They sat in the common room of their dormitory, a place where they had spent many an evening chatting and cracking jokes about the professors, students and amusing happenings that occurred more regularly than you’d expect from an institution like the Esoterica Magica. And while the company of young students was typical, the air about them was anything but. There was an anxiety, one might even say tension lingering in the air about the place. 

 

“So.” Kylee said breaking the silence. “What’s everyone going to do after graduation? It’s only a week away. I for one am looking forward to being done with this dreadful place and returning to court with my parents. They’re Waterdhavian nobles you know.”

 

“How could we forget.” Arabess drawled. “You mention it every chance you get.”

 

“Do I?” The blonde wizard feigned innocence. “I hadn’t realized.”

 

“Yes you did.” Salem countered. “You just like to say it because it makes you feel important.”

 

“No.” She pouted. “Cal is that…”

 

The bard looked over at Arabess who already had eyes on him. He quickly changed the subject.

 

“Hey Nat. I heard you were staying on for a fellowship in herbology. Congratulations. That’s exciting news.”

 

“Thanks it is. It came as quite the shock that I’d get it.”

 

“It’s really not.” Salem said dismissively. “Nobody wanted it.”

 

“How about you Evalise?” Kylee snarked. “What are you going to do when you can’t live here for free anymore? Where will you go?”

 

Cal could feel the room take on a chill as Arabess tilted her head toward Kylee. “First off. No one lives here for free. The institution has an endowment set up by wealthy alumni to foster prospective students of talent unlike yourself.”

 

“What does she mean by that?” Kylee snapped at Cal.

 

“It means Eva didn’t buy her way in.” Salem translated. “And she thinks you’re a hedge wizard.”

 

“Secondly, Eva and I discussed rooming together here in town for a while. So don’t worry she has a place to live.

 

Kylee’s eyes widened as Arabess stood.

 

“And lastly, us along with some of our friends are planning on putting our education to use looking for adventure in the real world instead of performing parlor tricks like trained monkeys for nobles at high tea.” 

 

Kylee blinked too stunned to speak.

 

“Guess that answers that.” Salem said sipping her mulled cider.

 

“Is that what you’re planning, Arabess?” Bryce asked.

 

“Yeah why?” She challenged the bard.

 

“Oh I don’t know.” He started a little unsure. “I thought maybe you like to join me on my yacht. You know my parents are wealthy, they own a…”

 

“Trading Company.” Salem finished for him, shaking her head. The witch took one look at the horrified expression on her friend’s face and said. “That’s a no.”

 

Cal chuckled to himself.

 

“What’s so funny?” Bryce asked, a little uptight.

 

“Oh nothing really. I’m sorry Bryce. It’s just that Arabess hates the open water. She can’t swim.”

 

“Yes she…” Evalise nudged Salem interrupting her statement. The witch gave her a ‘What?’ look.

 

“Besides oh great master of the triangle. I guess Bessie neglected to tell ya we’ve decided to try our luck as adventurers. Bessie, Eva, An’ric and me.”

 

“Wait what?” Kylee asked, confused. “I told mother you’d be coming back with me to Waterdeep. She was going to find you work at the Heroes’ Garden!”

 

“Oh yeah… About that…”

 

“Wow.” Arabess remarked somewhat surprised. “Guess we’ll have to get rich without ya Cal.” She smirked.

 

“Oh no you don’t Bessie. I’m in. Besides, I did all the research.”

 

“Hey!” Evalise corrected.

 

“Whoops. Yeah sorry Eva.”

 

“But you can’t. I mean An’ric isn’t even allowed to leave the school. Isn’t he a steward or something?”

 

“Monk.” An’ric corrected. “And yes I am. The order permits us to seek out the mysteries of weave by travelling and experiencing its effect on the world. It’s actually encouraged that we do. After the right amount of time we can either choose to return and serve here or remain a missionary passing what we’ve learned on to others.”

 

Kylee stood up, hands on her hips she stomped her foot. “Cal!”

 

“Oh relax Kylee. You can have him when we’re done.” She winked at Cal.

 

Cal tilted his head. “Thanks Bessie.” He mouthed.

 

She stuck her tongue out at him and made a face.

 

“Miss Ilixret!” 

 

The voice of Magister Rhilleas, the master of House Dracarys, cut into the room. The headmaster would like to see you and Mister Firebrand in his office immediately.

 

“Busted.” Salem smirked.

 

Arabess side eyed the witch and didn’t move.

 

“Now Miss Ilixkret.”

 

“Come on Bessie.” Cal took her by the elbow turning her away. “What did we do now?”

