That did not seem promising. Frustrated, Adrissu pored over the hints of the incantation Starck had used—predictably, he had not published it in its entirety—to piece together the runes and components the long-dead human might have used to perform the ritual. But what he could extrapolate was not nearly enough to complete the spell, so he would take to experimentation. More farms had sprung up on the outskirts of Polimnos, so he would not lack for chickens.
By this time, the first term was at an end, and the academy would soon take its winter recess before starting classes again in the new year. Adrissu reviewed the overall grades from a random sampling of students; if Kian happened to be in that sample, well, there were only so many to choose from. At a glance, Kian’s innate magical ability was middling, but he was quite studious, which made up for that lack. Adrissu was unsurprised, but nevertheless pleased.
On the last day of term, most classes were finished, and most students had left to celebrate the new year with family and friends. While several remained on campus, the academy was overall quiet and empty now. Though it was not snowing, thick, dark clouds overhead warned of imminent snowfall.
“Headmaster,” Eris called, peeking her head through his open office door. “I’m about to head out for the recess. Is there anything else you need before I go? I won’t be back until the start of next term.”
“No, Eris, thank you,” he said, looking up at her. His neck ached from where he was hunched over his desk, and when he looked up, he could see she had a large box held awkwardly in her arms. He frowned. “Do you need help with that?”
“Oh, erm,” she stammered, glancing back at the crate. “It’s not too heavy. Just a bit awkward. Nethendriel in enchantment gifted me a sebran sapling, so...”
Adrissu had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. The half-elf teacher had been trying to woo Eris for most of the term, though he supposed he should be grateful that it seemed to pull her attention away from him.
“Don’t drop it, then,” he said, forcing a smirk. “I’m sure it cost him a small fortune, importing one of that size.”
“Gods, do you really think it was that expensive?” she muttered, frowning over at it. “I just gave him a bottle of wine, but...”
Inwardly, Adrissu sighed with relief—if she had gifted the half-elf something, too, then maybe that was a sign she really was over whatever feelings she’d had for him, and he wouldn’t have to look for a new secretary at the beginning of next school year.
“I’m exaggerating,” he lied, waving his hand. “Though I don’t seem to recall anyone else getting quite so extravagant a gift from him...”
Eris blushed, glancing away with a suppressed smile. “Me neither.”
They were both silent, then she sighed and looked back over at him.
“Well, if that’s all,” she said. “Then I’ll see you next term. Have a good holiday, Headmaster.”
“And you as well,” he said, smiling as she then turned to go. He remained at his desk until her shuffling footsteps were long gone, then stood and stretched. A walk sounded pleasant about now, so he would take the scenic route home.
Once he’d gathered up his belongings and pulled on a heavy winter coat, he left his office and began the slow amble around the stone paths that led through the school grounds. It was a course he had taken many times before; its familiarity was soothing, but there was always something new to observe: whether a spirited conversation between students, an instructor who’d been hoping to run in to him, or something as simple as a plant blooming or a rabbit cautiously foraging in the grass. It was all pleasant to witness.
He had gotten about halfway around the campus when he noticed Kian, his eyes drawn to the student as if he were a beacon. Kian was sitting on a bench along the paved walkway, with a book in hand and a heavy winter cloak draped over his slight frame. He glanced up the moment Adrissu saw him, as if he too felt the pull between them; even from a distance, Adrissu could see color rising in his cheeks as he hastily looked away.
He had not spoken to the boy in months. It was the last day of term; surely there was no harm in saying hello? So Adrissu continued walking up the path toward him at a leisurely pace, pretending not to notice Kian’s eyes constantly darting between his book and Adrissu.
“Good afternoon,” Adrissu said, as he stopped beside the bench. Kian scowled, glaring down at his book. Even the tips of his ears had taken on a pink flush.
“What do you want?” he muttered. Adrissu grinned, stifling a laugh.
“To be polite to a student as I’m walking,” he replied. Kian sighed, shrugging. “It’s quite a gamble reading outdoors. It looks like it might start snowing at any moment.”
“I live in the dorm right up the hill,” Kian said, gesturing with the book toward the building a short walk behind him. “So it’s not far. I like reading outside.”
“You’re not preparing to leave for the holiday?” Adrissu asked, his tone gentler now. He knew nothing about Kian or his background, but the right questions could give him a better picture of the other man, so long as he didn’t anger him in the process.
“No,” Kian sighed, setting the book in his lap and begrudgingly focusing on Adrissu. “I grew up on a farm outside Polimnos, so it’s not too far, but... I don’t know. My family’s not great. I’d rather just stay here.” He seemed as if he might say more, then clamped his mouth shut with an irritated expression. Adrissu’s hands itched to reach for him, for the casual intimacy he had so long enjoyed with Braern—but he clasped his hands behind his back, maintaining a polite distance between them. Finally, Kian spoke again. “And you?”
Adrissu shook his head. “Familial ties are not especially valued in... my culture. So no. I have not seen my parents in many years.”
To his surprise, Kian smirked, a soft laugh escaping him. “Sounds nice,” he sighed, leaning back on the bench. “You, uh... You live in that tower up on the cliff, right?”
“Saltspire Tower, yes.”
“Seems like a long walk.”
“It’s not terribly long. I enjoy it.”
Kian nodded, and for a moment both were silent, Kian looking uncomfortably down at his lap, as Adrissu watched him impassively. He obviously wanted to say more, so Adrissu waited.
