whiteoak academy

[oshibana]

The country of Esmos has a proud tradition of raising the children of its noble houses into powerful mages who wield all manner of control over the magic that runs through the world. To this end, the most magically adept (and, typically, richest and most well-bred) children are sent to the prestigious White Oak Academy. Here, they learn how to get along and more importantly, how to mingle and socialize in high society. Etiquette and history classes are held alongside magical theory and combat and it's impossible to tell just which is more dangerous – the magic the students are learning to control or the social circles they're expected to begin navigating. Still, White Oak is known through the land for a reason and with nobles and royalty in attendance, the security and care taken in protecting their students make this the safest place in all of Esmos. Surely nothing could go wrong in a place like White Oak.

Comments

[oshibana]

[ As mean as it feels to laugh, Lily can't help but giggle. At this point, Mina's... assistance, she'll call it, is an expected part of her routine and though it's a bit embarrassing there's something oddly comforting about it as well. Her mother had fretted that she'd be lonely at the school once she arrived – but with a friend like Mina at her side, how could she ever be lonely? ]

No wonder you're hungry when you've been working so hard. [ She reaches out to gently pluck a stray leaf from Mina's hair. ] It's just some leftovers from breakfast, but... would you like to find somewhere to sit together and finish them off? We have a free study period, so I have plenty of time before my next class.

[heroineunderstudy]

Does it really count as work when I enjoy it? You and the crown prince are too adorable~ [Mina startles when Lily brushes the leaf out of her hair, having lost track of the illusion's catalyst a few minutes prior and forgotten about it in the heart-stirring tension between Thanasis and Lily. She thought she'd be used to such casual contact by now, but it's always surprising coming from Lily—she's so pretty that part of Mina can't help but see Lily as ethereal as her own illusions, too beautiful to be real or able to touch-

...making a mental note to stop reading so many romance novels so that her inner monologue stops being so pretentious, Mina quickly switches tracks away from that train of thought.]

That'd be great. Breakfast is when all the best food is served; you should appreciate the sacrifice I made missing it! [she jokes.] I don't want to lose our library privileges if they catch us snacking in there again... hmmm, maybe by the fountain?

[oshibana]

Mina...! [ And just on cue, Lily flushes rosy red. ] Y–you shouldn't say things like that where everyone can hear you...

[ That she's just protesting instead of denying it in a panic is uh... some sort of progress? It's not as though she can exactly deny how much closer she and Thanasis have been getting, even if she wouldn't quite dare to call it romance yet. She can't even admit to the tiny inkling of hope in her heart that it might eventually be the case – even if Mina's putting all her effort into making it happen.

Breakfast. Breakfast is a safe topic. Lily tucks some hair back behind her hear in a fruitless effort to compose herself and gives a hasty nod. ]

Yes, the fountain should be fine... I passed by it earlier, and it seemed quiet. Even though it's such a lovely day, everyone seems content to spend their free period inside...

[heroineunderstudy]

[There was the adorable blush that Mina did all of this for. It wasn't (solely) for Mina's gratification, though; seeing Lily happylike this was the greatest and arguably only pleasure in Mina's life. Her cheeky grin spreads when Lily stutters, and it's all Mina can do to not waggle her eyebrows too.] You're going to have to tell me all of the juicy details this evening. I need to know EVERYTHING.

[She takes Lily's hand, gently tugging her over to the fountain to ensure that she doesn't spend all day stuttering and blushing, as amusing as that would be to watch.] I can't blame them, really. Exams are coming up, and I hear they're a killer... ugh, I'm really not looking forward to having to explain my grades to the Count. [Mina always talks about Count Hearkson like he's her boss, not her father.] I don't think I'd be getting any sunlight if it wasn't for my little "project," honestly. [Although that's more because of Mina's almost hermetic lifestyle than testing season.]

[oshibana]

[ Juicy details, she calls it... it's not like she and Thanasis are doing anything more than exchanging polite conversation, really. And occasionally sweets. And occasionally– Well, the point is! The details aren't really juicy, but Mina's always so happy to hear them. It makes Lily wonder if she shouldn't be putting in a bit more effort on her own part. ]

I–I'm sure the Count will recognize all the hard work you've been putting in...

[ She doesn't sound even a little bit sure of that, but she has to reassure Mina somehow. ]

But if you're worried about the tests... would you like to study together some more? We could bring some of our textbooks out here while it's sunny and see if we can get some more work done than inside.

[heroineunderstudy]

[Mina recognizes the hollow consolation for what it is, but the gesture is appreciated nonetheless. Lily's relentless optimism made the grueling work Mina had to do as a maid somehow brighter, and that same encouragement got her through the endless slog of etiquette and magic lessons after Mina was acknowledged by her father.

That light was what Mina's life revolved around, and she was content with her position just orbiting Lily. Being her friend was the cherry on top.]

That's a great idea. It'll be nice to have some wind on my face for once as I get through all this court history stuff... I still can't believe that you've been studying all this your whole life. How did you manage?

[oshibana]

It's not so much a case of 'managing', really... I've always liked books, so sitting down to study them isn't all that hard for me. The difficult part is being able to remember and apply what you've learned when the time comes, I think. But it can be hard if the material isn't something you're familiar with – or if it's hard for you to invest yourself in it.

[ Still – she gives Mina a smile and squeezes her hand, gently and reassuringly. ]

We'll be able to manage if we work together, though. It probably won't be fun, but I'm sure it'll make things at least a little bit easier.

[heroineunderstudy]

I was talking more about remembering which fork is the salad fork and which spoon is the soup spoon when it's actually time for dinner. You know I've always loved reading books with you, Lily. I still have to get remedial lessons for that kind of thing.

[Lily may have grown up the daughter of a cripplingly minor noble, but she still grew up as a noble. Mina had no such luxury.

Despite the deadpan nature of her delivery, she breaks out into a grin and squeezes her hand back.]

...but I'd still like to study that with you, more than anyone else here.

[oshibana]

[ Lily giggles, but it's certainly not in an unkind way. ]

Then I'd be happy to help. We'll do our best together, alright?

[ Mina's always working so hard on her behalf, after all – it's only right that Lily should return the favor. ]

We'll write a list of all the things you're studying in your remedial lessons and I'll practice all of it with you.

[heroineunderstudy]

That's a great idea. Thanks, Lily! Just let me...

[It felt silly planning to do all this practice hoity-toity stuff with her best friend, the one person who Mina had been able to not worry about class barriers and her "proper place" with. At least now, no matter how strange the circumstances, it wasn't technically taboo for them to just do... this together.

Mina digs her notes out of her satchel as she and Lily chow down on their ersatz lunch at the fountain, looking at what she's supposed to practice next- and blushes.]

Ah. Um. It's... ballroom dancing, apparently.

[oshibana]

[ In between bites of food, Lily leans in as well so she can peer over at Mina's notes – then her smile turns a little sheepish. ]

Ballroom dancing...

[ That's... not one of her strongest subjects, far from it – and she'd want to be really confident in something if she was going to try and pass any knowledge along to Mina.

But she'd said she'd help and she doesn't intend to back out. ]

I'm not a very good dancer myself, but I'm sure I can help you get used to the basics.