The warm afternoon light filtered through the infirmary windows, casting soft lines across the wooden floor. Shaun sat at the edge of his cot, tightening the strap of his satchel. The faint scent of herbs still lingered in the air—remnants of his long recovery.
Shaumin had already returned home earlier that morning, and Sabastian had gone back to his lodging. Only Natasha remained, leaning against the window frame, her arms folded and her brows slightly furrowed.
"So… you're really moving to the dormitory today?" she asked, her tone caught between concern and disbelief.
Shaun glanced at her with a faint smile. "Yeah. I've made up my mind. I was supposed to report there two days ago and move in yesterday, but thanks to that fight with Shaumin, I lost a day. I can't afford to waste another one."
Natasha sighed, her expression softening. "You could still rest a bit longer. You just got discharged."
He shook his head. "I'll be fine. Besides, I've wanted this for a while—living independently, managing myself, learning what it's like to stand on my own."
For a moment, silence settled between them, broken only by the rustle of curtains in the breeze. Then Shaun asked, "Want to tag along? Could use the company."
Natasha blinked, caught off guard. Then she smiled—a little too quickly. "I can't today. There's something important I need to handle at home."
Shaun paused, studying her. For someone who followed him everywhere—through training, classes, even detours to the market—her refusal felt strangely out of character. But he didn't press. He knew her well enough to sense when she was hiding something, and he respected that.
He nodded with an easy grin. "Alright. I'll manage. Once I settle in, you can come by."
"I will," she said softly, then added with her usual fire, "Just don't turn your room into a disaster before I get there."
Shaun laughed quietly. "No promises."
As he reached the doorway, Natasha called after him, her voice gentler this time. "Hey… Shaun." She paused. "Don't overdo it. You always push yourself too hard."
He turned, his eyes warm. "You say that like you don't."
She smiled. "Guess that's why we get along."
They stepped out of the infirmary together, walking side by side until the path forked—the stone road ahead leading toward the dormitory, and the dirt trail veering toward the academy gates, where a horse buggy waited.
Natasha stopped first, turning toward him. "Guess this is where we split."
Shaun adjusted his satchel, smiling faintly. "For now."
With a small wave, Natasha turned and climbed into the buggy. The horses snorted, hooves clattering as the carriage began its journey toward Nuzzle Village, carrying her back home.
Shaun stood watching until it disappeared beyond the gates, then turned toward the sun-dappled road leading into the woods—the path to Naomi's dormitory. The wind brushed his face, carrying the scent of pine and earth… and the promise of change. A new beginning awaited.
**********
The road curved gently through the quiet woods until the trees thinned, revealing a broad, C-shaped building nestled in the heart of nature. Wooden beams gleamed under the afternoon sun, and the gentle rustle of leaves painted the air with calm. At the entrance stood a carved wooden sign that read:
"The Leafsong Nest Dormitory" "A second home for young birds."
Shaun smiled faintly at the inscription. "A second home, huh…? Guess that's what I need right now."
Pushing open the small wooden gate, he stepped into the courtyard, where the scent of fresh soil and flowers lingered. Ahead, a woman in a purple hakama and white hanfu swept fallen leaves into a neat pile with a long-handled broom. Her movements were calm, graceful, each sweep deliberate—like a rhythm practiced over years.
"Excuse me," Shaun called politely. "I'm looking for Lady Naomi, the dormitory manager."
The woman looked up, brushing a few strands of black hair from her face. A gentle smile curved her lips.
"That would be me. Naomi Sylverleaf," she said, her voice soft yet firm. "And you must be?"
Shaun blinked, a little surprised. "My name is Shaun Thunderhawk! My father came by a few days ago regarding my admission. It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady."
Naomi nodded, recalling. "No need for formality, boy. Everyone here is family. Ah yes, I remember—he seemed quite proud of his son. Said you'd be arriving any day now." She leaned the broom against the wall, her tone kind but composed. "Come in, then. We can talk properly inside."
**********
Inside, the dormitory was warm and welcoming. The faint aroma of herbs and freshly brewed tea filled the air. Shaun followed her into a modest yet elegant sitting area—wooden floors polished to a soft sheen, sunlight streaming through blue-curtained windows.
Naomi poured two cups of tea and set one in front of him. "Greenleaf blend," she said. "It helps ease the nerves of first-timers."
"Thank you," Shaun said, his hands wrapping around the cup. The warmth seeped into his palms, steadying him.
As Shaun took a sip, the faint chime of a bell echoed from somewhere deeper within the building—soft, almost melodic. Shaun glanced around, puzzled, but Naomi merely smiled.
"Don't mind the sound," she said. "The forest likes to sing here."
And as Shaun followed her through the hall, he couldn't tell if it was the trees whispering outside—or something else entirely.
Naomi settled opposite him, her posture relaxed yet commanding. "Before we begin, tell me about yourself, Shaun Thunderhawk."
He smiled slightly. "I'm from Nuzzle Village. My father, Sharek Thunderhawk, is a farmer while my mother is a housewife. I also have a younger brother named Rico. I've come here to study at Silver Heaven Academy and grow stronger as a Lightning Magus."
Naomi nodded, listening attentively. "A son of the soil—grounded and resilient. Good." Then her tone shifted to business. "Now, about The Leafsong Nest. This dormitory is not just lodging—it's a family. I manage this place with my husband, Asahi Sylverleaf, though he mostly works at the infirmary. We house young disciples here, noble or commoner alike. What I expect is simple: respect, unity, and discipline."
