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“We ran into some trouble. Nothing that we couldn’t handle.

” Danai sat at the small table. “We found out what their next move is, though there’s a chance the plans will change.

” Lilith recounted what she had overheard and briskly went through what happened after.

It seemed like this was not just a small movement of nobles. The gathering had many local faces.

“I will send word to the commander and let him decide if he wants to send forces towards Creekside and River Run. Although the rebels will likely change their plan, we have identified more people that are working with them.” Sir Tornbury stood by the window.

Prince Demetrius sat across from Danai, “I can tell you’re hurt.

Both of you.” He sighed. "Forcing them to re-strategize will fall in our favour. It will give us the time we need to hopefully move against them. Go and get some rest. I’ll let you know if I need you again.

” Danai and Lilith left the way they came and went down to the main hall.

“I am sorry for how things turned out. It was not so bad working with you.” Danai gave Lilith a pat on the shoulder and disappeared towards the girls dorm. Prince Demetrius quickly jogged up to her and pulled her into a little alcove.

"Just how bad were you hurt?" He leaned into her. "I can smell the Gertwood on your breath."

Lilith didn't want to get Danai into trouble. "I can take care of myself and I knew the risks when I accepted your quest. It was nothing I couldn't handle. In fact, I rather enjoyed our trip."

Prince Demetrius looked like he was moments away from loosing his sanity. "Well then, I'll make sure to come next time, if you're having such a good time." He pulled her in close.

She pulled back, staring him down. "I am more capable than you think. I don't appreciate you undermining our efforts. Things didn't go as planned, but we adapted and came back in one piece. If you don't trust us to complete your task, then don't ask us." She moved to walk past him.

"I'm sorry, Lilith," Demetrius whispered. She knew that this was probably one of the few times he's ever offered an apology, so she eased her shoulders and rounded on him.

"Thank you for apologizing." She turned and walked off. Instead of heading to the dorm, Lilith went into the hall, spotting Taran and Felicia eating their supper. They shuffled over so she could sit with them.

“Where have you been?” Taran asked her, concern and annoyance lacing his words. “You just disappeared.”

“I did tell the twins that I was heading out on some additional training,” Lilith reassured them.

“I’m exhausted.” She grabbed a plate and stuffed it full of steamed veggies and bread.

“I am glad to see you’re feeling better, Felicia.

” She looked at her friend, who was scowling.

“Have any others gone through their emergence while I was away?” Lilith tried to steer the conversation off of her.

“I can’t say I’m pleased with you and your sudden disappearance. We were worried. You’re our friend, Lilith. It would be nice if you just let us in once in a while.” Felicia aggressively tore off a piece of bread.

Lilith looked at both Taran and Felicia. They’d become her closest friends here and she let them down. “I’m sorry, to both of you. Sometimes I just think about myself, and I forget that there are people here that care about me. I was caught up with everything happening lately.”

Taran gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Lilith. Next time just let us know. ”

“We want to make sure you’re not doing something reckless.” Felicia added, her shoulders relaxing as she smiled at her friends. Lilith's face remain neutral. If only they knew the truth f how reckless she had been.

Felicia and Taran enthusiastically went over everything she had missed.

Almost the whole class had either gone through their emergence or was in the process of healing.

They finished supper and headed to their Elemental Incantations class.

Lilith assumed she could sit out of the class and rest, but she felt charged and restless.

Sir Tornbury gave her a double look, surprised to see her in class.

“We’ve been going over the elements and their possible uses and countering.

Since everyone has a unique combination of elements, I want you to form groups and research the elements your group has.

" He waved his hand and instructional papers flowed to each student.

"Be ready to showcase your findings. This is a good chance for those that are newly out of their emergence to test their abilities.” Lilith, Felicia, Taran and Silver formed a group.

Unfortunately for them, Lilith had all elements, so they would have to go through each one.

“Sorry, everyone,” she apologized to them.

“Not a problem. It will give us the chance to explore your weaknesses,” Taran replied. They spent the time dividing their roles and searching texts to give them some ideas.

“Now that we’ve gone through the trials, what are the fifth years doing?” Lilith asked them.

“Sir Tornbury had them sparring with each other. As our numbers are fluctuating so much with the emergence, there’s no use for us to hold classes together with them.

This assignment is just a way to kill time while we go through this phase.

” Silver closed his textbook and leaned back in his chair.

“To be honest, with things escalating in Vanguard, I doubt we’ll be here much longer.

" Lilith was about to ask Silver if there was more news, but Sir Tornbury dismissed class, clearly fed up with the lack of effort coming from the remaining students.

Even though she recently started at the school, it felt like a lifetime had passed. She would be sad to say goodbye to her new friends, especially Felicia, who she formed the strongest ties to. The women reached the dorm and rounded on Lilith.

“You have some explaining to do.” Meira cornered her.

Lilith put up her hands, “Woah. What’s wrong?”

“You said you went on a training mission or something. You’ve been gone for almost a week. What happened?” Meridith rounded on her next to her sister.

“I did exactly that. I was sent out to use my abilities. We managed to stop in this small town and I picked up some of these.” Lilith went to her pack and took out her bundle of items she procured at the festival and at the herbalist's.

She handed the twins back their borrowed items and shared the small trove of baked goods.

“Who did you go with?” Felicia asked, inhaling a small apple twist and taking a small sip of cider.

“I went with one of the fifth years. Danai, this time. I think they’re taking turns training me.”

“Well next time you go out on your secret training missions, please bring us some more souvenirs. Wine, preferably. We took notes of all the classes you missed.” Verrona took out a bundle of papers. Lilith went in for a hug. Whatever happened next, she was happy she went here.