 

“Find me later Cal!” Kylee waved as they walked away.

 

Arabess began to look back over her shoulder toward the blonde wizard when Cal tugged on her arm.

 

“Hey.” He whispered trying to get her attention.

 

She shook her head. “I have no idea. You’re usually the reason we get in trouble.”

 

“Hurtful.”

 

“Truthful.” She grinned, bumping him into the wall.

 

They reached the headmaster’s office and were greeted by the always jovial face of his scribe Wendell.

 

“Look who it is. My two favorite visitors. The headmaster is waiting inside.” 

 

“Any idea what we did this time?” Cal asked.

 

“Your guess is as good as mine.” He winked.

 

“Thanks Wendell. That’s very helpful.” Arabess said dryly.

 

“Glad to help. Go on. You know the way.”

 

That they did. The two teens were far too familiar with the headmaster’s office for their liking.

 

“Ah there you are. Please come in and close the door behind you.”

 

Cal waved his hand forward allowing Arabess to step in first.

 

“Hey thanks.”

 

They stood behind the two waiting chairs.

 

“Hello headmaster.” They said in unison.

 

“Greetings. Greetings. Please sit. Not to worry. I have not summoned you here to discipline you.”

 

“Oh?” Arabess seemed surprised.

 

“Is that so unusual Miss Ilixkret?” The headmaster smiled. “I asked you here because I wanted a moment, unmolested by the rush of your impending graduation, to look upon you and share a few words. Both of you arrived at the Esoterica as infants and lived your entire lives within the walls of this great institution. I’ve watched you grow from helpless children, to active toddlers, to curious students to mischievous teens and now respectful young adults. It’s been perhaps my greatest joy to experience your development and watch you grow both as practitioners of the craft and good human beings. And it shall be my greatest sadness to see you leave and enter the world beyond the safety of this school and the protection of its staff.”

 

The headmaster paused to take a deep breath.

 

“I wish to extend to you both, should you so desire, to accept the opportunity to remain here in your current living quarters, until such time as you can comfortably find new accommodations. I will not have you unceremoniously cast from the only home you’ve known your entire lives. Now should you wish to venture forth and see what the outside world has to offer you, I am pleased to inform you that you shall both receive a modest endowment as a reward for your exceptional scholarship.”

 

“Are you serious, headmaster?” Cal asked excitedly.

 

“Quite so Mr. Firebrand.”

 

“That’s very kind of you headmaster.” Arabess answered though her voice sounded a little sad.

 

“Is something wrong Miss Ilixkret?”

 

“No. I guess not. It’s just… Until recently I never imagined a life outside of the Esoterica and now… Next week…”

 

“That is precisely the reason I have offered you the choice to remain… until you are ready.”

 

“I appreciate that headmaster and I don’t want to seem ungrateful…”

 

“But…” He prodded with a gentle smile.

 

“I have questions.”

 

“Mayhaps I have the answers. Ask away Arabess.”

 

“Why us? Why do we seem to benefit more so than some of the other students of similar circumstance?”

 

“That’s a fair question Miss Ilixkret. When you were left in our care all those years ago, financial considerations had also been arranged for your upkeep. You were not simply abandoned as vagrant offspring.”

 

“Who left us? Surely you must know.”

 

“Must I?”

 

“I mean there has to be a reason you’ve shown us such favoritism.”

 

“Have I done so?” He paused as if to search his memory. “I hadn’t noticed. Is it not enough to think that one so old as me could develop a fondness toward two of the children left in my charge? Young ones who I had the pleasure of watching grow? That I may simply be repaying you for the company you shared with an otherwise lonely man?”

 

“You mean detention?” Cal asked.

 

The headmaster just smiled.

 

“I feel like there’s more to it than that.” Arabess stated.

 

“Does there have to be?”

 

“No I guess not sir.”

 

“I’m going to miss our conversations Miss Ilixkret. Do visit whenever you are able.”

 

“You’re not going to say any more are you?”

 

“Only that if you wish to participate in any of the fellowships offered here at the school I’m certain there are magisters on staff who will gladly recommend you and endorse your application.”

 

Arabess nodded and smiled. “Thank you headmaster. For everything.”

 

The headmaster smiled in return.

 

“Would that include the acquisition and recovery of artifacts, headmaster?”

 

“Indeed it would Mr. Firebrand. Indeed it would.”

 

“Thank you headmaster.” He replied with enthusiasm.

 

“Remember both of you. There will always be a place here for you should you require. Now go, rejoin your friends and enjoy the week. I’ll see you at the ceremony.”

