Despite her best attempts, Tori kept finding herself glancing at Fabian. He didnt seem at all upset when they returned to Horizon. He didnt act out of the ordinary during classes and shed caught sight of him with Gideon doing reviews in one of the study rooms of their dorm on her way to a review session with Ilyana.
As much as she wanted to know what the Emperors decision was, she didnt feel she was in the position to do so. Tori hadnt heard back from Axton, Piers, or her brother on what would happen to Fabian. Perhaps they didnt plan to tell her. She hadnt seen the three n since the pinecone challenge, either.
Whatever they were grappling with mustve taken ti to clean up. Kasen said hed have work to do after this. Axton and Piers were still Universit students, and their final exams coincided with Lyces. If they didnt join her brother, which she doubted, then they were likely preparing for their own exams.
This made Tori think that they planned to wait until after final exams to tell Fabian, so as not to disturb his studies. As for Fabian, if he suspected sothing was wrong, she didnt know. She only saw him in their horoom class, and it appeared as if nothing was amiss.
Tonight was the last night before their final exam week; the first tests would be in the morning. Ilyana was having the last of her review sessions that evening and the majority of their second-year class was with her, in one of the lecture halls, hanging on her every word in a last-ditch effort to prepare before their exams.
Tori felt that she studied better on her own and opted out. She spent most of the weekend in their dorm room studying by herself. She only ca out to eat and that was what she was doing now. The low rumbling in her stomach and lack of remaining snacks ant she needed to go out for food.
She raised her arms over her head as she walked past the lecture hall on her way to the cafe for a break. She glanced towards the open doors. Light was coming from inside and she could see the back row of people with their heads bent forward, scribbling away.
Tori let out a chuckle and continued forward.
Lady Guevera! A young mans voice called for her and she turned around. Her hair was pulled up into a thick, puffy bun, and as it was a weekend, she was in a simple dress and her sandals from the delta. It was comfortable in the warm evening.
Mr. Zisos, you didnt join todays study session? Tori asked with a slight smile as he held a bag against him and sped up to catch up with her as she stopped.
I went to yesterdays session, but Im fairly confident with todays subjects, so I decided to do so self-study, Constantine said as he fell into step with her. Are you heading to the cafe, as well?
Yes. Tori stretched her arm across her chest and held it for a stretch before repeating it with the other arm. Ive been hunched over my notes all day. I thought I could get a snack. The commons are already closed for the evening.
Constantine nodded. I thought the sa. The al at the commons is limited and I didnt have much of an appetite earlier.
What are you thinking of getting?
Coffee and a sandwich. Constantine thought for a mont. Im tempted to buy so pastries, as well. In case I get hungry in between exams tomorrow.
They walked out of Lyces front gates and Tori nodded. I need to pick up so for myself and Ilyana. Instructor Rosemund lets us eat in between tests, but its not enough ti for us to run to the commons and pick up sothing. Its better to already have sothing to eat with you.
Didnt you buy an entire cake during midterms? Constantine cracked a smile and Tori cringed a bit.
She was so stressed during midterm exams, as she had to deal with the imperial family in Viclya, that instead of getting her usual small pastries, she bought an entire cake and portioned it out. She stress-ate it far faster than she shouldve.
Im a bit more relaxed this ti, Tori said as she lifted her chin. Im going to buy smaller pieces. But likely equivalent to the size of the cake. No one needs to know that. Constantine laughed as they walked down the street.
They turned the corner and saw the lights coming from the familiar cafe. As usual, it was quite empty. If Piers wasnt subsidizing it sohow, Tori was sure it wouldve closed already.
The little bell rang as they walked in, and Tori greeted Mama J and her youngest son.
Good evening, my lady. Mr. Zisos. The cheerful woman smiled at them. How is your studying?
I believe were rather well-prepared, Constantine said with a smile. Ive been studying all day.
I have, too, Tori said. She gave Mama Js son a nod of her head. And just the person I was hoping to see. I have a very long pastry order.
Did you want to order another cake? he asked.
Toris lips tightened into a line. I ordered one cake for myself once. Once. No. Just smaller pieces this ti. Mama J took Constantines order and Tori ran down the pastry nu and selected both her and Ilyanas favorite pastries to be prepared.
