Chapter Three

Orina awoke suddenly and opened her eyes, then narrowed them when she saw that it was still dark behind the curtains. She wasn't sure how late she'd stayed up crying, but she was sure that not enough time had passed between then and now to be considered morning. She was just about to close her eyes when she heard a light, cautious-sounding knock on the door.

"Orina?" Elgin said from behind the door. "You really need to wake up. You've got class today, remember?"

Orina groaned as she pushed herself upright. She looked at the glowing numbers on the clock on the dresser and almost swore at the time: it was only 6:00 in the morning. "I'm awake!" she called out, then reluctantly left the warm confines of the bed to unlock and open the door.

She found Elgin on the other side, dressed for work and apparently more than ready to start the day. "Good morning," he said, then tilted his head to see her better. Orina sighed inwardly, fully aware of her puffy, reddened eyes. "Oh, Orina --" he began, but Orina cut him off.

"I'm okay," she said tightly. She walked past him into the kitchen, where a bowl of fruit and yogurt was waiting for her. The sight of it almost made her forgive Elgin for waking her up so early. Speaking of Elgin... Orina glanced over her shoulder and saw him standing in the entryway to the kitchen, looking concerned. "Did you sleep okay?" she asked, with just enough edge to warn him off from further questions. He nodded. "Good."

"We've only got an hour before we need to go," Elgin said. "Your clothes are hanging up in the laundry room... except for what's folded on top of the dryer."

Orina fought back a groan. A whole hour? She could have slept for at least half of that and still had time to eat and dress. "Okay," she said before she returned to her meal.

"I'll, uh, leave you be, then," Elgin said. He left the entryway and, a short while later, Orina could hear the sound of unfamiliar voices and music coming from the living room. A brief wave of panic set in before she remembered the thing he called a television.

Orina finished her breakfast, then yawningly retrieved her clothes and shuffled off to the bathroom to get dressed and wash her face. Once that had been taken care of -- and she'd managed to pin her hair into some semblance of order -- she walked back into the living room and sat down on the couch next to Elgin. The sheets and blanket were sitting on one arm, neatly folded, with the pillow resting on top of them. "Good morning," she said. "Thanks for breakfast."

He chuckled. "You're awake now, I see. Good morning."

Except it's still nighttime, Orina thought as she leaned back and shut her eyes. She figured that Elgin would be distracted enough by the television to let her sleep a little more, but opened her eyes -- and fought back another groan -- when she heard the device shut off.

"I thought we could head out early," Elgin said. "It's not a long walk, but this would give me time to give you a tour of the classroom."

"Sure," Orina said. She allowed herself to be helped up, then took his offered arm.

When they left the house, the streets of Medina were dark and utterly empty. Orina glared at Elgin, but he didn't seem to notice. Instead, he pointed to a building she could just barely see in the distance.

"There's the school," he said. Orina nodded.

They walked in silence until they reached the building, just as the sun began to rise. Orina released Elgin's arm and watched him enter the building, turning on lights and bustling about in his usual way. She turned around to look at the school grounds. It resembled a small park, with trees and some convoluted constructions of metal tubes and swingsets. A few toys lay scattered about the grounds. Her baby would be playing there someday, she realized, if she chose to stay in Medina. She placed her hand on her stomach for a moment, then turned back around and entered the classroom.

Elgin stood in front of the big desk at the front of the room, the feathers around his neck puffed out with pride. Orina smiled at him, then walked over to his side. The room didn't look any more impressive from where he was standing, but she made appropriately impressed noises as he pointed out the rugs on the floor where the younger students sat for their lessons and the tables and stools that the older students sat at for theirs, which were currently pushed up against the far wall with the stools beneath them. The edges of the chalkboard were festooned with colorful drawings, a few of which contained vaguely beaky-looking black scribbles. Orina walked over to examine those more closely.

"They like you," she said with a smile.

