(Opening Scene: Zane and Astrid stand before the grand entrance of the Lumina Academy. The air is filled with a sense of purpose and anticipation as other hopeful applicants, young individuals with a similar spark of potential in their eyes, make their way inside.)
Taking a deep breath, Zane followed Astrid into the Lumina Academy. The interior was even more impressive than the exterior, with high ceilings, polished stone floors, and tapestries depicting legendary figures wielding powerful abilities. A long queue had formed before several registration desks, each manned by an older student or academy staff member.
Astrid led Zane to one of the shorter lines. As they waited, Zane observed the other applicants. Some nervously fidgeted, others exuded confidence, and a few subtly displayed their abilities – a faint shimmer of heat around a hand, a small stone levitating momentarily. He felt a pang of insecurity, unsure how his own void powers would compare.
When it was their turn, Astrid stepped forward first. "Astrid Montaigne," she stated clearly to the registrar, a stern-looking woman with spectacles perched on her nose.
The registrar scanned a large ledger, her finger tracing down the page. "Ah, Lady Astrid Montaigne. Of the esteemed House Montaigne. We were expecting your registration." She offered Astrid a polite nod. "Please fill out this form with your details and chosen discipline."
Zane's ears perked up at the title "Lady" and the mention of "House Montaigne." He glanced at Astrid, a question forming in his mind. She caught his eye and offered a small, reassuring smile as she began filling out the form.
When it was Zane's turn, he stepped forward, feeling a bit more self-conscious under the registrar's scrutiny. "Zane," he said simply, unsure if he needed a surname.
The registrar looked up, her expression neutral. "Just 'Zane'?"
He nodded. He had never known his last name.
"Alright, Zane," she noted it down. "Please fill out this form. Do you have a chosen discipline?"
Zane hesitated. He didn't even fully understand the disciplines here. He glanced at Astrid, who had finished her form and was waiting patiently. She offered a subtle prompting nod.
"Um… perhaps something related to… shadow?" Zane offered tentatively.
The registrar raised an eyebrow but noted it down. As Zane filled out his form, he couldn't help but overhear the registrar speaking to the applicant in the next line.
"…yes, Lord Elmsworth. House Elmsworth has a long and proud history with the Academy…"
Zane's gaze drifted back to Astrid. "Lady Astrid Montaigne," "House Montaigne," "Lord Elmsworth"… These were clearly people of high standing. Once they had both completed their registration and moved away from the desk, Zane couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.
"Astrid," he began hesitantly, "Lady Astrid? And House Montaigne? Is that… a very important family here?"
Astrid smiled slightly, a hint of amusement in her stormy eyes. "You didn't know? House Montaigne is one of the most influential noble houses in Oakhaven, second only to House Thorne, who rule the city."
Zane's eyes widened in surprise. Astrid was not just a noble; she was from one of the most prestigious families in the entire city. Her willingness to help him, a complete stranger, now seemed even more remarkable.
"I… I had no idea," Zane stammered, feeling a sudden wave of awkwardness.
Astrid placed a hand on his arm, her expression reassuring. "It doesn't matter, Zane. What matters is who you are and what you can do. Now, let's find out where they hold the introductory briefing."
Despite her reassuring words, Zane couldn't shake the feeling that he had underestimated Astrid significantly. Their journey together had just gained a new layer of complexity.