>>5781022“Well, it’s good for Field Researchers, too,” you’d noted. “Maybe even a Tower Guardian if we had, like, a BUNCH of intruders or something. It’s why I’m working on <Summon Elemental>--versatility.”
“Your studies are so random,” Testa had giggled. “What, no new fairy-magic from over the break?”
Your eyes darted to Henzler, whose own face was downcast.
“Ah, no,” you’d said simply.
“What about tall, strong, and silent?” asked Testa, running a hand in teasing facsimile of seduction down Pearce’s arm.
He didn’t react, except to say: “<Chill Touch>.”
“Of course,” you all groaned as one.
“W-what?” Henzler had whispered, lost again.
“<Bull’s Strength>. <Mage Armour>. <Chill Touch>.” You smirked at Pearce. “Combat Casting. I’m surprised you don’t just plan to cast FIST and pummel the bloody terrorists into submission, oh Future Guardian of the Tower.”
“I just might,” he said with a smirk, “if you keep that shit-eating grin on your face, Tips. Besides, at least I HAVE a goal.”
“I do, too,” you’d muttered, suddenly on the defensive… And then, cleverly, decided to deflect. “What about you, Henzler?”
“Oh!” she’d stopped walking abruptly, causing you all tot turn and look at her as she mulled it over. “I… Ah, I hadn’t decided yet. I was thinking <Dimension Door>…”
“Ha!” Blanchette had laughed. “Like those books of yours, right? That’s way too high-level for someone our age, anyway.”
Henzler’s face had gone crimson at that, and she’d begun to protest: “It doesn’t actually cross into other planes, let alone dimen—”
“Hey!” Testa had chirped, “we’re here!”
The Night Market was a tradition of the Initiates’ Village, during the first week of classes each year. As the name implied, it took place after dark. An impromptu pavilion of tents and carts filled the largest thoroughfare each evening for a week, taken down by morning, boasting rare ingredients, and magical items and foreign charms of varying potency and veracity. A foolish first-year and their money were soon parted in such a place, but you and your lot were seasoned travelers of this brief bazaar by now.
“Come on!” you’d beckoned Henzler, following after your excited friends as they dispersed.
Where did you take Izirina Henzler?
>The food carts, where all the best snacks always are! She likes treats from distant lands, right?>The beer garden—technically, you were of-age, and had been since before you showed up in Hawksong, and they never asked anyway.>To peruse the foreign tchotchkes, semi-magical items, and peculiar potions—sometimes you spy something actually GOOD here>Ditch her for a little while with your friends—it will be good for her to get some actual socialization in, and maybe kind of funny>Write-in 