"Some of them, yeah," Elgin agreed. "There's two classrooms in this school. I teach the little ones for the morning classes and the upper grades in the afternoon, while Lorca teaches two levels of the middle grades. So, I get to see them when they start school and when they finish and she handles all that's in-between. I miss a lot of them when they leave, but others I'm glad to see the end of for a few years."

He led her over to a door just off the side of the classroom, near the tables. "This is my office," he said, then unlocked and opened the door. It looked to Orina like a glorified broom closet that someone had crammed a desk, a chair, and a filing cabinet into. "Would you mind waiting in here while I introduce you to the students? I've got some tinsel and lights stowed away from the holidays in the utility room... and some black tablecloths left over from graduation... and..."

"And you're suggesting what now exactly?" Orina asked him, eyebrows raised.

"I thought we could decorate it a little and make it look like the room was a portal," Elgin said. "That's really why I wanted to get here so early. I got the idea for it last night -- I would've talked it over with you then, but you'd already gone to bed." He paused. "Do you mind?"

She shrugged. "No, it sounds nice."

"Great -- wait here and I'll get the supplies!" Elgin said, already running towards another door. He disappeared and reappeared several times, each time carrying a box or armload of something. He hummed happily while they assembled the so-called portal which, in the end, looked to Orina like a broom closet that had been dressed up for a fancy ball. Elgin looked somewhat deflated by the results, but climbed onto the desk and unscrewed the glass bulb from the ceiling. Now that the overhead light was gone, all that was left were the tiny, twinkling lights wrapped in tinsel that decorated the inside of the doorway. The desk and the furniture behind it had been covered with and blocked off by the tablecloths. He climbed off of the desk, then nodded to Orina. "Much better."

Orina entered the strangely-lit office and sat down on the desk, while Elgin shut the door behind them. She looked around at the little lights and how they illuminated the tinsel around them for a brief moment before blinking off again. It really did look almost magical and the longer she watched, the more she decided she liked it.

"What do you think?" Elgin asked.

"I like it," Orina said softly, still watching the lights. "Look at how they shine."

"Very pretty," Elgin agreed. "I think we did a good job." He looked down at his watch, then tapped a small button on its side to illuminate its face. "We've still got about ten minutes before the students are due to arrive. I'll dim the lights a little in the back of the room so you won't be blinded when you get out. Are you still okay with that?"

"Yeah. Though you'd better get out and finish getting ready," Orina said, mouth quirked in a half-smile. "Think of what the students would say if they found us in a dark office together."

Elgin let out a flustered squawk, then hurriedly left the room.

Orina pressed her hand to her mouth to muffle her laughter while she heard the sound of boxes being cleared away and whatever other last minute adjustments to the classroom Elgin deemed absolutely necessary. He'd put a lot of work into their charade and she hoped the students appreciated it even half as much as she did. Still, she wondered how they would explain her continued presence after her speaking engagement was over. At least it gave her something to think about until the kids arrived.

Eventually, she heard the sound of the classroom door opening and closing, followed by the sound of footsteps and children's laughter and chatter. She could hear Elgin fussing after them in his attempts to herd them to their seats. It took a little while, but they eventually settled down.

"Good morning, class," Elgin said.

"Good morning, Teacher," the kids said, more or less, in unison.

"Maybe you've already heard from your parents or your older brothers and sisters, but we've got a very special guest today," Elgin told them and, despite her previous calm, Orina felt her heart start to race.

"Is this the lady?" one of the students asked.

"Yes! And not just any lady: a lady from the Magic Kingdom of Zeal."

"Zeal's gone," another student, this one sounding slightly older, said.

"Now it is, but it's thriving in her time. Which is why it's very, very important that we don't mention anything to her about the Fall of Zeal. She's going to tell us about what life was like during the Golden Age, and we don't want to scare her."

There was a small ripple of commentary, most of it too quiet for Orina to catch. Two or three of the students started a chant of "Zeal went splat!" but were quickly hushed up by their fellow students and Elgin.