I will have it ready for you soon, my lady, Mama Js son told her. Tori gave him a nod.
Ill also have a coffee with sweetened milk, Tori said. And a slice of puffy cream cake to eat here.
She headed over to the chaise lounge by the hearth, which was glowing with light crystals, but not fire. The weather in Horizon had ward recently and a fire wasnt needed to warm up the cafe. However, the aesthetic of a glowing fireplace was always welcod.
Constantine sat on one of the plush chairs and seed to sink in. He closed his eyes and let out a heavy breath. I always wondered why monks looked so tired when all they did was sit and read religious text all day. Now I know why.
Tori laughed and laid back on the chaise. Your body can get stiff when you remain in the sa position for prolonged periods of ti. Youll be able to stretch out and relax when we go back to the delta after exams.
She noticed Constantine open his eyes and pause for a mont. He looked over at her and his brows furrowed a bit.
After exams.... He trailed off and Tori tilted her head towards him.
Are you going back to Temple Mountain imdiately after exams? she asked. Now that she thought about it, Constantine hadnt told anyone his plans yet. For so reason, she simply assud that he was going to join them all in the delta over the sumr. Hed beco a permanent part of their little group. Where they were, he was.
No, no, Im still going to remain in the delta over the sumr, Constantine told her with a smile. She squinted her eyes. He was smiling, but it didnt seem to reach his eyes. Tori quietly pushed herself into a seated position.
For how long? she asked in a quiet voice. The ga gave Constantine two years to decide. Ti was almost up.
The corners of his lips turned up into a slight, pained smile. Until the end of the eighth month, he said. Tori held her breath.
And then?
There was a glint of regret in his eyes. And then I will be joining the seminary.
She took a deep breath and for a mont, didnt know what to say. The last few months, she hadnt thought about it. Constantine was now a trusted friend at her side, whom she threw responsibility at, as she did with the others. Shed taken it for granted that he was there, hanging out, eating, and playing gas with them. She lowered her eyes and narrowed them.
When did I stop thinking of him as one of Alessas love interests?
Is it surprising? he asked. Tori lifted her head and shook it.
No, of course not. I knew youve been interested in the seminary for so ti and just werent sure, she said. Tori tried to give him a reassuring smile. I...I just didnt realize the ti had co so quickly.
Constantine nodded and looked down. I spent a lot of ti thinking about it. I am enjoying my ti in Lyce and the work Im doing at the delta has been very fulfilling, but I find myself going back to the church. I still have much to learn.
Tori nodded. I understand. If the pull wasnt strong enough, you wouldnt have been considering it as seriously as you had, she said. Mama J ca by and placed their drinks and pastries on the table. Thank you.
Thank you, Constantine gave the older woman a smile and a nod before he leaned forward. Do you rember my interest in religious artifacts?
Tori nodded as she picked up the plate with her cake. Yes. Are you still interested?
Constantine smiled. I can get the best theology studies at the seminary in Karap. They have a diverse collection of religious artifacts, second only to Temple Mountain. My uncle said that it would be best to get a solid foundation first before focusing on artifacts.
Thats understandable, Tori said as she brought her fork and took a bite of her cake. She thought for a mont. How long is the period for seminary studies?
Cloistered for two years.
She slowly stopped chewing and swallowed her cake. Her eyes fixed on Constantine. Cloistered? He nodded and gave her a weak smile. Then...you wont have any contact with anyone outside the seminary for two years.
He let out a small chuckle. Thats the only negative side. I cant leave the seminary. I cant contact anyone outside the seminary, not even my uncle.
Tori looked at her cake and knit her brows. It didnt taste as sweet as she thought. Then we wont see or hear from you for two years.
I was trying to find a ti to tell everyone, he said before taking a long sip of his coffee. I thought it would be best to wait until after final exams. Then we can all enjoy our ti at the delta together before I leave. After all, Miss Agafonova is staying over the sumr, as well.
Tori took another bite of her cake and thought for a mont. She stared out ahead of her thoughtfully. Were going to miss you.
