Magick, Monsters & Murder

Having overheard the escalating situation, Riniock finally decided to head to the main hall, where breakfast was being served and Linry awaited him. Sticking to his usual routine felt like the wisest course of action on such a chaotic day.

 Pushing through the double doors, he joined his peers at their table, blending into the morning bustle.

 'Rough night?' Riniock asked Niann, the latter glancing at him with tired eyes. 'Heard about what happened.'

 'It was fine,' Niann replied nonchalantly. 'Most of us got called to help out.' He stifled a yawn. 'Didn't get much sleep, though.'

 'You've earned your breakfast. What's on the menu?'

 'Just about everything,' he grumbled. 'I'm so wiped I need revirian eggs just to stay upright.'

 Riniock helped himself to a modest selection – some questionable spotted milk, a slice of neblan bread, and a bowl of soriz fruits. As he ate with practiced casualness, his eyes drifted to Linry, seated with the Ikshar delegation at a nearby table, enjoying their own lavish spread.

 From beneath her table, Linry subtly gestured for him to remain where he was. She did not make eye contact, but he realised that those gestures were meant for him.

 Elred appeared moments later, plopping down beside Niann with an audible sigh. 'Do you think classes will be cancelled today?' he asked, sounding both hopeful and exhausted. 'I don't think I can focus after last night.'

 'Unlikely,' Riniock replied, setting down his glass.

 'Why not?' Elred pressed.

 Riniock smirked faintly. 'With how the higher-ups think, they'll probably turn the whole ordeal into some kind of moral lesson. As for cancelling classes, well…they'd sooner march every acolyte into a slaughter before entertaining that idea.'

 'Bummer…' Elred muttered, slumping back in his seat, taking Riniock's word for granted.

 Conversations flowed freely at the table, with words exchanged here and there as other acolytes joined them for breakfast. Following Riniock's impressive display in the arena, it seemed many now regarded him with admiration. Some even sought to curry favour, eager to elevate their standing from mere acquaintances to something closer.

 As time went on, the main hall steadily filled with students until it buzzed with lively chatter and energy. The sheer number of arrivals gave the impression that their presence wasn't coincidental.

 'You're here already?' a voice called as an acolyte slid into a seat beside them. It was Deliana, a familiar face amongst their peers. 'That was quick.'

 'We've been here for a while. Why do you ask?' Elred replied, casually dipping neblan bread into a bowl of soft cheese.

 'The arch-maegi has called a general meeting,' Deliana explained. 'Everyone – students and staff alike – was summoned. Only those assigned to guard duty were ordered to stay at their posts.'

 Riniock had already anticipated this announcement, having overheard whispers whilst lingering near the scene of the crime. He couldn't help but wonder how the arch-maegi would address such a dire situation.

 Most of the acolytes, if they were even aware of the incident, likely assumed the fire was accidental. But if word spread that a murder had occurred within the college grounds, the repercussions could be unpredictable.

 Would the arch-maegi conceal the truth to maintain order, or would he risk the fallout by revealing everything?

 Before long, the arch-maegi entered the hall, his expression dark and severe. A procession of teachers trailed behind him, flanked by investigators and college staff Riniock recognised from the crime scene.

 Ascending the podium with purpose, the arch-maegi gripped its edges so tightly that his knuckles whitened. His grim demeanour silenced the hall, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

 'As most of you have likely heard, there was a fire during the night,' he began without preamble, skipping over any formalities. His voice was sharp and resolute. 'Tragically, it claimed the life of one of our staff members and student, Jorian Sador. While the college board might prefer a more sanitised version of events, I will not mince words. The circumstances surrounding Jorian's death were not accidental. Someone – perhaps someone in this very room – murdered Jorian Sador and set his retreat ablaze.'

 Horrified expressions rippled through the hall like a contagion, most evident amongst the younger acolytes. In contrast, a portion of the student body appeared indifferent, their demeanour hinting at a hardened familiarity with grim announcements.