"Now, are we in agreement? No scaring our guest?" Elgin asked them. "If any of you are mean to her and make her cry, I'll be very upset. I might even cry, too."

"We'll be good," a few said, and Orina imagined the others nodding. She took a deep breath and held it.

"Okay, then wait here while I invite her inside," Elgin said. Orina heard his footsteps grow louder as he approached. "Remember, she's from the past... a time before TVs or computers or even the radio. You can't ask her what her favorite shows are. She's never ridden in a skimmer or watched a movie, either."

Another ripple of commentary followed, this one sounding shocked and appalled. Orina slid off of the desk and waited for the door to open. Her heart felt like it was beating in her throat and her palms were clammy.

"Ready?" Elgin asked the class, now standing outside the office door.

No, Orina thought. She stumbled out of the room when the door opened and felt Elgin take hold of her arm to steady her. She looked around at the dimmed classroom, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the light, while the door clicked closed on its own. To her relief, the "portal" had elicited a few excited "Ooo!"s from the students. She adjusted her hold on Elgin's arm and let him lead her to the front of the classroom, where a group of very young Mystics were seated in a semi-circle. She'd never seen any that young before: most were Imps, Henches, and Grimalkins, though she could see a Goon, a Juggler, and a few other types she couldn't immediately recognize.

"Class, please welcome Ms. Orina Nightshade, a soldier and magician of Zeal," Elgin told them and, thankfully, remained at her side after the introduction.

"Hey," Orina said. She started to wave, but let her hand fall back at her side. She hoped she didn't look nearly as terrified as she felt. The students stared back at her, wide-eyed, a few with their thumbs stuck in their mouths. "As you can see, I am human --"

"Eww!" some squealed, giggling. Elgin shushed them.

"-- but you remind me of some of my fellow soldiers in the Zealian army," she continued. It wasn't a lie: while most of the Mystics she had seen in Zeal worked in the Palace as servants, there were many that were soldiers, researchers, and engineers. She even recalled a group of Mystics of the same type as Elgin that worked on the Kingdom's airship under the leadership of Guru Belthasar. They were known collectively as the Outlaws and she found herself wondering if they were why the Guru had named it the Blackbird. And, to her amazement, she found herself casually explaining to the class what the typical day of a Zeal soldier was... minus any details of her relationship with Decamerone. She did mention her magic classes, though, and talked about what her schooling had been like.

Speaking to the students was easier than she imagined it would be, though it helped that Elgin was there to keep order and ask her pertinent questions. At last, she finished her speech and more or less navigated the students' questions. Their questions were both innocent and confusing, with most revolving around brands of candy and something called soda. Still, she was relieved when Elgin declared class over and led her back to the office. She waited there until all the students had left.

"Thank you," Elgin said when he opened the door. Orina left the office and watched him climb back up on the desk to replace the overhead bulb. It blinked back on and the office once again looked like an overdressed broom closet. He turned off the lights and left the office, locking the door afterwards. "How was it?"

"A little terrifying, but I survived," Orina said with a shrug.

"I'm glad," he replied. "There's about an hour until the older students are due. I can run home and bring us back something to eat -- in all the excitement this morning, I forgot to pack a lunch. You could probably use some time to yourself, too, after your harrowing experience."

"That'd be nice," Orina admitted. "Thanks."

"No problem," Elgin said, then left. She saw him wave to her from the outside door, then heard the lock click. Orina breathed a sigh of relief.

Now that he was gone, Orina meandered around the classroom. The tables were too heavy and awkward for her to move on her own, but she did roll up the rugs from the front of the room and put them away in a cubbyhole by the door. It was then that she noticed a pinch-faced Grimalkin in a floral dress watching her from the window on the adjoining classroom's door. That must be Lorca. She tried to ignore her as best she could and refrained from glaring in her direction. Nosy or not, Lorca was still her friend's coworker.