She didnt look at him, but from the corner of her eye she saw Constantine snap his head towards her. His eyes seed to redden a bit before he lowered them and tried to distract himself with his sandwich.
Lady Guevera, he said after a few bites in silence. Joining the seminary is usually a direct path to joining the clergy. Few people study and then decide not to join.
Tori looked over at him. Have you considered it?
Of course. I am still uncertain at this point, though. If I join the clergy, I can still continue on to further studies. In my case, I am interested in archeology. If everything goes as I believe it will, I will continue to study elsewhere after I join the clergy. It is not rare to do so, he said. That being said, I will have my ceremony in two years.
Tori perked up. Your ceremony where you get your markings? She imdiately wondered what tattoos he would choose and what gods or goddesses he would honor.
I have a favor to ask of you. Constantine put his half-eaten sandwich back on the plate on the low coffee table. When I have my ceremony and receive my markings, a witness needs to be present. Soone who is over the age of thirteen, and not blood related or already in the church. He gave her a helpless smile. As you know, my only blood relation is my uncle and nearly everyone else I know is also in the church....
Tori blinked and looked surprised. Are you asking to be your witness? Wasnt this an honor? He couldn't just pick anyone.
His hands fidgeted and he seed a bit nervous as he avoided her eyes. When you are a witness to a ceremony, in the churchs eyes, you beco family to the one receiving their markings. They would not see you as any different from a blood related family mber. It is of similar weight as a godparent. He chuckled a bit and flushed. Except you wouldnt have to take care of .
Tori lowered her head and let out a small laugh. May I ask why you want to be your witness?
She looked over at him and Constantine seed to think for a while. Im not sure how to explain it. When I first t you, I couldnt help but think our paths were ant to cross.
She drew her head back. When you first t ? Her eyes narrowed a bit. At the inn...?
Constantine let out a sheepish chuckle. Though our first interactions were awkward, that feeling has never left. You have beco a good friend, my lady. My first, actually, who is not soone connected to the church. He reddened a bit, as if embarrassed by that. Thanks to you, Ive t and befriended many others. Ive helped many lives. And my ti at Lyce has been wonderful thanks to you all, Lady Guevera. I...cannot think of another person I would want to be my witness.
Tori stared at him for a mont. She lowered her eyes and reached down to pick up her coffee. She brought it to her lips and took a slow sip. Its Tori.
Pardon? He looked towards her.
She turned her head to et his gaze. Constantine, call Tori. His eyes widened as he looked at her. Tori chuckled and softened her expression. Everyone else calls Tori. Its about ti you do, too, right?
Tori.... Constantine said her na quietly and his lips curled up into a wide smile. Then it is right that you call Constantine.
Well, Constantine, Tori said as she lifted up her cup to give him a small toast. I accept. If you choose to join the clergy, I will be your ceremony witness.
Constantine exhaled and seed to be relieved, as if whatever it was; he was holding was finally released. Thank you, Tori.
So, since this will be your last week at Lyce, have you already inford the school?
Constantine nodded. I have submitted my final report on my project already, though I do plan to continue assisting as I had before passing my responsibilities to Brother Cassius when I leave. If you need assistance from the church in the future, he is ready to assist you.
Yes, but Brother Cassius wont be able to play dungeon crawl with us when we have free ti, she said. And who is going to help calm down Ilyana when shes upset? Or calm down Albert?
Constantine chuckled and lowered his gaze. I have made my decision, but its not without so regret.
Two years, Tori said. Itll go quickly. After all, the last two years had. She watched him nod, but he didnt seem as convinced as she was. As they sat in silence, eating, Tori made a small list in her head of things to prepare for him when he left.
Part of her knew that she should be excited. Constantine was still technically a love interest. The fact that he was going to leave for what was basically seclusion ant that Alessas route with him failed. He was one less weapon in her prospective arsenal.
Yet, from a personal standpoint, she would miss him. Ewan would be leaving for La Garda. Tori didnt doubt that hed be accepted now. Suddenly, Constantine confird that he would be leaving and there would be no chance to contact him for the next two years.
Her eyes reddened a bit. Why did she think that their group would be a bit lonely?
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