 

“Thank you sir.” They answered, bowed then left.

…………………………………………

 

The day of the graduation Evalise was sitting in Arabess’ room as her friend braided her hair.

 

“I can’t believe it Bess. After today we’re officially done. I’m kind of nervous.”

 

“Yeah me too. It was good of the headmaster to give us extra time before we have to move.”

 

“Definitely. I was a bit worried. I have some money….most of it from what we found at Candle Keep but the continuing instruction fee nearly wiped me out.”

 

“Yeah me too but it’s worth it. I can’t think of a better place to train or research than here. Plus if any of Cal’s treasure hunting leads prove bountiful the school will gladly compensate us for rare artifacts.”

 

“True. And it’s safer than fencing.”

 

Arabess laughed a little. Treasure hunting is not a crime Ev.”

 

“Oh I know. I’m just saying a lot of the time those willing to purchase ‘found’ items are somewhat unsavory.”

 

“Yeah like those miscreants from Bone House.”

 

“That’s funny. Hey that reminds me. Have you heard?”

 

“Heard what?”

 

“Hammy’s father found him a job working at the magistrate’s office.”

 

“Nooo. That dope?”

 

“Yup. Unbelievable. I guess it pays to have a father in government.”

 

“I guess so.” Arabess shook her head. “Cal and An’ric are here.” She announced seconds before they heard a light tap at the door.

 

“You know it creeps me out when you do that.”

 

Arabess grinned.

 

“Hey. You two ready?” Cal asked, poking his head in the room.

 

“Cal! Don’t bother waiting for a ‘come in’. What if we were undressed.” The young sorceress yelled at him.

 

“So? Like I’ve never…”

 

An icy glare stopped him from talking.

 

“Yeah. You’re right. Sorry.”

 

“Good choice.” She smirked.

 

“What are you wearing?” Evalise asked An’ric.”

 

“Oh this?” he said straightening proudly. “It’s the formal attire of an anointed monk. I’m officially recognized as an Avowed. The red gi is ceremonial and symbolizes my new rank. Do you like it?”

 

“It’s wonderful.” Eva smiled. “You look very handsome.

“It’s red.” Arabess grinned. “But the color suits you. Now your enemies won’t know when you’re hurt.”

 

“What color do they give you when you get old? Brown?”

 

“Eww.” The girls cringed.

 

“Ha Ha. You’ve got jokes my friends. Save them for the party.”

 

………………………………….

 

All the graduating students were sorted by their arcane vocation, the vast majority of which were wizards. Next in number were the graduates of the Bardic College with the rest derived from more specialized smaller cohorts of study. Arabess was among thirty odd sorcerers who had completed their training. She stood on her toes trying to catch a glimpse of any of her friends.

 

“Congrats Bess.” Darvish offered, trying to spark conversation.

 

She eyed him dubiously before responding. “Yeah you too.”

 

“Listen Arabess. I hope there’s no hard feelings. I always liked you. It’s just Hammond…”

 

“Hammy is a bully and an arrogant jerk. He’s lucky he’s not graduating with frostbite for all the times he messed with Cal.”

 

“Yeah. I’m sorry about that too. Cal’s ok. He just doesn’t know when to walk away from a bet or keep his mouth closed.”

 

Arabess turned on him with a frosty glow in her eyes. 

 

“Whoa. I’m not looking for trouble Bess. Just offering some friendly advice. I know you two are close.”

 

“That we are. So I’d be careful how you talk about him.”

 

“Fair enough. Any plans for after graduation?”

 

“Not sure yet. You?”

 

“Hammond’s dad got us into the magistrates office. It’s boring but it pays well. I was hoping to get transferred to the constabulary. I think I’d like it better there.”

 

“Wow. Big words for one of Hammy’s brutes.”

 

Darvish grinned. “Very funny. Griff might be a little slow but you know I’m smarter than that.”

 

“Are you though?” She grinned.

 

The boy grinned back as the Master of the College of Wizardry started calling out names. 

 

“Grexar Irhan… Zisophi Theylyn…” 

 

There was polite applause after every student was called. When all the wizards had all received their diplomas the Bardic College announced their graduates.

 

“Anora Amashan…Copan Esawyn…Bryce Fahntelroy.”

 

As soon as his name was called there was a loud ‘ding’. The entire festhall roared with laughter. Even the magisters and scholars assembled on stage had a hard time maintaining a straight face. Bryce reddened a bit with embarrassment but took the jibe in stride.

 

“Callixtus Firebrand.”

 

“Whooh Cal!” Arabess yelled.

