Chapter 5: Roommates

“This is where you’ll be living for your first year,” Luna explained. “We separate the first years so we can give them as much care as possible, and after a year you’ll move to one of the larger dorms with a new roommate. But as for your current one, her name is Alice, and she’s a sweet girl. I hope you two get along.”

“Of course!” Ariella said. “Is this my bed?” She looked over and saw the uniform folded gently on top.

“Yes, it is. And the desk on that wall is yours too. The rooms are split in half, one side for your roommate and the other for you.”

“So I can do whatever I want with my side?”

Luna smiled. “You are sharing the room with someone, so if you want to do anything dramatic, then please bring it up with Alice first. With that said, if anything happens, if you’re missing anything, or need anything throughout the semester, then please come and find me. During the morning, I’m preparing breakfast. In the afternoon, I’m cleaning the halls; and at night, I’m making sure everyone is back in their rooms.”

“You sound very busy.”

“Indeed, I am, but I love the work. Now then,” Luna stepped out of the room. “Please get dressed quickly and meet me downstairs. I’ll show you where the ceremony is being held.” With her words, Luna closed the door and left.

Before changing, Ariella did one last scope of her side of the room before tossing her old clothes on the bed and sliding her new outfit on, which not only felt amazing but easy to move around in.

“How is this shirt made?” Ariella asked Luna after rushing downstairs. “It feels so comfortable. What I had before was nothing compared to this.”

“Everyone receives an outfit, but since some may be a bit too small or a bit too big, they may need adjustments. We don’t know who to expect, so we prepare the average size for everyone. If it is too big, though, then I’ll have it fixed immediately.”

“Is this the only outfit we’ll get?”

“No, but since you’re still growing, we won’t give you more than one at a time. When it no longer fits, then we’ll prepare a new one until your growth spurt is over. After that, you’ll receive five for the rest of your time here.”

“Why is the school so generous?” Ariella asked. Her question was quite off-handed. She didn’t think much of it, nor did she hope for an answer. It was just strange that they would be given so much.”

Luna blinked rapidly. Her question stunned her momentarily, but with a smile, she explained. “It wasn’t always like this. It took some effort, but it’s been a few decades since we’ve begun these practices. The least we could do is make your time here as comfortable as possible.”

After explaining the situation, the last three kids gingerly walked down the stairs together, and with all of them gathered, Luna brought them to what they called the auditorium. The place was a large, hollowed dome with a stage in the far back. The walls were made of brick, and the floor was wood that glistened. Every building Ariella entered blew her away. It surprised her at every turn. So much so that it was hard to believe the place was even real.

“Go find a seat. I’m sure there’s many available.” Luna whispered while pushing them forward.

To Ariella’s surprise, there were far fewer kids than she expected. From the stories and what she was told, it sounded as if they plucked every kid they could find, yet there were only about forty to fifty at a glance.

“Hello,” Ariella whispered after sitting down next to a girl.

“Hi,” she whispered back.

“What’s your name?”

Loud footsteps from behind them interrupted the girl before she could answer. The older gentleman had his gray hair slicked back perfectly, wore a gray suit and a monocle to go along with his classy look. His gait was heavy and long, and his back was as straight as a tree. He walked fast and kept his sight straight until he stood at the center of the stage and looked around at the kids who were watching.

With a nod of satisfaction, the man raised his arms and spoke. “Welcome to the Royal Academy,” his voice echoed through the entire auditorium, causing the kids to chatter excitedly amongst themselves. It was a little joke he loved to do every year. The act was a great icebreaker that not only helped them loosen up but to talk to their peers and maybe find a friend or two.

With a cough to calm the kids down, he continued. “My name is Declan Warren and I am the dean here at the Royal Academy.” He looked around the room once more to make sure everyone was paying attention. “All of you have been chosen for a reason. You’ve shown that you all contain something special. I understand it’s scary to leave the village or town you came from, but we at the Royal Academy want you to know that we’re here for you. Not only do we teach you everything you need to know to make sure you’re ready for whatever life throws at you, but if you ever need anything. Ever. Then please tell one of these wonderful adults standing at the side,” Dean Warren waved an arm over to the teachers and Luna. “They will be your teachers for your first semester.”

The ceremony continued for two hours. Several of the kids were already falling asleep, and while some things the dean talked about didn’t matter, Ariella still tried to follow along to the best of her abilities. It was a lot to take in, even for her, but it was valuable information, especially the classes they would be placed in for the first semester and what their futures at the Academy would be like.

With the sound of the dean clapping his hands echoing through the building, the kids who were sleeping shot awake. “That should wrap up the welcome ceremony,” he said with a smile. “If you’ve missed anything or have questions, then please ask Ms. Luna Woods, your dormitory mother. She will fill you in on anything you may have missed. You all may return to your rooms.”

The quiet auditorium roared the moment the dean finished talking. Some kids were excited about the classes, while others seemed scared. Worried that they might do something wrong. They were at a complicated age, and such an enormous change could be detrimental to some, and as for Ariella, she stayed back, hoping to sneak off and see more of the Academy, but Luna stopped her just in time so she trudged back late to her room.

“Hello,” Alice said as Ariella entered their room

“Oh, you’re the one who sat next to me at the ceremony!” Ariella closed the door behind her and rushed over to Alice. “My name’s Ariella.”

“I’m Alice.”