Shaun straightened, nodding. "Understood."
Naomi smiled, though her gaze sharpened slightly. "I was expecting you a day before yesterday. Any reason for the delay?"
Shaun rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed. "Ah… there was a bit of an incident at the academy. I couldn't move for a while, but I didn't want to delay any further. So, here I am."
"I see." Naomi studied him for a moment, then placed a sheet of parchment before him—a form lined with elegant handwriting. "This is the dormitory undertaking. Signing it means you agree to our rules—and the consequences should you break them."
Naomi smiled faintly, but her tone deepened—a mix of kindness and command. "Every home has rules, Shaun. Let me share ours, and remember them well."
She opened a parchment and began reading, her voice clear yet gentle.
> "First, respect above all. Titles, ranks, or bloodlines mean nothing here. Everyone eats, works, and lives as equals. Speak with respect—always."
> "Second, cleanliness is discipline. Keep your rooms and surroundings tidy. I may love nature, but I won't have anyone living like wild animals."
> "Third, after the ninth bell, no one steps outside. Once the gate closes, it stays closed. Anyone caught wandering will scrub the hallway at sunrise."
> "Fourth, no fighting or spellcasting indoors. I like my walls the way they are—not scorched."
> "Fifth, no drinking, gambling, or indecent behaviour. This is a place of learning, not scandal."
> "Sixth, every resident shares daily chores. Cleaning, cooking, gardening, errands—everyone helps. A magus who can't sweep a floor can't wield power responsibly."
> "Seventh, boys are not allowed in the girls' dormitory, and girls are forbidden from sneaking into the boys'. Break this rule, and you'll wish you hadn't."
> "Eighth, your room is your responsibility—no personal servants, no excuses. Your mess, your problem."
> "Ninth, meals are taken together in the dining hall. No solitary eating in rooms. Bonds grow best around a shared table."
> "Tenth, treat property with care. Break something, you fix it—or pay for it. And I assure you, replacement fees here are quite motivating."
> "Eleventh, each room is blessed with a small flower pot. Care for it daily—it's your silent roommate. Neglect it… and you'll feel my disappointment."
> "Lastly, monthly dorm fees are to be paid by the fifth day of every month. Forget once, and I'll remind you kindly. Forget twice…"
After she finished, Naomi set the parchment down and smiled gently again. "Follow these, and you'll find this place a second home. Break them, and… well, I'd rather not."
Her gaze softened, though a playful threat lingered beneath.
"Because if you do, you'll answer to me. And trust me, Shaun Thunderhawk…" She leaned back, tone calm as still water. "…you'd rather face a wild boar than a disappointed Naomi Sylverleaf."
Something in her tone made Shaun decide he didn't need to know the details. He laughed nervously. "Noted. I'll keep that in mind."
Naomi chuckled, her warmth returning. "Good boy." Then she continued gently, "Other than that, you're free to live comfortably."
Shaun exhaled slowly, then smiled. "Those are fair terms."
She gestured to the quill. "Now, sign here, please."
He dipped quill into ink and signed his name neatly across bottom of the parchment. Naomi set her hand gently on the parchment as if sealing the pact herself.
"Welcome to The Leafsong Nest, Shaun Thunderhawk. From today onward—you're one of us."
**********
Naomi guided Shaun through the corridor, her soft footsteps echoing against the polished wooden floorboards. The air smelled faintly of pine and herbs, and light filtered gently through the blue curtains lining the hallway windows.
"We like to keep The Leafsong Nest alive," Naomi said with quiet pride. "It's not just walls and rooms—it's a place meant to grow with the people inside it. You'll see what I mean."
They passed the dining hall, where warm light spilled from its windows, and a small prayer chamber, where incense smoke curled lazily upward. Beyond the back hallway, an open archway gleamed. Shaun slowed as sunlight poured through, revealing a stretch of green that seemed to breathe with life.
Shaun paused. He asked, surprised, "You have… a farm?"
Naomi smiled at his surprise. "Yes. A small one—my little peace garden."
Beyond her stretched a lush patch of farmland—rows of vegetables, flowering vines, and young fruit trees swaying in the breeze. Morning dew still clung to the leaves, sparkling like gems beneath the light. A soft chime rang from a wind bell strung above the gate, filling the air with a serene melody as birds hopped along the tilled soil.
Naomi knelt near a bed of tomatoes, brushing soil from her hands. "Tending this keeps me grounded. The academy trains magi for war and glory, but this… this reminds me that strength isn't only about power—it's about patience and nurture."
Shaun stepped beside her, smiling faintly. "I know what you mean. My family runs a farm in Nuzzle Village. Most mornings started with plowing or feeding the animals—sometimes dodging my father's lectures for being slow."
He chuckled softly. "It feels strange to see this place—it's almost like home."
Naomi looked at him, amused and impressed. "A Lightning Magus who understands the soil—now that's rare. The earth and sky aren't enemies, after all. Perhaps you'll help me harvest one day."
"I'd like that," Shaun said sincerely.
They returned to the main hallway, where Naomi stopped near a wooden counter and retrieved a small brass key. A tiny leaf-shaped tag dangled from it, engraved with the number 7.
"Your room," she said, handing it to him. "Seventh on the second floor, west wing. The curtains are blue, the bedsheets are fresh, and the flower pot's already waiting for you."
Shaun accepted it with a grateful nod. "Thank you, Lady Naomi."
"Welcome home, Shaun," she replied with a soft smile. "Now come—I'll show you the way."
**********