The towering stone pillars seemed to breach the sky. Bila peered up at them. Clouds shading from the harsh sun. Crowds of kids passed her chattering in anticipation as she stared in awe at the artistry of the ornately carved stone. She wished to herself an ear to listen to her inform that nearly over 1500 years ago the budding Arintilin artisan guild chipped away at these structures for nearly 70 years to complete what is now called Glorithral Academy. A twinkle of excitement curved the edges of her lips as she thought that her house was responsible for such a haunting piece of art.

As the crowd thinned she broke from her pride to skip along with the other students, her robes fluttering behind her. She imagined them as wings like the great Elviri. Wondering to herself if through magic could she have wings? To be the first hob to soar to those distant mountains and reason with the monsters of tales past? Her short tail flicked with excitement at the naive daydream. 

She passed the threshold of the main doors archway, to be welcomed into a spacious vestibule, vibrating with cheerful chatter.
“What house did you get?” A hob to Bila’s side inquired. Bila turned to face the woman. A round-faced hob smiled at her.

“Oh, uh. Arintilin,” Bila replied softly, nervousness suddenly striking her. “Oh, what a great house, you must be a little artist then. All students will meet in their Dorm’s lounge to get set up. Head up the stairs and turn left. From there your house representative will guide you.” The woman wore a warm smile and pointed past the crowd to the grand staircase. Bila shyly got out a thank you before continuing on with the woman’s instruction. 

She glanced at the plinth at the base of the stair case, where sat a marble figure of a tree-eyed elk. The ruffing of other students walking up the stairs pushed her on. 

“Alright, all new Arintilin students group up here!” A commanding voice to her left burst out. Bila hurriedly made her way to the crowd of other kids. As the crowd dwindled into their respective groups, hers began to surge forward. As the Arintilin kids walked, Bila took note of the paintings decorating the walls. Each painting unique, some portraits, others landscapes. Some were even more abstract in nature. From her research she knew these numerous art pieces were all from Arintilin Alumi, who went on to join the Arintilin artisans guild. As they walked, Bila found herself disappointed she couldn’t look at all the art. 

The group soon arrives at the common room. The students drank in the artistry of the room.  An array of colors scattered across the floor, subtly shifting with an iridescence wave. The stained glass mural was seldom the only attraction. Bila looked up to see a pool of rippling water on the ceiling, glowing dimly, over shadowed by the day's light. Bila thought to herself that when the sun set and the moon rose, its dim light would turn to a magnificence one. There was so much to look at, and wonder upon its conception. The guild representative, an older student with long hair, chuckled at the first year's wonder. 

“Alrighty new students. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in the new environment once we go over house rules. Please all find a place to sit.” a strong but kind voice rang out. Students quickly found sofas, beanbags and hanging chairs to inhabit. 

“My name is Ms.Betra. I am your house seer, and a representative of the Arintilin artisans guild. I know you all are quite excited to explore this wonderful institution. But as this is your new home, it's important we all know how to be safe here.” Ms. Betra went on. She was a tall thin woman with sharp features but a welcoming demeanor. Bila found it hard to pay attention, as the common room pulsed with life, colors, sculptures. Before she knew it Ms.Betra was done with her speech and left the new student to their own devices for the day to get accustomed to the bahimath of the campus. 

Bila lived not far from school, but all students were expected to live on campus during the week. She remembered her father lecturing her, saying it was to build character and a connection to magic, family may impede the process. It was a long held tradition, many students were excited, but it was common within the first years, tears would be abundant. Bila scoffed at the thought. ‘ we go home on the weekends so no reason to be dramatic,’ the little silver haired hob grumbled to herself. Bila meandered out of the Arintilin common room and adventured down the hall of art. 

Bila skimmed over the numerous paintings as she walked. She found the non hob paintings quite interesting. There was one of this moon elf with cloudy eyes, then another of a human man looking stern. She passed one that perked her ears. An Elviri woman, or man, She was unsure. It had a coy smile and seemed to be looking directly at her. The painter had notably shaky strokes. Elviri were never seen or heard outside of scary stories. Most wondered if they still even existed. Bila found them quite fascinating, she recalled when she was younger, how she’d tell her mother how she wanted to be an Elviri when she was older, followed by the adults' boisterous laugh. Bila continued to walk.

A painting of a strange winged creature caught her eye. Its face was youthful, eyes dark and hair white as a mountain top. Two black horns fixed on its head. A chill ran down her spine as she gazed at the piece. The details were eerie. Bila glanced down at the description plaque beneath the piece. ‘Title: the Algviri. Date: 1st era 560’ Nothing else was stated. The painting was nearly 1500 years old, perfectly preserved at the far end of the corridor. Bila knew what a Mlviri was, and an Elviri, the fabled immortals of children’s tales. But this painting was neither. The painting itself held a heavy presence, she looked into the figure’s abyssal eyes, finding it hard to break the forboding connection.

