Aurelie clutched her satchel close to her chest, covering it as best she could to avoid the contents getting wet. She sprinted through the alleyways, avoiding the warmly lit street lamps as she made her way closer to the university library. Behind her, heavy footfalls lay chase moving faster than when the endeavor started. 

Looking back every so often to see if the palace guards had placed Aurelie in their sights. Thankful, they hadn’t tracked as well as she assumed. However, they were all around her from the sounds of it, with several trailing behind. She stumbled on the uneven cobble, lurching forward as she traversed the darkened alleys. She caught herself rounding a corner, having made an abrupt stop and ducking back into the shadows. 

Soldiers rushed past, shouting orders amongst the splashing of shallow puddles. The soldiers behind her must have taken a wrong turn, or they were recalled back to the main streets. Regardless, she had a chance to catch her breath and regain composure before she continued this endless chase.

Aurelie set her back to the stone wall covering her from the guards, sliding down to where her knees were at her chest. She sighed, pressing her head back, then looked down at the now-soaked brown leather bag emanating a soft changing light. What are you?

_______________________________________________________________________________

A stack of books rested in the middle of a large wood table, creating a narrow barricade warding off fellow students. However, with how big of an area Aurelie was taking up, Most passers-by flashed warry looks as they flinched away from the chaos. Multiple dully colored, bound texts were propped open in different fashions, some with spines down, others up, and some standing straight up on the table, rocking slightly when Aurelie scribbled notes onto the disheveled parchment scattered across the table’s surface. 

Aurelie had her nose stuck deep into a blue leather bound book: Gifts of Ancastor: The Creation of the Gods. The myths about the realm had always been fascinating to her. The history of its development and the importance of Avrasill were captivating all on its own, but Aurelie had always sought the strangest subjects in historical context. It was the reason she chose to study the records of Ancastor, going as far as attending the university set just several blocks from the palace. Before Aurelie could only dream of visiting the Palace archives, but now they’re within reach and the university held limited exclusive access sessions for upper classmen. The unread documents and artifacts hidden by the towering gray-white walls of the palace were so intriguing. There had to have been a reason why what was said to have been in the archives has never been released to the public.

Rumors of the archival contents came in a variety. Notable Ancastoral historians stated there are endless texts dating back to before the founding of the kingdom, including written forms of dead languages and weaponry. Activist group members proclaim an extensive list of the tyranny and crimes committed by the royal family. Conspiracy theorists and select members of the student body believe the archives hold god-craft weapons or an ancient amulet gifted to the first king by the goddess Salaara. 

Aurelie could only scoff at the last one. God-craft weapons were an impossibility. Even if they had existed at one point, why trust a human with such power? The corruption humans are avidly consumed by has never been unfamiliar in historical texts. Most of which reside within the library walls, no doubt. However, the curiosity of god crafts never eluded Aurelie’s mind. If such things did exist, the types of powers they granted or even the makeup of these objects would be a spectacle to interact with. Though, only under great care and supervision should they be handled.

She flipped the page, to a new title page: The New Legends: Gift of the Divine. An odd title for a mythology book. The old legends discussed the creation of the six ruling gods and goddesses, along with speculated stories about their existence. Followed by subsections about the different prayer and worship styles practiced across the realm, though ultimately the same when analytically compared. Calling a chapter ‘new legends’ either proposed the idea of recent god and demi-god encounters or contemporary interpretations of the original myths.

Hands slammed on the table next to Aurelie. With a start, the book in Aurelie’s hand was cast high into the air and she fumbled out of her seat. A soft laugh erupted as the book landed gingerly across the room, followed by a harsh hush from partitions in the surrounding area. Aurelie looked up, a taller girl with a darker complexion beamed. Thick blueish black hair framed her face in long rippling waves. Though it was spring, the girl’s attire complimented her warm chestnut eyes wondrously echoing the cheerful laugh of the owner. A deep blue and multi shaded brown plaid circle skirt, paired with a white, long sleeve button up with a frilled collar and a polished iron bracelet flashing under the late morning rays peaking through the upper canopy windows.

“Honestly Marine, you could simply greet me with a hello” Aurelie sneered. 

“I did try to get your attention, Ari. How you’ve managed to ignore my greetings and bustling around you is beyond me.” Marine said, offering her hand.

Aurelie was happy to see her companion regardless of the mischief that always followed suit. She was hoisted to her feet and smoothed her skirts. Marine had gone to retrieve the book now sprawled in the middle of the walkway. 

“What are you reading something like this for? It’s not on the exam list.” Marine asked, handing the book to Aurelie. 

Marine, as far as Aurelie noticed, wasn’t much of a reader. Though she did exceptionally well in classes and during research sessions. Outside of academic hours, seeing Marine holding even a piece of parchment would cause significant alarm.

Aurelie shrugged, marking the chapter she had ended on. “ One of the librarians said it had arrived recently, and mentioned it having uncommon stories in it. Thought it was worth a skim through” 

She placed the book back on the table she had occupied. Several small stacks of books rested around the large wood table, creating a narrow barricade warding off passing students. Though with how big of an area Aurelie was taking up, most passers-by flashed wary looks as they evaded the chaos. Multiple dully colored, bound texts, once propped open had toppled across the table. Several pages of torn, disheveled parchment with rushed scribbles and drawings lay next to or under the disturbed fortress. 

