Chapter 19.2 Flock Together

At last, the lecture comes to an end and we are told to head into the general assembly hall for a welcome speech from the principal. As soon as Aristole dismisses us, I hurriedly give my adieus to Margot, Véronique, and Astrid, before rushing to the back of the classroom.

“!”

The two have already stricken up conversation. Some Fairfolk seem to have found it interesting too and are gathering around them, good-naturedly telling jokes.

Truly wonderful! Them being late must have been just the type of nonsensical event needed in order to break the ice between species!

The problem now is that this crowd of Fae are encircling the two and barring me entrance.

Ahhh, no fair! I wanna join the interspecies conversation too…!

Just as I am about to slink away in dejection,

“Ah, it's book girl.” Walnut-brown hair that matches his eyes bounce up in recognition as he picks me out from the crowd.

Now knowing that he's Kindred, if I look closely enough, his incisors and canines are tiny fangs.

“...That's quite rude. Both to me and the books.”

“Oh, Child of Books- No, I mean Sunira.”

W-Wha! Vaniriel joined in the teasing too!?

I pout a bit at having such an odd nickname bestowed upon me. Her orange and gilded eyes crinkle in laughter.

“My name is Aeriea Newlyn.” I over-dramatically curtsy in mock sarcasm. “By the way, I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day. For me to mistake a fellow schoolmate as a butler…” I hang my head in shame.

“It's fine, it's fine. I got to check out the girl’s dormitory because of it.” He waves it off with boyish laughter. “I'm Fenrir Carnellium.”

Such an easy-going attitude. I immediately relax in his presence.

A Fairfolk male with long sand-colored hair and Eastern Draconic antlers that protrude from his head, bobs in delight as he chuckles. There are round, wind-chimes tied on, a jingling sound ringing whenever he moves.

“Haha, I can see how this one could be mistaken as a servant.” His eyes are slits, framed with long and delicate white eyelashes. I can't help thinking him more beautiful than most girls. “Please allow me to introduce myself, I am Horusha of the East.”

Ah, a Sunrian Fairfolk. I remember Gunisha of the East at my eighth birthday celebration. Her robes were sand-colored and of a rugged material. It had covered her whole body - including her face, so I didn’t know how she could possibly see where she was going. Yet somehow, she managed to never bump into anyone, fall down the stairs, or anything of that nature…

Compared to the traditional browns and beiges, Horusha’s clothing were a breath of fresh air. Not going above his neck, it instead sits almost scandalously near his décolletage. He dons Sunrian robes customarily worn by his species’ nobility, it is a mint-green silk with bold colors that stitch together delicate flowers, fluttering on his slender frame.

The Fairfolk girl seems to finally notice the crowd gathering around her. “Vaniriel.”

Hmn? She cracked a joke about me just now… Even though she's introducing herself, why does she suddenly sound so blàse again?

Other than Horusha, the rest of the Fairfolk jolt and quickly excuse themselves. What's that about?

It's a very slight change, but I think Vaniriel cheers up when they leave. The thought is quickly dismissed as the four of us head to the general assembly hall together. Amicably chatting along the way.