“I told you it wasn’t down here!” A voice from down the hall ripped Bila out her trance. She whipped her tail around in vague annoyance. She spotted two other first years a few paces ahead. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to get us lost,” The black haired young hob nervously replied. 

“It’s fine, it was my idea to look around,” the taller of the two spoke brashly avoiding eye contact.  Bila took interest in the quarreling couple. “Are ya’ll alright?” Bila asked plainly. They looked over at Bila. The black haired boy smiled and waved, the tall girl looked apprehensive but pleasant enough and made their way closer to her.

“Hii, I’m Tuni and this is my friend Alsa. We were trying to find our common room,” Tuni said as if rehearsed.

“Commons rooms,’ Alsa added. Alsa had long dark brown hair, two strands in front covering part of her face, like armor Bila thought. Bila imagined this girl as a Terrmotin knight, cold, strong, and somewhat mean. 

“What houses are you in?” Bila asked belatedly. Alsa looked hesitant to answer but Tuni was quick to reply with enthusiasm,” I’m in Mydralin! And Alsa is in Lyratin!” 

“This hall is where the Arintilin common room is, but I can take you to the Mydralin common room. My brothers are in Mydralin, so I’ve been there a few times,” Bila smiled at the two.  “That’d be perfect! What is Mydralin like?” Tuni excitedly asked. “It’s nice, a big library and it’s quiet, not a lot going on. Most of my family is in Mydralin, my father is a head in the Mithral Researchers Association,” Bila informed well her gaze slowly turned back to the strange painting. “That’s so cool! I really want to join the MRA some day!” Tuni went on and Alsa followed Bila’s gaze.

“What’s that?”Alsa inquired. “Hmm I don’t know, an old painting from the artisans guild. It kinda looks like an Elviri doesn’t it?” Bila replied. Alsa looked at it for a moment, and then at the plaque, unsure of what to make of it.

“Whatever we should probably get at least one of us to our common room,” Alsa turned away from the painting looking at the two other young hobs. 

They all began walking, following close to Bila. Tuni continued his excited rant,” I wonder what type of stuff I’ll learn in Mydralin, I hope my roommate is cool, and we can study together,” An uneasiness washed over Bila as he went on. “ I would be careful if I were you, Mydralin is kinda a weird house.” The silver haired girl spoke with apprehension . Tuni looked down a bit, discouraged by the comment. Alsa noticed Tuni’s reaction and glared at the hob they followed.

“ What would you know, you aren’t even in it?” Alsa barked out, immediately regretting her quick tongue. 

“What? My whole family is in it, I’d know more than all of you,” Bila furrowed her brow at the sudden aggression. Alsa calmed her tone feeling a heat brush her cheeks. Alsa asked in genuine curiosity,” Why aren’t you in Mydralin?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t really want to be in it. When I sent in my blood for the housing ritual I thought I’d end up in Mydralin like everyone else. But the ritual keeper told my dad Arintil was quick to choose me,” Bila smirked, a sense of pride emanated off her. Alsa cringed at the confidence.

“I get it, most of my family was in Etherin house,” Tuni tuned in. Soon the group reached the Mydralin hall. Bila stopped at the threshold of the Mydralin common room. Inside were countless cases of books and reading nooks. First years browsed the books and spoke to each other in soft voices. Tuni’s face beamed with glee as he almost seemed to skip into the room. He turned back to his two companions and waved goodbye. “I’ll see you in class Alsa!” He quickly lost himself in the library. 

Alsa looked at him run off, her short tail lowering. She awkwardly turned to Bila wondering what to say. “So huh, what’s your name?” Alsa asked. “Bila, I’ll help you find your common room as well if you want,” Bila offered, looking at Alsa expectantly. Alsa felt the air on her skin cling to her as Bila waited for an answer. 

“Oh uh, no it’s okay. I’ll just ask a teacher. Thanks though,” Alsa turned away, cringing at herself as she slung off. As she walked down the hall she imagined Bila’s eyes lingering on her, each step being perceived, thought about, until she finally turned a corner.

Bila grimaced at Alsa, maybe she isn't some Terrmotin knight after all. Bila felt a tinge of annoyance with the girl for making her feel awkward. ‘It’s not my fault she is weird,’ Bila huffed to herself.

The sun began to set, Bila made her way back to the hall of paintings. Upon entering the Arintilin common room, she saw the dimming orange light filtering through the stained glass. Her peers in groups talking among themselves. She pulled a slip of paper out of her pocket that listed her room number. She made her way down the long hall and found her room. Another girl sat on one of the beds fiddling with paper fairies. They greeted each other, and got along fine. Her roommate was a cheerful sort, and traveled here from the east, so had a thick accent. Bila set up her  things and burrowed down for her first night.