• Solo • [Institute] Pathways Forward

[Rozkia]

75th Ashan, Arc 722

Making it through the trial of her on-site tour was a miracle itself. Being told the naerikk could return the following trial was the biggest miracle, considering half the tour went in one ear and out the other due to the rat present. If they quizzed her about the tour, where the stopped, what had been said and why, who the alumni were... well, she could kiss that partial scholarship goodbye. Hopefully it also wouldn't disqualify her from the extra class she had paid for - she hoped it wasn't that big of a problem. Her nerves were alight when she entered the onboarding office - she no doubt meet the chancellor as well as her tour guide. There they'd access her and decide if she was a good fit past her application.

She sat in the waiting area, leg bouncing in place as she considered her option of forfeit. She could just as easily walkout and ever show her face in the institute again - she doubted anyone would care past the temporary annoyance of a no show. Before she could concrete the idea, Leta called for her with a smile a bit too bright for the aner's taste. Still, she smiled back - forced and crooked she knew - and followed the human inside the office. Leta offered her a seat and the naer all but collapsed into it. She straightened her posture before the assistant chancellor turned around (first impressions and that sort) and tired to keep her nerves from her face.

Leta shuffled about the mahogany desk and riled through some drawer Rozkia couldn't rightly see from her potion before she pulled out a stack of papers and sat down. "Straight to business, then," Leta announced for Rozkia. The naer focused then, an attempt to look interested. "During the tour you were very distracted, don't let that happen in your classes," Leta voice was a warning tone that Rozkia nodded to. "Sign here," She handed some kind of contract to the naer, tapping her slender fingers over a line to indicate her point before rolling the quill in front the naerikk. Rozkia signed it as neatly as possible - she didn't bother reading as it meant little to her what their terms were.

"Prepare to meet your professors. Magic theory is serious stuff, please be aware that your behavior will reflect on the institute while you study. We have high hopes for everyone." And high expectations, the naer's mind finished for the human. She nodded stiffly either way, nerves taking over once more. "Professor Hedwinct and Professor Hallowswift will be waiting in the first exam room. Hedwinct would like to ask you some questions. He may reject your application based on your answers. As he is currently our only Magic theory professor, you can see why that is worth noting."

"Yes, we understand. We will try to earn his approval then," She seemed determined enough for Leta in that regard, her passion shining into her eyes. The naer was not easily deterred by the threat of disqualification from magic theory but only because she had resolved to learn the magic of her interest regardless of teaching. Attending the academy gave her decent cover to practice but she wasn't against operating under the law. Not that anyone of the Institute needed to know that, of course.

Either way answer seemed to be enough for Leta - the human congratulated on her enrollment in linguistics ad wished her luck on her enrollment status for magic theory. Once they finished conversing and going over the rules - Leta had noticed the naer hadn't read the contract - Leta let her out of the office to call in the next prospective student.

[Rozkia]

She made her way to the exam room - located easily thanks to the wooden doorplate and the immediate view when she left the office - with her nerves frayed. For trills she had been relieved! The naerikk thought herself in the clear for admission, but apparently the magic theory professor was picky about his students. Rozkia chewed on her blackened claw firmly as she considered which angle to go for to get into the class. According to Leta all the naer had to do was prove she knew enough of the dangers (she didn't) and make a good impression. With the former out of the question, she would need to seem impressionable and willing - though she was certain her determination could handle that just fine. She hesitated in front of the door for a bit longer before she steeled her nerves and pushed it open.

She could regret and consider later, in the moment she needed to act. She schooled her face into something she hoped look soft - she didn't need to try to hard on nerves. One of the professors (he was a tall lesser, that one) greeted her brightly, which she attempted to return. The shorter, older looking lesser in robes nodded in her direction as he appraised her with what she considered a critical eye. She felt the need to straighten out her posture further under his gaze. She gave herself a quick once over as subtly as possible, her cloak was draped over her arm so that her sweater was visible. It was black and so were her pants and leather boots - though they had a muddy tint, the boots. She thought herself presentable, at least.

"We are pleased to meet you both," She lied, wringing her hands nervously. Perhaps the naer could be fidgeting less, but it seemed to cut the harsh scrutiny of the robed professor. "Rozkia," She held out a clawed hand for a shake t whoever grabbed it first with her introduction. The tall lesser made the first move, a firm but gentle shake. So he was Hallowswift... She inclined her head to signal her acknowledgment. Professor Hallowswift irked her a bit, as his first question was about her speech patterns.

"Why address yourself as we? Is that cultural? A tick perhaps?" He fired the invasive questions rapidly before he gave pause for her to answer. She flinched at the onslaught and tried to force a smile (She looked to Hedwinct for help but he was conveniently unfocused) and let go of his hand.

"We," She started to explain, but when no words formed and her mind blanked she realized she wasn't quite sure herself. She had always referred to herself in that way. She could look deeper into her thoughts later, but for now she wanted to placate his curiosity the best she could so she could move on. The naer shook her head and rolled her shoulders. "We are not sure. We don't recall much prior to our arrival. We have... always spoken this way, we think." She answered honestly - it would cost her nothing after all.

"Dear me, that was quiet rude and inconsiderate of me. I apologize."

"No no, we have taken no offense," another lie. "Curiosity is something we are no stranger to." She tried to glance at Hedwinct, but their gazes met and she immediately broke the contact. Perhaps he wasn't fond of naerikk? She hoped she could move past it she needed this class to go smoothly. "In any case, we are eager to being in your lecture hall Professor. We are desperate to learn different languages, one or two in particular, for a family friend. It would make communication easier."

"Goodness, and you decided to go into sociolinguistics for that?"

"Well, we have little memory of our home. We wish to be kind to her. Understanding her speech and why it feels familiar seems like a good way to help her acclimate. That aside, its a good way to learn more about ourselves in the process, we believe."

"This friend must be important! Well then, my dear, I look forward to teaching you all I can. I have high hopes for one so dedicated."

"We will not disappoint, then." The naer assured firmly. Professor Hallowswift clapped a hand on her shoulder before admitting he had a lecture in a matter of bits to prepare for. After he bid his farewell only the naerikk and the magic theory professor remained. Rozkia made sure to wring her hands again to prevent herself from biting at her claws as Hedwinct stepped forward to get a better look at the naer.

"Well then, shall we begin?" The older human inquired, gesturing to a single desk in the exam room. Rozkia lifted a brow in confusion, hesitantly stepping forward to take a seat. She settled into the desk seat after he watched her drape her cloak over the chair. She waited patiently though nervously for him to speak, or yell or even throw her out. Instead he seemed to let her anxiety reach its peak before he asked his first question.

"Why do you seek magic?"