Unforeseen guest

The common dining hall is on the way to Professor Hobbins' summoning class. Not being sure if either of you is allowed to eat in the other's house, the two of you decide it is probably best to have lunch there. Parisa talks about what it was like growing up in a bakery as the two of you pass through the large doorway. "So really, I have been baking most of my life and want to develop new ways of incorporating magic." She explains.

"Interesting. I hadn't thought of all the ways magic can be included in everyday life." You respond. Like last time, the common dining hall is bustling with activity. Students rush about getting lunch, socializing, and studying their latest lessons. "How about that line over there? It looks like the shortest." You suggest to Parisa.

The two of you make your way through the kitchen and collect your lunches. Today's meal is a turkey pot pie with a side of asparagus. Your stomach rumbles as you take in its wonderful smell and you can't wait to dig in. "This looks like a good spot." Paris says, indicating a table with enough vacancy the two of you could easily have a quiet enough conversation and the two of you take a seat next to each other. "You know..." Parisa starts as the two of you take your first bites. "I could make us a lunch sometime. We could skip the line and maybe eat in the park."

"That sounds good but you don't have to make me a lunch." You say trying to be polite.

"I don't mind. I like to bake and cook." She tells you. "What's your favorite meal?"

"Um... I'm not really sure. I like pretty much anything." You answer. "What is your specialty?"

"Well, baked desserts and treats." She laughs. "But I can make almost anything."

"Her coconut cupcakes are the best." A familiar voice says. "My favorite anyway." You turn to see Liam, the boy who invited you to try out for the dueling team. "Hi, Parisa." He says taking a seat across the table from you and the brown-haired girl. "I didn't know you two knew each other."

"Hey, Liam." She greets the boy. "Yeah, we have a couple of classes together and are lab partners in alchemy."

"Cool." He says nodding his head. "So, have you thought about coming to tryouts today?" His question directed at you.

"Yeah, actually, I talked a friend into coming too. I hope that's ok." You inform him.

"Yeah, the more the merrier." He laughs.

"You're trying out for the dueling team?" Parisa asks you.

"Yeah, it sounds fun." You admit.

"You know the duels get pretty serious? They are safe but you still feel some of the pain." Parisa looks concerned.

"Oh, it's not that bad. Don't let her scare you." Liam teases.

"I just want him to know what he is getting into." Parisa places a hand on your shoulder as she dismisses his joke. "Where are the tryouts? Maybe Keira and I will come watch you boys."

"In Delmorgan Park, after class today, near the evocation range." He answers. "So, your a natural at evocation, have any other talents that would help in a duel?"

"He's a prodigy at alchemy." Parisa smiles bragging about you.

"Well... I don't know about that." You say turning a little red at her praise.

"No, really." She contests your modesty. "He transmutes things with hardly a thought. Just today, he created a pair of steel daggers like it was nothing. In an instant."

"Both evocation and alchemy?" Liam looks surprised. "That's a brutal combination in the dueling court. And if Parisa says your gifted at alchemy, that's saying something. She's a natural with alchemy herself." Liam's words and Parisa's praises have you feeling confident about your chances at tryouts. "So..." Liam smiles. "How long has this been going on?" His finger jumps back and forth, pointing to both you and Parisa.

Parisa notices she is still leaning in close to you with her hand on your shoulder her face turns red. "Oh... Well..." She sits up straight again placing her hands on the table. "Noting is going on." She insists. "We are just friends having lunch between classes."

"If you say so." Liam smirks.

A single toll of the bell indicates the lunch period is coming to a close. "We should probably be getting to class. We don't want to be late." Parisa says to you. "Bye Liam. Tell Keira I said hi."

"See you at tryouts." You tell Liam as you get up from the table.