 The arch-maegi pressed on, his commanding tone stifling even the faintest whispers of dissent. 'While you are all gathered here, your quarters and personal belongings are being thoroughly searched for any suspicious items or evidence related to the murder.'

 This was cause for displeasure for sure.

 A collective murmur threatened to rise, but the arch-maegi continued, unyielding. 'Additionally, the college grounds are now under strict lockdown and curfew until further notice.'

 With that, he turned sharply and departed, leaving a wake of confusion in the hall.

 He's watching for reactions, Riniock thought, his eyes darting to the investigators stationed throughout the crowd. Their subtle glances and whispered notes were evidence of their strategy – observing for anyone whose expression betrayed fear, guilt, or even satisfaction at the news.

 'Your attention, please,' one of the investigators announced as he stepped to the podium, his voice amplified to reach every corner of the hall. 'There will be a search at the exits of the main hall. Please comply without resistance or trouble, stand in lines as you head outside.'

 Right after, Professor Bhallen took the stage, his demeanour formal and composed. 'Good morning, everyone. Despite today's unfortunate circumstances, lessons will proceed as scheduled. You are all expected to attend as usual. That is all.'

 His curt announcement left a collective groan amongst the students, but the message was clear – there would be no reprieve from the day's academic demands.

 Students filed into orderly lines at the exits, each subjected to a meticulous search for any incriminating evidence.

 Riniock sat on a bench nearby, watching the line inch forward. Patience was his ally – there was no point in rushing, especially given the items he carried, ones he was less than eager to reveal.

 As the crowd thinned, a familiar voice reached his ear, soft and soothing.

 'Hey, Riniock.'

 'Linry?' he whispered back, leaning forward, his elbows pressing into his knees. 'Are you alright?'

 'I am. And you?'

 'Don't worry about me,' he replied, his voice low. 'What did you do about…you know?'

 'The dust?' she said with a faint smile. 'I disposed of the rest yesterday.'

 Relief washed over him. He'd overheard investigators discussing the traces earlier that morning, and knowing the evidence was already gone lifted a weight off his chest.

 Part of him felt a wave of relief – not just for himself, but for Linry as well.

 'What did you want to talk about?' Riniock asked curiously, fearing the worst.

 'Nothing urgent,' she said, her voice light. 'I just wanted to see how you were doing.'

 'That's…kind of you,' he murmured, a flicker of warmth stirring in him.

 Her words left Riniock unsettled in a way he hadn't anticipated. The idea that Linry simply cared about his well-being tugged at something unfamiliar in him. And now, as he had the chance to truly look at her, he realised just how striking she was.

 The firelight from the night before had painted her features in hues of orange, but he hadn't noticed her beauty then – his focus was elsewhere. Now, he saw her clearly.

 Her hair cascaded in a smooth, black silk-like weave, shimmering faintly under the hall's light. Her gaze, both soft and stern, was framed by deep black eyes as mesmerising as polished onyx. Her lips, naturally red, curled slightly into a smile, complementing her fair, unblemished skin. The elegance of her hands, adorned with delicate rings and bracelets, peeked out from her robes.

 'Linry,' he began hesitantly, his voice quiet. 'I have a favour to ask.'

 'A favour?' she repeated.

 'I…I have some items that, if found in my possession, would cause complications. Would you –'

 'Say no more,' she interrupted, her smile unwavering. 'Give them to me.'

 'Are you sure?' he pressed.

 'I trust you,' she said firmly. 'If they're troublesome for you, then keeping them with me should be no issue.'

 'You trust me?' he echoed, incredulous.

 How could she easily place her trust in a stranger? From his experience, trust was earned, not easily given.

 Her smile deepened, radiating warmth. 'You and I share a special bond now, one forged in flames. I'd like to think you feel the same about me.'

 'Special bond…' Riniock repeated softly, uncertainty still gnawing at him.

 'If you doubt it,' Linry added, her tone gentle yet resolute, 'I'll just keep proving it to you. You may find that I'm quite stubborn.'