“Oh my, what a pleasant surprise, Ms. Kiratoth.” He was too prepared for an unannounced meeting. He was waiting for her. Studying her… she felt like. For what purpose? She didn’t know, but she wasn’t there to play games.

She had heard the headmaster had an eccentric and sly personality, but not to this extent. Sirana eyed him up, then down. He had short brown hair that followed its natural swirl. He wasn’t wearing his traditional robe nor his glasses like he usually did during announcements and ceremonies. Just a white dress shirt that was unbuttoned at his wrists.His mannerisms even moreso. His weight was shifted to his palm as he sat on the left end of the balcony, windows open, giving his hair and shirt volume. He wasn’t overly handsome. Just… warm. His small smile and narrow gaze created a picturesque painting, inviting the onlooker to be a part of it. Sadly for him, Sirana was not charmed by such scenes, as much anybody else in this academy. Everybody had superior genes one way or another. Being surrounded by naturally beautiful people made her immune to such things.

“Do not placate me, Headmaster.” Sirana said sternly. She walked closer to his desk, wafting her head around the room. There was no doubt in her mind. He was here. “Where is father? I know he is here.” As she asked, she looked for any abrupt movements in the shadows. It was very much possible that the Headmaster was casting some sort of stealth on him using magic. The more probable escape route would be the window, and if he did, he would be long gone. As she saw no movement, her eyebrows twinged in panic for a moment before returning to her stolid face.

“As you see yourself, he is not.” The Headmaster nodded towards the windows, letting her know her father was long gone before continuing on with their conversation. “But what’s the problem, Ms. Kiratoth? I will help you anyway I can. You may call me Gavin if you’d like.” Gavin waved towards the chair in the room and it smoothly slid behind Sirana. “Please, sit.”

“No thank you, Headmaster.” “I won’t be here for long. I’m dropping out.”

“What!?” A hand slowly appeared from its transparent state. Hanging on the ledge of the balcony was her father, Gillius. Before his grip gave out, Gavin grabbed him by the elbow as they locked arms. As his chest propped over the balcony, Sirana left, lightly closing the door. She was serious. She was tired of being protected by her father. She would be missing 4 years of education, but Its nothing a little experience can’t fix. At least, that’s what she thought. The sound of her steps increasingly became drowned by the chatter of gossiping students.

“… You’re not going to stop her, Gillius? That is very unlike you.” Gavin exclaimed. Gillius wasn’t one to give up so easily. Something must’ve been occupying his mind. Seeing Gillius pinch his eyes only confirmed his suspicion. As Gillius sat down, Gavin gently pushed the chair is his direction. He wanted him to relax and speak his mind.

“With the expedition into Diatie, I have too much on my plate.” He placed his head in his palms and his elbows atop his knees. Scratching his head furiously, he continued. “If she is really intent on leaving, I’ll convince her to meet up with her sister along the way.” He bent his back on the chair and let out a deep sigh, seemingly tired from his daughter’s recklessness. This wasn’t the first time he had to deal with something like this coming from her. This was just the first time she acted on her threats with purpose and conviction.

“Father’s need rest too.” Gavin preached. He levitated a cup and a kettle from his shelf. Heating the tea inside, he poured it into the cup. It glided towards Gillius slowly. “Drink it slowly, it’s hot.” After Gillius tasted the tea, he almost burnt his tongue. Gavin snickered before continuing. “What about her dropping out?” Gillius blew on his tea and took another sip before answering.

“Just put her on indefinite leave…” He took yet another sip, placing the cup on an air quickly occupied by a stack of books Gavin piled in the nick of time and closed his eyes.

Gillius’s hair started to have grey streaks, especially his beard. He started to gain wrinkles on the outer edges of his eyes. His chiseled face was still there, but not as lively as before. To the gentle caress of the wind blowing from the balcony, Gillius fell asleep.

The translucent curtains went in and out the balcony, pushing and pulling the wind like lovers. The wind blew his papers in a frenzy, but he quietly willed them together into a neat pile on his desk. Gavin put on his glasses before returning to his paperwork.