She sat down at his desk, mulling over that thought, while she looked at the various writing utensils and knickknacks that decorated its surface. There was a small, framed picture of a waterfall pouring into a lake at the base of what had to be a mountain and another small frame holding a faded picture of six Outlaws seated on a sofa. She guessed they were his parents and siblings. She opened the drawer and poked around inside, though she wasn't sure what she was actually looking for. She could feel another picture frame stuck way in the back, but the stand was lodged in the drawer and she couldn't pull it out without breaking it. When she drew her hand out, her fingers were coated with dust, graphite, and eraser shavings. Whatever the picture was, it had been there quite a while. She quickly closed the drawer and wiped her hand against the side of the seat when she heard the lock click again.

"I brought you a sandwich," Elgin huffed as he entered the classroom. His suitcoat was slung over one arm and he held a paper-wrapped sandwich in his other hand. He handed it to her, then folded his coat and set it on the top of his desk. Orina stared at him.

"You... didn't have to actually run," she said as she unwrapped the sandwich, then bit into it. She wasn't a fan of peanut butter, but decided to keep that to herself. "Thanks. Didn't you bring anything for yourself?"

"I ate at home," he said with a shrug.

"You did? Why?" Orina asked. Now that he wasn't wearing the bulky suitcoat, Orina could see how baggy his button-up shirt was at the waist and stomach and how tightly his belt was cinched. She looked guiltily down at the sandwich and realized that she hadn't actually seen him eat anything since her arrival. Suddenly, the shabby classroom -- and his tidy little house with its worn furniture -- came into new focus.

"Have you ever seen a bird eat?" he asked her. She nodded slowly, brow knitted. "I rest my case."

"It's okay, you know," she told him, then took another bite of the sandwich. It didn't taste any better, though she knew both she and the baby needed the food. Besides, she didn't want to hurt his feelings.

"I'll keep that in mind," Elgin said. He unbuttoned his shirt at the wrists and rolled up the sleeves, then began to pull at one of the tables. Orina started to get up from the desk and he clacked his beak. "Sit, sit! I do this nearly every day. It's fine."

Orina settled back down and watched him arrange the tables while she ate. There was apparently some trick to it -- she guessed that there were sliders tacked to the ends of the table legs -- but it still looked like it took an uncomfortable amount of effort. She hurriedly chewed the last bit of her sandwich and walked over to help Elgin with the stools, despite his protests.

"There, done," he said once the last one was in place. He looked down at his watch and groaned quietly, then unrolled and rebuttoned his sleeves. He walked back to his desk and put his suitcoat back on.

Orina frowned. "It'll be okay," she said as she joined him at the desk. "Will they be here soon?"

Elgin nodded, shoulders hunched. He startled when Orina touched his arm.

"So, what's our story this time?" she asked.

"Oh! Right, right," Elgin said. "Let's see... you're a visiting expert on Pre-Fall Zealian culture, who has graciously taken time from her studies to speak to my students."

"Ordinarily, that would fetch a steep price, but... I waived my fees for you," Orina said.

"In exchange for room and board, right."

"No, because you're my friend," Orina corrected him. Elgin looked at her and she smiled back at him. "You are, right?"

"Yes, I am," he said, then added, shyly, "I'm very lucky."

"So am I," she agreed. She gave his arm a comforting pat and was relieved to see that the miserable hunch had left his shoulders.

"I could use a teaching assistant after today," Elgin said quietly. "If you wouldn't mind taking a sabbatical, that is, to learn more about Mystic society through field study."

"That sounds like just the sort of rest and relaxation I need following my highly-traumatic skimmer crash," Orina said and Elgin chuckled.

The students began to arrive moments later. They looked to be a similar mix as the younger ones: again, mostly Imps, Henches, and Grimalkins along with some unidentifiable types. Among the unidentifiables was a pink-haired, pink-skinned young woman wearing a shockingly-brief cropped shirt and a very short pair of very tight shorts. Her mouth looked sticky and Orina saw that she was carrying a half-unwrapped peppermint stick. A few of the male students followed close on her heels, each one apparently tasked with carrying her individual school supplies.

