“Yes, sir. She tested at the college today. She has passed and is expected to take up residence tomorrow. Again, I am sorry for coming so late sir.” Ford said to his sponsor.

“Nonsense Ford. I asked you to keep me informed, and you did well. It’s not that late in the evening yet.”

“As you say sir. I will do my best to entwine myself with the girl as soon as I am settled in at the college sir.”

“Very good, one second.” The older man opened a drawer on his desk. He had finished for the day, until Ford met him in the hall as he was heading to his own suite in the academy. He had brought Ford back to his office to see to their personal business. Neither man had even bothered to sit. Ford because he wasn’t asked, and the old man because he was wanting to go to his chambers. This was his way of rushing Ford, but not too much.

“Here, this is your letter of appointment. You will be allowed to choose which class to assist with. Obviously depending on which class, the girl is placed into.”

“Yes sir. Thank you, sir.” Ford too the envelope and bowed slightly.

“That is all.” The older man, Ford’s sponsor hinted.

“Of course, sir. It is late and you have other important matters to attend.” Ford turned and hurried out of the office head lowered a bit in his haste.

‘Yes, I do, like relaxing in bed and reading my not so academic books.’ The old man thought grinning at Ford’s back.

Then the older mage locked up his office, and once again started off to his chambers. He had very important work that needed doing after all.

A chuckle echoed down the hall, which Ford faintly heard. ‘The old man sure is worked up over this girl.’ Ford thought. ‘I just hope she isn’t a flop.’

Ford made his way to his own small chambers in the academy. He one day dreamed he would have his own suite with a personal bath and shitter. Having to share with others of his station had him shudder at the thought of certain people who did not take good care of their personal hygiene and then used the facilities. Grumbling, Ford grabbed his bath items and set off for his nightly routine of bathing. Hoping beyond hope it was a day off for the swine people.

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After they had left the college, it was still early in the mid-day. Shae and Mel went back to their inn and Mel made plans, well ok, told Kip when she would like him to meet her and Shae at the tea and sweet shop. It seemed their visit would coincide with after meal dessert. Then Mel sent Kip off to make the arrangements at the sweet shop, so they didn’t have to wait for a table. It would cost Kip more, “But isn’t your loving sister worth all the effort?” Mel had said fluttering her honeyed eyes.

With a snort Kip had gone off, Shae hoped for his sake to take care of the reservation. Then the two ladies, mostly led by Mel, chatted about plans for a small celebration in honor of Shae’s enrollment into the academy. Shae got the impression Mel was just as excited for Shae as Shae was for herself. Mel had taken a bit to warm up to the idea of Shae not being around as much, but Shae had assured Mel that she would always make time for the lady adventurer. Mel had tried and failed a true smile at the time, but as time went on, and the two talked and planned more, Mel had gotten truly happier.

They only had a small snack for mid-day meal, as they had been munching on goodies at the college during Shae’s time between tests. Mel was really looking forward to evening dessert Shae mused. ‘Maybe she thinks I have never had sweets before? Little does she know how common place they are where I really come from. I just hope I can act surprised enough for her not to be let down.’ Shae was making her own mental plans for the evening dessert. Then Shae went off to get a nap in and freshen up before dinner.

She also made a mental note to work towards new clothes. She was tired of all the odd looks, and maybe clothes that fit in would lessen some of the stares. Her hair and eye color were more than enough of an attention getter already.

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After Mel had cornered Kip at the inn. He had just finished his mid-day meal with Mic and Nick. The twins were wearing matching clothes so they could play their “you can’t guess which one I am game” But if you knew the brothers for more than a day, even a blind man could tell… ‘Huh, a blindman wouldn’t need a day.’ Kip chuckled to himself as that thought popped into his head. Though Nick was making strides toward being more pleasant to be around. Now that he wasn’t in constant pain, he was almost human. Old habits being hard to break and all. He was still a bit of a shit.

Kip tapped Nick on the shoulder. “Let’s go. I want company, and your brother is going to his church.”

“Eh? Why do I have ta. Your sister said you had to go.”

“Come on. Get some air and exercise that doesn’t require running from a monster. Besides, Mel will want to have a bit of a party for Shae, I am sure. So, a second opinion would be helpful. AND while I would rather take your brother, you have become almost tolerable lately.” Kip quipped.

“Yer sure putting on the charm here ain’t ya?” Nick replied with a dead face.

“Come on.” Kip hoisted Nick up with little resistance from Nick. He then began to drag him out of the inn.

“Fine, but yer buyin me a drink after we’re done.”

“Done.” Kip shot out before Nick could change his mind.

The two left the inn to see to their portion of the plans for the evening, While Mic sat and watched the whole exchange in silence. Just the hint of a smile on his lips. He was happy to see his brother in good spirits. It had been a long time since the man had never been able to seriously play around without some meanness sneaking into his words. He was changing.

With a happy grunt Mic picked himself up and made his way to his church to than his God for finally answering his prayers. Gods moved at their own pace when it came to answers if they even thought to give you one. His God especially. Your answers were yours to seek. It was almost a tenant of his god. Almost… now Mic would go and offer his thanks whole heartedly. His aura was feeling stronger today that it ever had.

‘Maybe meeting Shae had something to do with some of this?’ Mic wondered. ‘There is something special about that girl and her aura. It just feels… well if I have to be honest, like a warm hug by your mother after she forgave you for being a brat.’

Lost in his own thoughts as he moved on through a few shadier back alleys, he was probably the only one who could have noticed the group of Rat-Kin that had were stealthily hauling a body wrapped in canvas. But he wasn’t really paying attention, and they were being very good at being Rat-Men. Sneaky and inconspicuous.