said with a slight accent as she pronounced her words. "If you've got any questions, I'm your gal at Radiance."
Darcy quickly got everyone's names and ushered them upstairs. The band of new acquaintances split off from the boys and then eventually the other girl group as well.
"This is the room I had with my roommates last year." Darcy reflected as her hands traced the door. "Lots of memories here but you'll make your own soon enough."
The first-year girls awaited her to open the door, content to let the second year reminisce until the moment passed. "Right!" Darcy said suddenly, remembering her task. "The wind key is a clockwise spiral followed by a counterclockwise motion pulled back out." She showed them the motion, allowing the door to open. The five girls emptied into the room, each finding a bed and dresser to claim as their own.
Darcy watched them figure out their new surroundings while admiring the view out the window. "Don't stress too much. I remember being totally overwhelmed too. Classes don't start for another two days and I'll be your tour guide for most of tomorrow. For now, all you need to do is dress in your uniforms and get ready for dinner in the grand hall. Curtains above the bed are there for privacy and I'll be right outside the door if you need anything."
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