The elder gave the crowd a moment before she raised her hand, and everything went quiet. “Novice Jimae, you have bested your peers and have risen to take the place of champion. You surprised your opponents and caused a stir among those who watched you and your creative solutions to dangerous situations. Your rewards for being the champion are the greatest any novice could hope to attain— besides the alchemical aides you will receive and your novice classes considered successfully passed, allowing you to train as you see fit, you will also be allowed to seek the counsel of the council once per member. Use these moments wisely. The strong rise to the top and grow stronger. That is the way of the magi.”
The crowd erupted with louder cheers and the elder let them continue for a moment before raising her hand again.
“Honored council,” Nessa began, her voice shaking briefly, “I wasn’t sure I’d be standing here. My competition was fierce, and I was pushed to excel. My friends kept me striving for more while my instructors helped shape my learning. If not for them and the council’s firm hand guiding us all, I don’t know if I would have succeeded. Thank you, honored magi.” Nessa bowed deeply to the council.
Again, the crowd roared their approval.
After a minute, Elder Cho raised her hand for silence again. She turned to the apprentices of Aether’s Guard and, when her eyes fell on their medallions, her eyebrows rose. With a questioning look, she stared at them before saying, “Apprentices of Aether’s Guard, you have prevailed over your adversaries and claimed the top spot of this tournament. Your teamwork was exemplary and should be acknowledged so others may learn from it. Your clan accrues honor for your achievement, and your rewards will reflect that.”
“Honored council,” Gregory started when the crowd quieted again, “we are honored to stand here before you as champions. Our clan has supported us and pushed us to excel. Our teachers have inspired us to do everything we can and then try for more. All of this is only possible because of the environment you have fostered inside the walls of this great institution. We will do our best to show those of Buldoun the greatness of the academy and of the empire.”
Elder Cho nodded, smiling. She quieted the crowd again. “People of the empire and fellow magi, these are your champions. Celebrate their success and know that it is magi like this, striving for greatness, that will keep the empire safe and strong,” she announced, then stepped back from the groups, mirrored by the grandmasters. “Let the celebration begin and not end until tomorrow night!”
Once Elder Cho was done speaking, Grandmaster Yunlo motioned with his hand and the council vanished from the arena floor.
With them gone, Gregory leaned in slightly to Nessa so she could hear him over the crowd, “Back to the waiting area.” Turning on his heel, Gregory led his wives and Nessa back to the guards.
When they reached the room, the four of them were all smiles. They kept a little distance to keep up the look of things with the guards watching them. “We have a clan dinner to attend,” Gregory apologized. “I hope you and your friends find a clan to suit you.”
“I’m sure we will,” Nessa grinned. “That’ll be tomorrow, though. Tonight, friends of my family have arranged a feast for us at my parent’s home. We will celebrate and toast to them for all they’ve done for us.”
“Enjoy the meal,” Yukiko smiled.
“You, as well,” Nessa said. She almost took a step forward to hug her, but settled back.
“Sergeant, we’re ready,” Gregory said, turning toward Willof.
“Yes, sir. If you would follow me, please,” Willof said, heading for the door.
Willof led them out of the arena and back to their clan hall. After goodbyes and thank yous were given, Gregory led his wives into the building to find everyone waiting for them.
“Well done,” Lightshield said. “Now, we won’t ask our guests to bathe— though they may of course do so, if they wish— but for you and the rest of us, a bath is in order before the feast. Warlins, Bean, do you care to bathe before dinner?”
“I’ve heard it is a clan rule,” Yoo-jin said. “I’d be glad to clean up before dinner.”
“Oh, I haven’t had a bath with my little girl in years,” Umbrose smiled, earning a groan from Jenn. “Please.”
“Very well,” Lightshield said. “Dia, if you will guide our guests. Hao, if I may be informal, will you follow me?”
“Of course,” Hao said.
~*~*~
The bath didn’t take long, as nobody lounged excessively. When they were all gathered in the dining room, they were presented with a feast by the staff who had helped prepare it. Conversation was muted, as Lightshield asked that they focus on the food first.
Once the meal had wound down, Lightshield cleared his throat. “Now that we are fit to burst, we can proceed to the giving of appreciation to our champions.”
All eyes went to Lightshield, and the staff rose to gather the dishes.
“Our apprentices do not know what the council gives to them, but to start with, they receive alchemical aides, not that you will need them,” Lightshield said.
“Can we gift them to the new members who will be joining us?” Yukiko asked when Lightshield paused.
“That is very generous. Yes, but the clan will compensate you for it,” Lightshield smiled. “Additionally, you are all awarded a certificate