"Oh, good, it's going to be one of those days," Elgin muttered, with tired sarcasm.

"Is that Jade?" Orina asked him. He nodded.

"Don't look at her. It'll only encourage her," he added in the same weary tone as before.

Jade blew them both a kiss as she walked by, then took the nearest seat at the front set of tables. Her adoring flunkies set her books and papers in front of her before they took their own seats, pushing and shoving for the ones that provided the best view of her.

The rest of the students took their seats without incident, though Orina noticed that many kept looking at her and whispering to each other. She blushed when she realized that her hand was still resting on Elgin's arm. At least Shade isn't here as well, she told herself, both arms now at her sides.

"Good afternoon, class," Elgin said.

Most of the students either rolled their eyes or mumbled something noncommittal in response, except for Jade. Instead, Jade licked along the side of the peppermint stick she held. "Hey, Teachie-pooh," she cooed, then started to suck on the candy in a way that made her flunkies squirm in their seats. Orina stared at her, appalled at the obscene display, then glanced over at Elgin, who was apparently directing his introduction to the clock on the opposite wall.

"While I'm sure that most of you have already heard about the guest lecturer that will be speaking today, I would still like to introduce my esteemed colleague -- and treasured friend -- Orina Nightshade to you all. Ms. Nightshade is an expert on Pre-Fall Zealian culture and has graciously agreed to share her knowledge with all of you today. Please treat her with the respect she deserves."

"Thank you," Orina said, then began her speech. She tried to cover many of the same topics that she did with the younger students, except in a more formal tone, but she was all-too-aware of the way she was stammering and stumbling. The energy of the room was all wrong. She hated the sneering looks several of the students were giving her, as well as the disgusting routine that Jade was still engaging in. Finally, she covered all of her points and, reluctantly, asked if they had any questions.

"Yeah, will we be tested on any of this human crap?" one student called out. A few more snickered.

"Yes, harshly," Elgin replied. "I hope you all listened and took notes. Anyone else?"

Jade pulled the candy from her mouth, then raised her hand. "I've got a question," she sing-songed.

"And what is that question?" Elgin said tiredly. "It's not for you, though," Jade continued. She gave the stick another lick. "It's for Orina."

"Go ahead," Orina said.

"I'm a little embarrassed, though. Can I whisper it to you instead?" Jade giggled.

"No, just say it or shut up," Orina snapped back. "I'm not here to play games with you!"

"You're not here to talk, either," Jade replied icily. "I looked you up on the internet before I got here and there is no Orina Nightshade, expert on blah-blah-blah. It's like you don't even exist. I think you're a sham."

And I'm not even going to say what I think you are, Orina thought, eyes narrowed. "That's because I'm a very private person who only publishes through small presses," she said, just as coolly. "Word of my expertise travels without my having to advertise myself."

"I'm sure it does, Ms. Nightsoil." Jade snorted. "Whatever. I'm bored."

"It's Nightshade. And I'm tired of your attitude," Orina replied.

"Er, class dismissed," Elgin said. "Don't forget, you still have to finish your research papers! They're due Friday!" he added to the retreating students. "And study your lecture notes!"

"They're not listening," Orina whispered.

"Some did, I hope," Elgin whispered back. "Those that didn't are in for a surprise tomorrow." He sighed. "Thanks for your help, Orina. I really do appreciate this."

"No problem," Orina said. "I liked the first class better, though."

Elgin nodded. "Same here." After the last student left, he turned to her and offered her his arm. "Would you still like to go shopping? The City Skimmer will be running for a few more hours and Truce isn't that far away."

"Sure, but aren't there stores here?"

"There are, but they're for Mystics. Not only would next to nothing fit you... do you really want to be stared at the entire time you shop?"

"What about you?" she countered.

"Don't worry about me," he replied. "Let's stop by the house first, though."