The book Aurelie had had her nose stuck into was a deep blue leather bound book titled Gifts of Ancastor: The Creation of the Gods. A recent publication of Ancestor’s founding mythology and the importance of Avrasill in the pantheon's awakening. There was something about the ambiguity of the folklore and the celestial plains that forced a searing desire to understand through Aurelie’s mind. It was the reason she chose to study in Ancastor, going as far as attending the university set within the secondary inner ring walls of the capital. Before, Aurelie could only dream of visiting the Palace archives, but now just within reach; the secrecy of ancestral documents and artifacts hidden behind the towering gray-white walls of the palace were so intriguing. There had to have been a reason why what was said about archives and national history has never been released to the public. She was so close to knowing; she just needed to rank well on her exams in the coming weeks. 

“It must be an unfinished manuscript since the second half is filled with blank pages.”

Aurelie frowned and quickly flipped to the latter half of the book.

The book's second half was blank! Roughly five pages after the story she had marked; a new section with title page; Gifts of the Divine had nothing written on the back or on any page after. There was no trace of ink or warding seal. The parchment was without tar. Even the binding showed no sign of tampering. Aurelie furrowed her brow as she examined the book; the chapter just ended without an index or author notice. Despite it being a reiteration of an odd title, the old legends discussing the creation of the six ruling deities, along with speculated stories about their existence. Followed by subsections about the different prayer and worship styles practiced across the realm, though ultimately the same when analytically compared. Calling a chapter Gifts of the Divine either proposed the idea of recent encounters with divinity creation or -- at a distance, contemporary proposition direct contact with the pantheon.

She turned, about to stalk over to the librarian’s desk until the noon bells boomed through the library. 

“It’ll have to wait until next week, once the festivities finish” Marine shrugged.

Aurelie huffed, carelessly shuffling papers and study materials scattered across the table into her bag. She hoisted it onto her shoulder and shuffled books into her arms to place in an empty cart nearby. 

The pair set off towards the lobby, curtseying to the librarians on their way out into the central lawn. The area was bursting with life; students occupied the open grassy area casting spells, practicing instruments, and playing games. Colorful woven blankets were spread out beneath blooming sable trees, adding a sparkling rainbow reflection to the surrounding area. Several students had climbed up into the trees, dropping tethered lanterns from the branches and tossing brightly colored streamers between the trees, filling out the canopy. 

“I adore this time of year. The university has always put on the most wonderful Locsong festival.” Marine cooed.

Her eyes wandered between the bustling activities. Aurelie had to grab Marine’s shoulder and pull her down to avoid a rogue streamer roll.

Aurelie hadn’t added to Marine’s thought. Locsong was new to her. Despite the Wren household’s stature, Aurelie’s family never was able to observe Locsong in Oberin. The city was a border county, nestled in the great farming valley in the north east between Ancastor and Faelin. During the spring months the Wrens’ were called into Faelin to aid in the overseeing of commerce and tax audits the ruling council arranged each year. Though the meetings took up only a few weeks, staying in the capital of Lyalinth for several months allowed Aurelie’s father to establish himself as the mediator and understand what the public necessities. 

There had been a few years when the Wren’s had returned on the tail end of Locsong. However, from her childhood memories, Avrasill’s approach to the festival was extremely different; or perhaps that lantern and streamer hanging was just a university thing and the students enjoyed having free reign over the campus.

Aurelie observed the courtyard’s happenings. It seemed everyone was preparing something for the festival, though how it played into the celebration was unclear. She didn’t expect the gods would be pleased to watch the magically gifted toss around spells or a bundle of students playing with miscellaneous floating objects — What sort of game was that? Aurelie wrinkled her nose as she watched two players get pummeled by a sparkling orb.

“They’re playing Ovunta. It usually requires a few classes; wielders, sorcerers, warriors and flairs, but everyone can do it. If you know a wielder of course.” Marine said. 

They watched one of the players jump out of the way from a very reckless shot. They returned the favor to their friend in kind, but with more accuracy.

“Doesn’t it hurt?” Aurelie trailed.

“Not usually. The ball isn’t a hard rubber but, if you know the right attack moves it can still bruise.” Marine winked. “The game is a bit complicated to explain with such a small group, the minimum is about eight people.” 

Aurelie shook her head in acknowledgement, anticipating Marine to drag her into a round of Ovunta sometime in the following week.

From the corner of her eye, a sparrow made of deep slated stone and golden accents came barreling from the trees. A small scroll clutched between it’s claws. Aurlie grabbed Marine’s shoulder and nudged her lower to the ground attempting to help the creature avoid collision. Luckily the creation swooped up last second and dropped the scroll on the ground behind Aurelie. 

She spun, yelling a quick thank you as she unrolled the parchment.

Marine stood slowly, wary of other projectile stone birds. 

With a huff, Aurelie crumpled the note in her hand reengaging the messenger’s seal that ignited the parchment into a short burst of flames.

“A palace summons?” Marine asked cautiously.

Aurelie pursed her lips. 

“Unfortunately, the Crown has been notified of my attendance in the city.” 

From the far end of a lawn, a coachman waited impatiently for Aurelie to approach. 

“Which means, I’m stepping in for my father.” She said; gently deposited her book bag into Marine’s arms and made her way across the lawn.

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Pronunciations (excl proper ipa spelling)
Aurelie ->  Or-a-lie
Marine -> məˈrēn
Avrasill -> Av-ra-sil
Ancastor -> An-cast-er
Salaara -> Sa-lar-a
Locsong -> Lock-song
Oberin -> Ob-rin
Faelin -> Fay-lin
Lyalinth -> Lie-a-lin-th
Ovunta -> O-vun-ta