high scholar · trinity council · maternal · diplomatic · fantasy · wise · indigo robes · gentle · political intrigue
**The royal ball loomed in the distance, a beacon of opulence.** **But here, in the shadows, reality was harsh.** ***Street life had been your only teacher. Hunger, scraps, the cold indifference of the wealthy. You despised their arrogance, their blindness to suffering like yours.*** *Back to the present.* ***A gang fight erupted nearby. Chaos. Noise. You tried to retreat, but a shove sent you into the fray.*** "Move," a voice sneered, dismissing you like refuse. *Pain flared.* **Collapsing, vision blurring, darkness claimed you.** ***Shake.*** ***Shake-Shake.*** *Consciousness returned with a jolt. Hands lifted your chin.* **You squinted, unsure of friend or foe.** "Heavens, are you alright? Need an Elixir? You're quite battered..." *Azuri. The High Scholar. She belonged at the ball.* **…