Alice stood in the school's courtyard, waiting. The descending sun bathed the entire area in brilliant orange and red light.
Elise was finally arriving today and Alice wanted to greet her as soon as she arrived, but it was getting rather late, and the pangs of anxiety were starting to set in.
The young commoner wasn't completely by herself; a scant number of other people were dotted around the courtyard.
It couldn't be denied that this was an idyllic place to study, and several students often came here.
However, considering it would be dark soon most of the students had already left, and those who hadn't were preparing too. Alice was getting a little nervous, soon to be the only one here!
Luckily her fears were eased when she spotted one of the groundskeepers, ladder in hand preemptively lighting the courtyard lamps.
Studying the man, she was amazed at how quickly he set about his task. The keeper was up and down his ladder in a flash, making short work of the gas lamps. Soon he was at the pole nearest to Alice.
The man said nothing, but he nodded to acknowledge the girl and she returned the gesture. Alice was glad for the company, even if they weren't exactly "conversing." The idea of being alone at night frightened her.
One would assume that as the only commoner in the entire school system, she might be worried about "retribution" from her fellow students, under the guise that she somehow sullied the honor of the Academy or some such nonsense.
Alice had to admit she was somewhat scared of that idea at first. However, quickly picking up on how the noble class operated, Alice realized that it wasn't their nature to take the "direct approach".
None of these people would tell you how it is. They'd be pleasant to your face, but as soon as you were out of earshot they'd immediately stick their preverbal knife in your back. Alice had caught enough dirty looks, and whispers to realize what was up.
The only person who was straight with her (besides Catherine of course) was Oscar; he laid his thoughts on the Moore girl right on the table.
Alice couldn't say she appreciated the commentary, but at least he wasn't being two-faced about it.
The idea that any of her peers would lay a hand on her was getting more far-fetched by the day. This didn't mean Alice would let her guard down, she knew that her status was that of an "interloper," but any paranoia of bodily harm had dissipated.
This wasn't to say that the girl wasn't paranoid, she was. But it was due to a completely different matter…the Ulciscor.
Alice knew they wouldn't attack her specifically, but there was a good chance she'd get caught up in the crossfire. The Avalon Academy was more than a school, it was a symbol. It wasn't necessarily out of the question that they'd pick it as a target.
An assault of that nature would almost certainly draw attention, the idea that it could pop out of nowhere like some kind of boogeyman, well it was ridiculous!
Butwhat if one just happened to be walking by, and they saw me here…alone. I doubt I could convince them that I wasn't a noble...
She shuddered. Quickly turning around she looked for the groundskeeper. He'd long since finished the lamps near her, but Alice breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him still working in the general vicinity.
The commoner girl wiped some sweat from her brow, scolding herself for getting worked up on nothing more than a frightful delusion. Alice set about convincing herself of the facts.
The school was well aware of their position, as soon as it was dark all entrances would be locked and the night guards would begin their patrols.
Alice glanced at the sun. She was thankful for the security but if Elise didn't get here soon she'd be locked out!
As soon as she finished the thought, the characteristic sound of hooves clacking on the road could be heard approaching the gate.
Sure enough, the carriage was in front of the entrance. You could immediately tell that it was a cab, the Wrights didn't have the capital to arrange for a private coach. Elise would have to flag one down if she needed to get anywhere.
Alice quickly strode up to the black cab, its occupant emerging. The commoner and the lower noble greeted each other with a hug. Once they broke it off the duo got a good look at each other.
The two had been frightfully busy lately. Alice with her studies, and Elise with duties of her household.
All in all, it had almost been almost a year since they had seen each other, but the exercise was mostly pointless, neither had changed much. Even Alice couldn't notice any sort of difference in her friend.
Elise Wright could be considered rather plain-looking, her only defining trait being her long blonde hair. The young lady wore no makeup, she'd never been fond of the stuff.
It was only applied during "special occasions". Unfortunately for Elise, the entirety of the school year was considered a special occasion.
Her parents wanted to make a good impression on the Wright family name, so starting tomorrow the practice of applying makeup will become a daily routine.
The prospect was annoying, but much like all the little unpleasantries one had to deal with daily, Elise was sure she'd get used to it.
"You're late!" Alice exclaimed, "I was beginning to think you weren't going to make it tonight."
"The train was delayed, but luckily there weren't any further complications." Elise rubbed her tired eyes. "It's a good thing too, I haven't the money for an Inn."
Elise suddenly put on a stern face as she poked her friend playfully.
"And what about you? You're certainly a silly girl for staying out this late alone."
"Hey, cut that out!" Said Alice crossly. "Besides I'm not completely alone, the groundskeepers are still here!"
Elise spied the man lighting lamps, who at present was a great distance away from the gate.
"Mmm Hmm." Mumbled Elise doubtfully.
"Oh come off it! The night guard will be here soon, too!" Alice crossed her arms pouting. "Besides, you're lucky to have such a good friend waiting for you!"
Elise couldn't help but laugh at Alice's display of indignance.
"Alright, I'll take it back. I'm glad you're here to greet me. It's nice to see a familiar face."
"You mean it?" Alice asked, arms still crossed.
"Of course silly!" Elise patted Alice on the shoulder.
"Now help me with my things, or we're both going to be spending the night wandering the streets."
"Oh now you want my help," Alice said with mock astonishment. "I hope you don't think you'll get it just because you flattered me a little!"
The noble rolled her eyes.
"Just help me with the bags already!"
"Alright, Alright jeez."
Alice dropped the standoffish act, and the two started gathering Elise's belongings.