 

There was a piercing whistle of excitement from the Duskblade cohort as Evalise emptied her lungs.

 

As Cal approached the podium and received his diploma from the Master Bard Aramaex Erredarin, the headmaster smiled and nodded his head.

 

“Speech!” Someone yelled. Arabess swore it sounded like An’ric.

 

Cal turned toward the assembled students and cleared his throat.

 

“Ahem…”

 

The headmaster smiled wide as several other professors grimaced and looked away.

 

“I’d like to say I knew you all, but that would not be true.

 

Of you lot, some were fun, but friends I’d number few.

 

An’ric I could always count to tell a joke or two

 

And stand by my side ready to fight when lady luck would treat me cruel

 

Evalise with book in hand and polearm at the ready

 

We’d study late, enjoy debate, a friend so smart and heady

And my dearest Arabess, of dragon blood and eyes of icy blue

 

None could ever take your place, my life is best when I’m with you

 

Now some of you may begin to think. Wait a second. Hey what about me

 

To you I’d say do enjoy your day for it shall be insult free

 

Except of course for Hammy and his bonehead crew

 

For you I admit last night I bluffed, I had just an eight and two

 

So thanks a lot. The gold it helped, to buy some cheer and wine

 

And if I may,  just this once, does Hammy mean you’re swine?

 

Headmaster thank you for all you’ve done, professors thanks I say

 

I’ll leave the school but not the stage. With that I bid you good day.” 

 

More laughter exploded in the hall with applause and a mix of cheers and jeers. Hammond and Griff scowled angrily. Arabess stole a look at Darvish expecting to see a frown. Instead he wore a grin.

 

“It’s ok Bess. What can I say? He got us. I guess he gets the last laugh.”

 

Arabess nodded and gave him a friendly shove.

 

The specialty schools were called out next. Some of the cohorts were as few as two or three. Evalise and her duskblade brethren were only five in count. The College of Sorcery housed the greatest number of remaining graduates. Prior to calling the names, an old gnomish sorcerer began chanting and waving his arms until the air above burst with fire an image of an ancient gold dragon came into being with a mighty roar that shook the walls of the great hall. Excited cheers and whoops chorused through the chamber as students from all schools enjoyed the display. Once the hall had quieted, the roll was called.

 

“Erazio Buccolo… Rani Ezibin… Darvish Ikalis…”

 

Arabess clapped loudly and cheered for the boy that had been her rival most of her life. Perhaps she was caught in the moment or perhaps he wasn’t as bad as she believed him to be, at least not when he was away from Hammy and Griff.

 

“Arabess Ilixkret…”

 

Another loud whistle cut through the hall as Cal yelled, “Yeah Bessie!”

 

Arabess half grinned when she heard it. Magister Elyon, the professor who headed the College of Sorcery waited for her with a wide smile. Arabess reached out with her hand and was quickly drawn in and hugged by the, on occasion, overly strict sorceress. 

 

“I’m going to miss you child, though not the mischief you and Callixtus often brought to my class. Congratulations Arabess.” She said as she squeezed her former student. “If you ever want that fellowship in runes study…” She smiled.

 

Arabess smiled brightly back. “Thank you Magister Elyon.” She took a step away from her mentor. Her eyes drifted to those of the headmaster. He looked upon her with the joy of a proud father. The elderly mage bowed his head and it was more than she could bear. She rushed over and hugged the man kissing him lightly on the cheek then turned away just as fast as her eyes began to moisten and leak. She hurriedly made for the short stairwell down when Griff who was in the front row with the small cohort of Hexblades yelled. 

 

“Hey! She’s crying. Frosty has feelings!”

 

Darvish, who had waited for her a step away from the base of the stairs, turned and shoved his friend by the shoulder. “Not today.” He warned. 

 

“Hey. What the…”

 

Arabess stared at Griff with a cold and foreboding look on her face. Her eyes took on a cool hue.

 

Griff seemed a little unsettled but nodded saying no more.

 

“Let it go Bess. I think he got the message.”

 

She panted then nodded as Darvish lightly tugged her away. 

The graduation ceremony was closed out by a demonstration of martial prowess put on by the monastic order known to the students as the Avowed. An’ric and the two dozen newly graduated monks were all wearing their new red gis signaling their acceptance into the ranks of those who were charged with the defense of the Esoterica. The monks jumped and flipped as they entered the hall. They spun their staves and struck them for loud effect. The entire assemblage oohed and ahhed at the remarkable skill and flourish of acrobatic maneuvers. Once the performance concluded their names were called as well.

