Passing Seasons

The summer heat is horrible. Maybe this would be a good time to teach Birta a spell. Simple yet effective. Simple yet effective.

I nearly run into the door of the dorm building from being too lost in thought. A few girls nearby snicker at my almost accident.

Ignoring them, I step inside and head to my room.

“I’m back.” I say in front of the door to our room as I open it. “I’m back first.” I note seeing the empty room. “Guess I’ll just think more about what to teach her.” I mutter aloud sitting down onto my bed. Now that I think about it, I do not use water often myself.

I close my eyes and think about water. Waterfalls, rivers, oceans. Maybe not oceans…

“Are you okay?” Birta’s voice brings me back to our room. “You had a pretty concerned expression on your face.” The teen explains while I open my eyes.

“Yeah.” I reply. “Yeah.” I repeat. “I’m fine.” I say with a fake smile.

“Alright.” She says sitting down on her bed.

“I wanted to teach you a water spell and so I decided to think about water. And I guess I thought about it a bit too much.” I explain to her.

“What’d you wanna teach me specifically?” She asks with a sigh. Does she not like me teaching her magic? “What are you crying for?” The ogre inquires a bit of surprise entering her voice.

“Nothing, it’s nothing.” I answer sniffling and wipe tears away. I clear my throat.

-- -- --

I groan, not because the chilling air of winter. I groan because I am on hall monitor duty. Seriously? Wardens in training are basically just hall monitors it seems.

I step into the halls of the building, no one is stupid enough to stay outside all that long after all. Looking at the other applicants moving through the halls I notice that despite being in my third year here I am still amongst the smallest ones here.

“Hey!” I exclaim pointing at a dwarf teen. The girl turns around to look at me in surprise. That makes sense, she is being called out by someone clearly younger than her. “You’re not supposed to have weapons outside the training areas.” I say to the dwarf pointing at the weapon resting on her hip.

“Oh, sorry.” The dwarf says looking at the weapon. “I went to the wrong training area for practice and did not realize until after I grabbed the hammer.” She explains. “I guess I forgot about it since I’ve been rushing to the right area.” The teen continues. I sigh, I understand but rules are rules.

“Don’t let it happen again.” I say. “I’m giving you a warning this time. If it happens again though.” I continue before putting up an arm to let her know she can go on her way.

“Yes, of course.” The girl responds with a look of confusion before walking off.

Another sigh escapes my lips. Hall monitor duty sucks.

-- -- --

The warm breeze feels nice despite not being the norm for spring. The green trees and kaleidoscope of colored flowers seem to enjoy the breeze as well.

“Such a beautiful view.” Chaska’s voice says from behind me. We have not talked too much recently, wonder why he is here. I turn my head to see the orc as he walks over to the bench I am sitting on. “And the flowers are beautiful too.” He adds sitting down next to me. Oh no…

“Uhhhhhh…” I groan looking at the ground. No! No! No! Why would any one find a twelve year old attractive? I know this body has a few more developments than others the same age, but still… Twelve!

“I know we haven’t chatted in awhile but I’ll be honest.” The trapper says putting a hand behind his head. At least he realizes that. “But we have this, spark, you know?” He continues. Oh lord, please just finish so I can turn you down. “And I figured you might have noticed too.” He prattles on. Please end this… “And I know you’re a little younger than most of us here. But I was wondering if you would go out with me?” He inquires. I am so sorry boy. Probably his first school crush too…

“I’m into girls.” I reply bluntly. “I’m sorry.” I add before he can misconstrue anything.

The orc hangs his head low unable to hide his feelings.

“I-I see.” He stammers out utterly defeated. I put a hand on the teen’s shoulder.

“It’s not you, it’s clearly me.” I say trying to cheer him up. “You know, the whole liking girls like you do.” I add.

“It’s, it’s no big deal.” He stammers before sniffling. Damn it! Why does he have to cry?

-- -- --

The falling leaves of autumn makes the beginning of my last year as an applicant. I take a deep breath of the crisp cool air. My second favorite season.

I stop in the courtyard and just look at the scenery.

“Hello again Applicant Yamakuma.” Jezel’s monotone voice greets me.

“Hello Jezel.” I reply seeing the woman enter my periphery and stand next to me. “No pit hound this time?” I inquire.

“No, Sala passed away last winter. Fontaine is also ill currently.” The woman explains. So the mother pupper was named Sala. Sad to hear she passed, hope she is having fun in pupper heaven or wherever a pit hound goes.

“Well I hope Fontaine recovers quickly.” I reply looking at the servant. “He’s a sweet boy.” I add with a smile.

“And normally a very energetic one.” Jezel replies. “It’s quite strange to see him lazy about and coughing.” She explains. Not even a frown, I know she always sounds emotionless but why can she not even show emotion? The servant begins to walk away. “As always,” The woman says stopping and turning around. “It is a pleasure to talk with you Applicant Yamakuma.” She finishes with a slight bow before walking off once more.

“She is such an enigma.” I mutter.