He clutched the old mahogany case in his hand, prizing his new birthday present. He hadn't looked at it yet, he was in too much of a hurry to get to school for his first day. He almost jogged down the avenue, the old rotten case swinging back and forth in his enclosed palm. He smiled. Today was going to be a good day....he hoped.

Kannizan was trotting his way to the school, as well. He heard the steps quick, and turned to see Calvin walking with speed down the road.

"Well, oi there Calvin. I see yer in a bit of a 'urry to get to school, aren't ya?"

He'd known Calvin so long, he'd seen the boy grow up from a wee little infant to a teenager, growing ready to become a man.

Did this old Dwarf some good.

"Does me good to see you up and about this morning!"

He pulled his old friend into a hug.

"Heading off to work I see..."

He smiled. At least his one friend on the entire island of Drlva was going to be there.

"Aye, lad. Tis nice to work out of that forge. M'boy can have it!" He spotted the old case, and raised an eyebrow.

"Ah, that reminds me. I've got ye a present, laddie. C'me 'ere. Ah, there ye are."

It was a chain, with two crossed blades dangling as decoration.

"If you pay attention, one looks like yer old blade, and the other is Brenans. Just to make sure you remember 'im well."

He smiled widley as he threw the chain over his neck, pressing it close to his chest.

"I wish I had a good gift for you my friends, but I've got naught but what weapon is in this case right here, and I don't intend to open it until we get to school."

The case looked pitiful, but Brenen was a poor man, and weapon could afford to give Calvin was enough.

Kannizan smiled through his beard.

"Good lad. Now go ahead. I'm an old Dwarf, and you're anxious to get there. I don't need ye to walk by me side."

"Old, you don't look over twenty. Nonsense, I'll stay here with you, I can afford the time. Gates don't open for registration until almost noon-time. Thats about an hour...plenty of time to walk there."

The city was huge, it covered the entire island, and the academy sat proud and dominant in the center. It was the most pretiogous academy for combat in all of Aalon.

"You suck up."

Kannizan stared up at the academy in the distance. He'd been there many years, and it still amazed him.

He spoke to Calvin.

"That's Dwarven architecture for ye, laddie."

"I'm not suprised you noticed. It's late second age inspired...there's a tad of Elven influence in the gardens, but nothing compares to the imposing facades of Dwarven architecture....except Draconic architecture."

He smiled. He'd read all about the Draconic society, which had gone extinct some time ago. They had constrcuted the finest buildings in all of Aalon, including Ruby Castle, capital of Tlyvary, the most stunning and perfect structure any race would ever lay on eyes on.

"Bah! Blast the Dracos. There all extinct, while us Dwarves aren't. That should tell ye who's the better builders!"

Kannizan enjoyed his debates with Calvin. The boy read a lot for a 15 year old paladin.

"If only you could see what it looked like. They say Draconic Architecture is enough to put most people to tears..."

He smiled. Stubborn old dwarf.

"I've got to run ahead, forgot I need to pick up some parchment for father. I'll see you at school good friend."

He tossed one more slap on the back and ran ahead, wondering who else he'd meet on the crowded street.

Almera stepped onto the street and nearly got plowed over. She jumped out of the way just in time.

"Hey! Watch it!" She usually didn't speak, but she wasn't in the mood. Today was NOT going to be ruined.

He stumbled, hopping on one foot as his momentum continued to carry him forward. He caught his balance and whirled around.

"So sorry about that." He said, still looking down. He wasn't comfortable with strangers.

Almera smiled. "I guess it was kinda my fault too. I'm just REALLY excited about today!"

The expression on her face told him that without words.

He noticed his case had clattered to the ground. He scooped it up. This girl was awfully pretty. He smiled meekly at her.

"You going to the Academy for the first time too?"