 

Once the last of the graduates received his diploma, the headmaster stood. He moved back to the podium and began to speak.

 

“My dearest graduates. Before we draw this ceremony to its end, I would like to bestow the award of class valedictorian, a time honored tradition here at the Esoterica. It is my pleasure to hold true to this custom as I have for nearly two centuries. This prestigious designation is special as it transcends college and recognizes the single student of their graduating year who not only exemplifies the pursuit of knowledge and dedication to the craft but also symbolizes what it is to be a practitioner of the arcane art. This individual has proven to be kind and resilient. Tough yet forgiving. Intelligent and wise. Confident yet humble. This award knows not lineage nor does it consider wealth or recognize birthrights. It is this institution’s highest honor and must be earned from the first day you step inside these walls through your last. With these strict criteria in mind it is my personal honor to award this year’s valedictorian to the student who has exemplified these qualities from the moment they arrived at the Esoterica.”

 

“Well that’s not me.” Cal whispered to Bryce.

 

“You don’t think…?” Darvish asked Arabess.

 

“Me? No Absolutely not.” She shook her head.

 

“Miss Evalise of the College of Duskblades”

 

The entire hall exploded with cheers as the students hopped up and down and casters of all colleges launched pyrotechnics into the air.

 

“Yeah Ev!” An’ric screamed.

 

“Woo Eva!” Arabess howled.

 

“Evalise! Ev A Lise! Ev A Lise! Ev A Lise! Cal had the entire Bardic College chanting.

 

Eva who had blushed quite red matching her fiery hair, made her way to the stage rather emotionally and approached the headmaster.

 

“Well done young lady. Well done and well earned indeed.”

 

Evalise found herself tearing up much the same as Arabess had and hugged the wizened old mage.

 

“Thank you headmaster.”

 

“Remember my dear. There will always be a place for you here.” 

 

A feast that dwarfed even the dance at the bardic college was held in honor of the departing graduates. Strong drink along with the finest of foods were provided and the most talented bards the Esoterica had to offer performed all through the night. The celebration lasted well into the early morning. During the night many of the students said their goodbyes.

 

Kylee ran off crying.

 

Nat turned in early not wanting to be late for his first day as a fellow.

 

Bryce pouted the better part of the party until he finally moped away.

 

“Who would have thought you two would be such heartbreakers?” Salem quipped.

 

Griff was holding a frosty mug against his forehead. It was obvious he was suffering from over celebration. Hammy stared angrily at Cal. Darvish was back with them and many drinks later it seemed all had been forgiven. Several hours later, Hammond, who had been glaring at them most of the evening, decided it was time to say his final piece.

 

“You be careful Cal. I’m going to work for the magistrate. I’d hate for you to get caught illegally gambling and end up in my court.” 

 

“Is that a threat?” Arabess growled.

 

“Consider it a fair warning, Arabess.  Keep your man in check.”

 

“He’s not my…”

 

“Whatever.”

 

“See ya around Hammy!” Cal smirked. 

 

“Come on let’s go.” Hammond ordered his friends.

 

Darvish lingered for just a moment then unexpectedly reached in and hugged Arabess before he gently kissed her cheek. “Good luck Bess. Stay safe.” He looked at Cal and nodded. “Look after her.”

 

“Always do.” Cal smiled back.

 

“Yeah well that’s not how I remember it.” He grinned at Arabess. “Anyhow good luck. All of you.” Darvish nodded again then rushed to catch his companions.

 

As the party waned, the four friends found that they were some of the last of the celebrants still sitting in the festhall. 

 

“So what now?” An’ric asked.

 

“Now? Bed”… Evalise answered.

 

“I don’t mean right now…”

 

Arabess laughed. “She knows.I guess tomorrow we look for a place to stay.”

 

“Or.”

 

“Or what?” Eva asked.

 

“Seeing as there’s no immediate rush for us to leave we could follow this map I found in that diary we got from that dying priest at Candle Keep. From what I was able to gather there appears to have been something going on at White Plume Mountain. The book tells the legend of a lost weapon, the Sword of Restoration. Could be worth a look.”

 

“Could be.” Arabess agreed with interest.

 

“Sounds good to me. When do we leave?” An’ric questioned.

 

“Did you miss the part where I said bed?” Eva asked.

 

“Not at all Ev. You’re right. We sleep in, gather supplies tomorrow and set off the day after. How’s that sound?”

 

“Sounds like a plan.” An’ric nodded.

 

“Or our next adventure.” Arabess smiled.

 

“Yes it does Bessie. Yes it does.”